Manchester City eye River Plate star Nicolas de la Cruz

River Plate are still digesting their defeat to Flamengo in the Copa Libertadores final last week, but the aftermath could get worse for the Argentine side if you believe Marca, who report that Manchester City are preparing to bid for 22-year-old Uruguayan midfielder Nicolas de la Cruz.

De la Cruz has been in sensational form for River Plate in the last few months following a disappointing first year following his move to the Argentine giants from Liverpool Montevideo, and his form has attracted admiring glances from Pep Guardiola.

Marca are reporting that City have already been in touch with River Plate and are preparing a bid of €25 million. His release clause is set at €22m.

De la Cruz has scored four times and contributed four assists in nine league games, and he scored three times as River Plate marched to their second consecutive Copa Libertadores final.