PEP GUARDIOLA plans to sign Boca Juniors left-back Valentin Barco — then loan him out to his old pal Enzo Maresca at Leicester.
Manchester City’s move is close to sealing a deal for the 19-year-old defender as they overtake Brighton in the race to take him to the Premier League.
But coach Guardiola’s concept is to hand over Barco to his former training partner Maresca once he signs, as the teenager is keen to experiment.
It can be a huge boost for the promotion-seeking Foxes if City manage to close the deal in the January window.
But even if Barco’s move is delayed until next season, Guardiola still needs to send him to Leicester’s ‘final school’ before him at the Etihad.
Barco has a fixed fee of around £10million but extra costs will make the deal worth up to £13m.
Guardiola is keen to sign the Argentine, who shone at club level and was called up in the recent Copa Libertadores final, when Boca lost 2-1 to Brazilian side Fluminense in extra time.
Brighton hoped to win the chase after making the first serious bid for Barco but even they now fear they only have a 25 per cent chance.
The Seagulls first tried to sign the defender this summer and went close to triggering his release clause.
The Sussex team has successfully recruited many players from South America in recent years.
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Alexis Mac Allister was a star at the club until he was sold to Liverpool for £35m.
Moises Caicedo also joined the South American side and eventually sold him to Chelsea for a UK-record payment of £115 million.
While Facundo Buonanotte continues to impress when coach Roberto De Zerbi gives him time.
This season, Barco has competed 31 in all competitions.
He has been used in other positions adding left-back, left winger and even central midfielder.
Barco controlled to provide a contribution with 4 assists and a goal.
This goal was the first of his professional career, as he scored in a 4–0 win against Monagas in the Copa Libertadores.
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