PEP GUARDIOLA is reportedly set to target Atletico Madrid’s Koke – despite his enormous £125million release clause.
The Manchester City manager admires the Spain midfielder for his versatility all over the park, according to Marca.
Pep Guardiola could make a January move for Atletico midfielder KokeGetty Images
And he has not been put off by the eye-watering price tag – the same as Antoine Griezmann’s – because he believes he can strike a deal.
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Marca claim City bosses are in “no mood to pay such a big, world record fee” and will try to start negotiations to lower the cost.
Koke, 24, has spent his entire career at Atletico and has 29 senior caps for his country.
He previously caught the attention of Manchester United and Barcelona.
But Koke snubbed them both when signing a five-year deal at the Vicente Calderon in 2014.
Koke is not afraid to back down and has previously clashed with Cristiano RonaldoEPA
Koke has a massive £125million release clauseGetty Images
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Guardiola has recently welcomed Yaya Toure back into the fold but was rocked by fellow midfielder Ilkay Gundogan's injury in the 2-0 win over Watford last night.
Marca claim Guardiola likes Koke's ability to play down the flanks or the middle.
But with City's defensive frailties being exposed regularly, the Etihad chief may ask him to drop back deeper and help out.
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