Man City transfer stance on Nico O'Reilly after Chelsea approach
manchestereveningnews.co.ukManchester City knocked back Chelsea enquiries into Nico O'Reilly in the January transfer window. The young midfielder has been one of the surprises of the season, with Pep Guardiola convinced in pre-season that he could play a deeper role than he was used to and help the team out defensively.
Against Salford in the FA Cup, the 19-year-old played at left-back and scored his first senior goal and his physicality and energy has left fans and staff alike impressed.
O'Reilly has had admirers at Chelsea for a while given the number of former City academy staff who are there, and the arrival of Enzo Maresca and assistant Danny Walker at Stamford Bridge this season has only added to that.
That interest amounted to an approach to City last month, but the Blues would only entertain a deal if they could include a buyback clause and Chelsea would not agree; there was none inserted in Cole Palmer's £42m move the same way in 2023, which has been seen as a coup for the West London club.
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