A forgotten Manchester City defender could attract a bidding war for his £40m transfer this summer, according to a new report.

With Pep Guardiola's side chasing the Premier League title, there are still plans for summer moves, which could see one of their talents move away - even though the player in question has never played for Guardiola's side in four years on their books.

A number of English clubs, as well as Bayer Leverkusen in Germany and Italian giants Juventus are all considering going in for the defender.

An article by talkSPORT claims that Man City defender Yan Couto is attracting interest from across the continent.  

The Brazilian international joined the Citizens in 2020, but has spent the past four years on loan, including three seasons at Spanish side Girona, who have been a surprise package in LaLiga this season. 

A forgotten Man City defender could attract a bidding war for his £40m transfer this summer

Girona - who are part of the City Football Group - are on course for Champions League qualification, in some part thanks to Couto, who has scored two goals and made ten assists this season. 

Kyle Walker is Man City's preferred choice at right-back, while Rico Lewis and John Stones can also play in the role, so it is hard to see where Couto would fit in at his parent club. 

City could command a fee around £40m, similar to the price of Pedro Porro when he left Sporting Lisbon for Tottenham last year. 

Late last month, Couto required hospital treatment after a nasty clash of heads with Spanish centre-back Juanpe during a training session.

Coach Michel said: 'Yan Couto and Juanpe had a head-butt between them and right now they are in the hospital. It looks bad.'

A later update from Girona said the pair had been discharged from hospital. 

'Juanpe and Yan Couto have suffered a severe shock in a game action during today's training have been taken to hospital, from where they have already been discharged,' a statement read.