Manchester City are now rivalling Real Madrid and Arsenal for the signature of a "pacy" £52m star, who is regarded as perfect for Pep Guardiola.

Man City looking to sign new defender amid "scruffy" performances

Man City are just three points off Premier League leaders Arsenal, after taking ten points from their last four matches, signing off before the international break with a 1-0 victory away at Brentford.

However, Gary Neville has been left unconvinced by the way in which City have started the season, describing them as "scruffy" and "unpredictable", while also suggesting it is much easier to cause their defence problems than it used to be.

Having gone seven games undefeated in all competitions, however, Guardiola will be hoping his side have turned a corner, and the manager is likely to be happy with the performances of Nico O'Reilly, who grabbed an assist in the 2-2 draw against AS Monaco.

However, according to a report from BILD (via Caught Offside), Man City have now set their sights on signing a new left-back, namely Eintracht Frankfurt's Nathaniel Brown, who is also being targeted by Real Madrid and Arsenal.

Brown is regarded as perfect for Pep, given that the City boss deploys full-backs as auxiliary midfielders, or as touchline runners, and the Frankfurt defender is capable of slotting into those roles.

Pep is looking to bring in a new full-back able to come into midfield when required, but a deal for the one-time Germany international is likely to be on the expensive side, with the Bundesliga club only willing to cash-in for at least €60m (£52m).

"Pacy" Brown impressing in the Bundesliga

Much like O'Reilly, the 22-year-old is capable of making a real impact on the front foot, having chipped in with three goals and seven assists in the Bundesliga last season, while he is also solid from a defensive point of view.

Indeed, the Frankfurt star is a very impressive tackler of the ball, showcasing his ability to win back possession on a regular basis over the course of the past year.

Brown's ability to slot in as an auxiliary midfielder is an added bonus for Pep, and Man City should undoubtedly try to get a deal done.