Man City prepare swoops for Spanish wingers Muniain and Pedro

Manchester City, 4/1 second-favourites for the Premier League title, are tracking two Spanish wingers, so they can challenge on all fronts next season.

Their Chilean coach Manuel Pellegrini could spend in excess of £40m on Athletic Bilbao’s Iker Muniain and disgruntled Barcelona star Pedro Rodriguez.

Spain Under-21 skipper Muniain has one year left on his contract with Basque outfit Bilbao, so they may lose him for nothing in 2015 if they do not sell him this summer. He is valued at a reported £15m.

Muniain has scored seven goals in 35 appearances in all competitions for his club this term. Should he sign for City, he would join a strong Spanish contingent in the squad at the Etihad.

The likes of David Silva, Alvaro Negredo, Jesus Navas and Javi Garcia are all currently available to Pellegrini in midfield and attack.

Barca wideman Pedro, 26, meanwhile, could quit the Nou Camp this summer, according to the tabloids, because he is no longer first-choice in the Champions League.

World Cup and European Championship winner Pedro made just three starts in Europe’s elite club competition this term. The signing of Brazilian superstar Neymar has thus reduced his game time.

Pedro has a reported buy-out clause in his contract of £125m, but he is more likely to command a fee of £25m. This valuation may alert former Barcelona boss and current Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola, who may be looking for long-term replacements for 30-plus pair Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben.

City’s neighbours Manchester United are also chasing Pedro. He has scored 18 goals in 47 appearances in all competitions for the Catalan giants.

Francois Gallardo, the player’s agent, revealed the dissatisfaction his client feels. “Pedro is very angry this season,” he said. “The player is in a difficult situation and may be sold”.