Man City eye Zabarnyi transfer: Cityzens looking for defensive cover? Whisper+ verdict

Latest developments

• Manchester City are monitoring Bournemouth centre-back Ilya Zabarnyi.
• The Ukrainian is also being tracked by Chelsea and Tottenham.
• 22-year-old been key to Andoni Iraola's side, including in win over Cityzens.

Whisper+ analysis

Authenticity (2.5/5): Unnamed source adds some speculation

Man City are rumoured to be eyeing up a transfer deal to bring highly-rated Bournemouth central defender Ilya Zabarnyi to the Etihad Stadium, but they face competition from Chelsea and Tottenham.

This story broke on teamtalk.com, who claim to have been told exclusively by an unnamed source, with little information as to who the source is close to.

Value (4/5): €32 million valuation steadily rising

Coasting towards 50 caps for Ukraine already, Zabarnyi's stock has been continually rising since his days at Dynamo Kyiv, and currently stands at €32 million.

A little less than £30 million for a defender who has taken to the Premier League with ease despite still being only 22 is great value. But with a bidding war likely, City will surely have to dig deeper to secure the deal with the Cherries.

Suitability (4.5/5): Zabarnyi looks ready for Pep-ball

As a confident centre-back who loves to play the ball with his feet, Zabarnyi looks exactly like the sort of player that Pep Guardiola would convert into a full-back! But if not, with more than 50 Premier League appearances to his name already, he will have no issue in the middle of the City defence.

Upgrade? (2/5): Will likely be a back-up at first

It is difficult for any player to walk into the Man City team, and with John Stones, Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake and (when he isn't out wide) Josko Gvardiol as centre-back options, it is hard to see where Zabarnyi fits in.

He may be a rotation option for a year or two, but if he continues his upward trajectory, he has a chance of being a regular starter for the sky blue side.

Logic (2.5/5):

The opportunity to contest for titles at the Etihad will surely excite Zabarnyi, who looks destined for bigger clubs than Bournemouth, though interest from Chelsea and Spurs could present a more suitable option, provide a better balance between the chance to win silverware and the opportunity for game time.

Whisper+ verdict: 15.5/25

Man City may require some defensive cover, especially with all the injury problems they have had recently, and that is something Zabarnyi can provide.

However, the Ukrainian looks better suited to one of the London clubs, as a long-term option. It will certainly be an exciting fight for his signature!