Pep Guardiola has called Maximo Perrone 'three times' to persuade the youngster to join Manchester City, his current club president claims.
City are being linked with midfielder Perrone, 20, in the January transfer window, who has an €8m release clause and has three goals and two assists to his name from 33 senior appearances for Velez Sarsfield.
Now, Velez president Sergio Rapisarda has seemingly confirmed City's interest, claiming in an interview that Guardiola has personally intervened to try and make the transfer happen, along with Perrone's Argentina under-20 coach Javier Mascherano.
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MEN Sport reported at the start of the transfer window that any interest in Perrone would be from the City Football Group, and if it was decided that City were moving for him it would be more likely be seen as a long-term signing rather than expecting him to immediately challenge for a place in Guardiola's side.
Rapisarda has now told Vélez 670 Radio (via Ole) that Velez have rejected an offer from City and talks have taken place, referencing the previous transfer of youngster Benjamin Garre from the Argentinian side to City's academy in 2016.
"I have spoken with the people of City, because we already have a precedent. They handle themselves that way. They were constantly persuading the boy [Garre]. There is the clause which the players execute them.
"He should present a note to Agremiados, AFA and the club that is going to execute the clause. Yes, the player can authorise a third party to deposit the money. They made an offer, we were not seduced. He is a calibre player. The boy, he wants to go. The City coach called him three times, Mascherano also persuaded him, which I don't like.
"The boy loves the coach of that club. We are going to take the risk. We are trying to be the best in the transfer and with numbers that favor Vélez."
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