Palmeiras unsure on Allan's future as Manchester City push for cut-price deal

Palmeiras head coach Abel Ferreira has conceded he has no clarity over the future of winger Allan, who has emerged as a leading target for Manchester City this summer.

Asked about the 22-year-old's situation amid sustained interest from the Premier League champions, Ferreira was candid. "I didn't want to say too much about Allan because I don't know what's going to happen. If he leaves, we'll lose quality, but not competitiveness," the Portuguese boss said.

City are reported to view Allan as the player to replace Savinho, who is closing in on a move to fellow Premier League side Tottenham. Allan has a €100m (£85.5m) release clause, but City are confident they can complete a deal for less than half of that fee.

Palmeiras reject opening bid but talks advance

Palmeiras reportedly turned down City's initial offer, believed to be around €25m (£21.3m), but both clubs have since stepped up negotiations. Ferreira believes a cut-price agreement would suit both parties, pointing out that a comparable player from within the Premier League would command more than double.

"These teams want players like Allan because he does what 90% of the wingers here can't do: attack and defend down the flank for the full 90 minutes," Ferreira said. "That is why whoever wants to sign Allan will have to pay a lot."

The coach drew a comparison with a former player of his. "At Chelsea, there's a winger, Pedro Neto, who I also coached [at Braga]. If teams want to sign that type of player, they'll have to pay €100m. Now [getting €40m for a player]. Well, [I would say] congratulations to our youth academy, our board, our president, to the coaching staff and to the players."

"Now, whether he [Allan] has been sold or not, I don't know. For the time being, he's our player. And he's not the first, nor the fourth or fifth, that we've sold for sums like that and of this calibre," Ferreira added.

A key performer since breaking through

Since breaking into the first team, Allan has made 96 appearances across all competitions for Palmeiras, scoring nine goals and providing 21 assists. Only Henry Mosquera (105), Paulo Henrique (81) and Jhon Jhon (79) have completed more dribbles in Serie A than Allan's 70 since his debut in the competition last April.

Allan grabbed an assist in Palmeiras' 4-1 win over Vasco da Gama on Sunday, though Ferreira remains unsure what comes next for the youngster.

In a separate development, City have also reportedly agreed a fee with Lille for midfielder Ayyoub Bouadd, in a total package believed to be worth £85m (€100m).