Rennes manager Bruno Genesio has refused to rule out a summer exit for star winger Jeremy Doku amid reported interest from Manchester City.
The Citizens are understood to have stepped up their pursuit of the highly-rated 21-year-old following the departure of Riyad Mahrez to Al-Ahli.
Doku has developed into one of the brightest prospects in Ligue 1 since joining Rennes from Anderlecht in the summer of 2020 and he is regarded as a key member of Genesio's first-team squad.
Niggling injuries have reduced the Belgium international to only 43 top-flight starts since the beginning of the 2021-22 campaign.
Nevertheless, Doku has contributed with 10 goals and 11 assists for the French outfit in all tournaments, including seven goals and four assists in 37 matches last season.
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Doku was a standout performer for Rennes in their opening Ligue 1 fixture of the 2023-24 campaign, scoring in a thumping 5-1 home victory over Metz on Sunday.
As well as making the net ripple, the winger successfully completed nine out of nine dribbles, won 14 duels and created two key chances in a man-of-the-match display at Roazhon Park.
After the game, Genesio was questioned about the future of Doku and has acknowledged that the youngster may depart if a substantial offer is received by the club.
Speaking to RMC Sport, Genesio said: "It all depends on the offer we're talking about. There are offers that are difficult to refuse, whether for players, a coach or other players in football.
"For the moment, we are not there. I have no information about what I read or hear. He is a player of Stade Rennais, he showed it tonight. Until proven otherwise, he is usable."
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Doku is under contract at Rennes until the summer of 2025 and it is understood that the French club value the winger in the region of €50m (£43.1m).
The likes of Liverpool, Aston Villa, Napoli and AC Milan have all been credited with an interest in Doku this summer, but Man City are believed to be at the front of the queue for his signature at present.
Pep Guardiola's side are also said to be exploring a big-money move for West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta and will allegedly step up their pursuit of the Brazilian now that playmaker Kevin De Bruyne is set to be "out for a while" with a hamstring injury.
Paqueta is keen to move to Man City and is claimed to have agreed a six-year contract to join the treble winners, although West Ham are believed to have placed a £95m asking price on the player who only joined the Hammers 12 months ago.
Oliver Thomas
