Manchester City have suffered a major setback in their hopes of signing Nottingham Forest's Ola Aina, who is edging closer to signing a new contract at the City Ground.
The former Fulham man's current terms only run until the end of the season, and it has been reported that Pep Guardiola views him as a possible successor for the long-serving Kyle Walker.
Walker swapped Man City for AC Milan on loan during the January transfer window, and the England international has almost certainly played his final game for the Premier League champions.
Since Walker departed the Etihad, Matheus Nunes has often filled in as a makeshift right-back, usurping Rico Lewis in the pecking order despite the youngster's more natural capabilities in that position.
The Citizens have also lost another possible right-back option - Manuel Akanji - for around two months due to the adductor injury that he sustained against Real Madrid in the Champions League, one that will require an operation.
Santo "positive and confident" over Aina deal
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Regardless of Akanji's recovery time or Lewis's development, a new right-back is expected to be high on Man City's agenda for the summer window, but they will seemingly not be securing a bargain move for Aina.
As quoted by The Independent, Forest are making progress in talks over a new contract with Aina, who is currently able to hold pre-contract talks with foreign clubs with his existing deal due to expire in the summer.
"I think so, things are going well," Santo said when asked if he was confident that Aina would sign a new contract. "I am positive and confident everything is going to be solved.
"He's been performing fantastically, not only this season, the last season. He's a big, big influence on the squad, but his experience means he is a role model for everybody, especially for the young guys in the team."
Former Chelsea product Aina has made a seamless transition from a left-back to a right-back role and had started all 24 of Forest's Premier League games this season, chipping in with two goals and one assist.
Thanks to the 28-year-old's efforts, the Tricky Trees remain on course for a shock Champions League qualification in third place in the Premier League table, three points below Arsenal and 10 adrift of leaders Liverpool.
What other defenders can City target?
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With a move for Aina more or less off the table, City could reignite their pursuit of versatile Juventus defender Andrea Cambiaso, whose agent has confirmed was the subject of interest from the Premier League champions in January.
Bayern Munich's Joshua Kimmich - a former Guardiola player - is another one to watch, as the 30-year-old's deal also expires this summer, although the German giants are working to tie him to an extension.
Crystal Palace's Daniel Munoz is said to be of interest too, but City could alternatively prioritise the capture of a new left-back over a right-sided defender, and the Sky Blues are believed to be going head-to-head with Real Madrid for AC Milan's Theo Hernandez.
While Akanji begins his long road to recovery, City have four potential right-back options for the coming weeks, starting with Saturday's blockbuster Premier League battle with Newcastle United.
Ben Knapton
