Transfer Talk: Saudis preparing huge De Bruyne bids

Manchester City are prepared to receive big-money bids from Saudi Arabia for Kevin De Bruyne this summer.

The Belgian midfield maestro, 32, is high on the nation's wish list as they look to further increase the popularity of their top flight.

According to The Times, Saudi's top four clubs — Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli — are all keen on moving for De Bruyne, whose current contract at City expires at the end of next season.

The quartet of Pro League sides are backed by the nation's Public Investment Fund and they have used that wealth to complete a number of high-profile signings, including De Bruyne's former team-mates Riyad Mahrez and Aymeric Laporte.

There was interest in the Citizens' premier playmaker from the Gulf State last summer but all offers made were rebuffed.

They are prepared to try their luck again, though, with the division changing its rules to allow teams to have 10 foreign players in their squads — increasing from eight.

De Bruyne is not the only high-profile Premier League footballer Saudi clubs are eyeing up for the summer window.

Manchester United's lynchpin Casemiro is another target while there is expected to be a renewed attempt to sign Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah.

In other news

Football Insider report West Ham are prepared to smash their transfer record to sign Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke.

But Manchester City could move for the Hammers' Brazilian star Lucas Paqueta again if Bernardo Silva departs the Etihad in the summer, according to The Telegraph.

Reports in Spain claim Chelsea have been scouting Barcelona defender Jules Kounde as they consider making an approach for the France international.