Man City are set to beat rivals Man Utd in a £17m transfer fee to sign prolific Argentinian idol Julian Alvarez from River Plate

MANCHESTER CITY is closing a deal with River Plate Argentina international striker Julian Alvarez.

The 21-year-old – who is valued at around £17m by his club – has previously affiliated with Manchester United.

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But the City neighbors took the lead in the race for his signature.

And reports in South America suggest a deal is near.

Alvarez will most likely spend the rest of the season with River Plate as part of the deal.

It will then be decided by Man City whether he is affiliated with Pep Guardiola’s team or joins one of the other teams in the original City Football Group.

He’s had a stellar season in Argentina – scoring 18 goals and assisting seven times in just 21 games so far.

Alvarez has the ability to play on the sideline or down the middle.

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Meanwhile, Man City’s forgotten man Patrick Roberts has joined League One Sunderland in a first six-month deal.

The Black Cats have the option to extend at the end of the season in a deal that could be worth up to £3 million.

Winger, 24, leaves The Citizens after seven years and EIGHT loan, with his last coming to French side Troyes.

Roberts, who is ready to face Portsmouth on Saturday, said: “I can’t wait to get started.

“I went to see the game against Sheffield Wednesday a few weeks ago to feel it and it was great to see.

“It’s something that I want to be a part of.

“The fans want you to do well and work hard every day in the game and the pressure and the expectations are what I play up with.

“I just want to do good for my supporters and get Sunderland back where they belong.”

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