By Sam Stone

24th Jul, 2022 | 12:00pm

Manchester City approached by Premier League clubs for Josh Wilson-Esbrand - Fabrizio Romano

Manchester City have been approached by a number of Premier League club about a loan deal for Josh Wilson-Esbrand, according to Fabrizio Romano.

However, the respected journalist revealed on Sunday 24 July (via Twitter) that City have no plans to allow the left-back to leave the club this summer.

It has been suggested that Pep Guardiola views the young defender as a backup option for the upcoming 2021/22 Premier League season.

The manager reportedly rates him highly so his prospects at the Etihad look positive if he remains, as looks to be the plan.

Could get a chance

There is a strong possibility that Wilson-Esbrand will be given a chance for City in the upcoming season.

Despite the immense talent that Guardiola has at his disposal, left-back is an area that he certainly needs to strengthen this summer.

Oleksandr Zinchenko joining Arsenal has also left the Premier League champions looking very thin.

Even if Guardiola does bring in another full-back this summer, his rotation policy should mean that Wilson-Esbrand gains first-team football in the coming months.

The club must ensure that he is playing regularly this season whether that be at the Etihad or out on loan at another Premier League or Championship club.

Remaining at City and only featuring for their under-23 side would be extremely detrimental for his development going forward.

It would be encouraging to see Guardiola entrust more of City’s youth talents such as Cole Palmer and James McAtee in the near future.

Wilson-Esbrand is one to keep an eye on in the years to come after featuring more regularly in Guardiola’s first team plans.

In theory plans to keep him at City this season could change if a beneficial opportunity arose for his long-term development.

In other Manchester City news, Southampton have £16m Liam Delap bid rejected.