Manchester City are chasing Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Sven Bender.

The Sunday Mirror says City have identified German enforcer Bender as an alternative to Paul Pogba if they fail to land the French midfielder.

Paul Pogba, 22, is City's top target this summer and the Blues are prepared to go all the way for the Juventus star in a bidding war with several of Europe's top clubs which could hit £70million.

But the Etihad hierarchy are aware of suggestions that Pogba may stay in Turin for another year so that he can get a dream move to Barcelona once the Catalan club's transfer ban has been lifted.

And that has prompted City to look at Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Bender. The 26-year-old has attracted interest from both Arsenal and Manchester United in recent years.