Leicester City is set to benefit from their connection with Manchester City in the upcoming January transfer window, as reports suggest that Pep Guardiola is looking to send a new signing on loan to the Foxes.

Enzo Maresca, who joined Manchester City as an assistant manager in the summer, is reportedly using his connections to facilitate this move. The club previously secured the loan of Callum Doyle, who is currently recovering from injury.

According to The Sun, Manchester City is on the verge of signing 19-year-old Boca Juniors left-back Valentin Barco. If the deal goes through, the plan is for Barco to join Leicester City on loan to gain experience.

Barco has showcased his talent in Argentina, making 31 appearances this season and featuring in the Copa Libertadores final. Although primarily a left midfielder, he is versatile and can cover various positions on the left side or even central midfield. With Doyle sidelined, there might be a need for a player to fill the left-back/left centre-back hybrid role, although it remains to be seen if Barco could fulfill that position.

Manchester City seems to have an edge over Brighton in the pursuit of Barco, with the potential fee rumored to be around £13 million. Even if the move to the Etihad Stadium is delayed until the summer window, the plan is still to send him out on loan to Leicester City.

Maresca’s close ties with Manchester City have also opened up the possibility for another loan signing in January. Championship clubs are allowed a maximum of seven loan players in their squad, with the provision that at least two of those players are under 23 years old.

This upcoming potential loan transfer highlights the potential benefits of strong relationships between clubs and the positive impact of such connections on transfer opportunities.