Report: Manchester City opens talks with Nice's Seri

Manchester City made contact this week with representatives for OGC Nice midfielder and one-time Barcelona target Jean Michael Seri over a potential summer move, according to the Guardian's Ed Aarons.

Unsatisfied with unprecedented success in the Premier League this season, Pep Guardiola has apparently initiated the search for Fernandinho's replacement.

City could face opposition from crosstown rival Manchester United for Seri, Aarons added. Chelsea, Everton, and Paris Saint-Germain are also believed to be interested.

Nice is expected to hold out for a fee around €35 million, which is what Barcelona offered to the French Riviera side last August.

With United lingering in the background, City will undoubtedly hope to avoid losing out on Seri as it did Alexis Sanchez. The Premier League's pace-setter reportedly withdrew from negotiations after United submitted a superior bid.

Seri has struggled to match the form that won admirers last season, although he showed signs of improvement Tuesday with an assist on Mario Balotelli's second goal against AS Monaco.