What next for Kevin De Bruyne? Update on Man City star's Saudi Arabia transfer links as Al-Ittihad close in on big-money signing

Kevin De Bruyne has been distanced from reports suggesting that a transfer from Manchester City to the Saudi Pro League is in the pipeline.

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• Belgian has spent nine years with City
• Into final 12 months of his contract
• Could land lucrative deal in Middle East

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Belgian playmaker is among the latest to see a switch to the Middle East speculated on. De Bruyne has entered the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium, with the reigning Premier League champions yet to agree fresh terms.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  There has been talk of De Bruyne bringing a nine-year stint with City to a close. After taking in over 380 appearances for the Citizens, helping them to 15 trophies along the way, few would begrudge the 33-year-old an opportunity to sign a lucrative deal elsewhere.

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  De Bruyne has, however, offered no indication that he is looking for a way out of Manchester, and Fabrizio Romano claims there is no substance to the rumours of a transfer being close. City goalkeeper Ederson is a player that Al-Ittihad have in their sights, but discussions there are proving to be tricky.

• WHAT NEXT?

  Rather than lining up a swoop for De Bruyne, Romano reports that Al-Ittihad are more concerned with completing an agreement for France international Moussa Diaby – with a big-money move set to take the 25-year-old midfielder away from Aston Villa after just one season.