There’s plenty of it in this morning’s headlines, as well as some Blue-tinted news regarding Euro 2016. So, let’s take a look, shall we?
To kick things off, the Mirror report City are confident on securing the services of Everton’s John Stones.
According to Liam Corless: “City boss Pep Guardiola reckons Stones will choose to join him at the Etihad instead of moving to either Manchester United or Chelsea, who are both interested in the 22-year-old centre-back.
“United manager Jose Mourinho had four bids for the youngster turned down when he was Chelsea boss last summer.”
Elsewhere, the Manchester Evening News claim our incoming is also keen on goalkeeper Victor Valdes, while Eliaquim Mangala could be going out on loan to his former employers.
Writes Anthony Jepson: “With Willy Caballero expected to leave City this summer, the Blues have again been linked with former Barcelona and United goalkeeper Victor Valdes.
“Celta Vigo - from whom City are trying to prise attacker Nolito - and Espanyol reportedly want to take the Blues’ back-up keeper back to Spain.
“Valdes was released by United at the end of the season and Mundo Deportivo report manager Pep Guardiola would be glad to be reunited with his former Barca stopper at City - if Joe Hart’s current No.2 goes.
“Meanwhile, Porto could offer defender Eliaquim Mangala a City escape route - on loan.
“The Blues signed the French centre-back from the Portuguese club two years ago for around £42m.
“He has endured an inconsistent time since and City are willing to let him move on this summer.
“Whether they would find a loan acceptable is unclear but O Jogo reports that his former club want him on that basis.”
In other news, Gazzetta World believe Roma have issued Pablo Zabaleta an ultimatum.
Mike Lazar explains: “With time ticking away for Roma‘s offseason restructuring process, the club is seeking a final decision regarding ongoing negotiations for Pablo Zabaleta.
“Luciano Spalletti is keen on including the 31-year-old in his Serie A plans as he uses his time to prepare a set of preferred tactics for next season, but a response is yet to arrive from an offer made for the full-back to Manchester City.
“Sporting director Walter Sabatini recently met with the player’s agent Federico Pastorello to discuss a three-year deal worth €3 million that must be accepted or rejected by the Citizens ace.
“Roma have asked the Argentine to give his final decision on the matter within one week, or else the Giallorossi will begin seeking other options on their mind.”
Switching focus to Euro 2016 and there has been more support voiced for Raheem Sterling.
Quoted in an article on Four Four Two‘s website, Daniel Sturridge declares: “It is just a matter of time before you see him take his game to the next level and I am sure that will be very soon.
“He doesn’t worry too much about what people say. He has to worry about his game and that is it. That is all he ever does. He works so hard on the training field and is one of the most talented players in the world.
“We look at players playing for so many different countries but you can’t name many 21-year-olds who have played as many first-team games at the highest level as Raheem has.
“I feel the criticism he has received has been harsh because he is 21. He has performed at the highest level for the last few years and has played for big clubs.
“In the games he has played for England, he has not performed as badly as people have made out - he has done quite well.
“We have to groom him, nurture him and help him become one of the best players in the world. I believe he can, because he has all the tools for it. You are still finding yourself and you are not a grown man at 21.
“Just let him continue and he will come good. That is fact because he does have the ability. It is important for people to understand he will come good and he will show everyone what he is about. I am sure of that and I can’t wait to see it happen.”
Finally, Belgium coach Marc Wilmots insists the ‘revitalised’ Kevin De Bruyne is key to the Red Devils.
He told press: “Kevin is laughing again. He’s enjoying his football in spite of everything he’s been through.
“He’s had to deal with family emotions, with transferring to a new club, and we needed to leave him time to deal with that.
“He can clearly be a key player. Kevin wasn’t very good against Italy, he was very average, but he’s getting better in the tournament.
“He’s asking for the ball again, he’s taking the initiative.”
In other news...
Southampton sign winger Nathan Redmond from Norwich on five-year deal
