Ilkay Gundogan’s move from Borussia Dortmund to the Etihad Stadium could be the first of many... if speculation is to be believed.
“Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City revolution has begun in earnest with the capture of Ilkay Gundogan,” David Maddock declares in the Daily Mirror.
“But that is only the START of a spending spree that will see new manager Guardiola splash a quite astonishing transfer budget this summer which could exceed £250million.
“The Spaniard told the City board he needed up to TEN players when he joined, and he has been promised funds to bring that number in over the next three transfer windows.
“Former Bayern Munich boss Guardiola wants two centre-halves, two other defenders, a new goalkeeper and a host of midfield and attacking players because he plans a major clear-out and few of the current first-team squad safe from the axe.”
Mirror stablemate the Manchester Evening News has a similar line, and suggests two big midfield names as targets.
“Toni Kroos and Paul Pogba are both in his sights as he looks to find a partner for German international Gundogan,” James Robson writes.
Guardiola wants to give Vincent Kompany every chance to prove he can overcome his calf problems
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“And with Jason Denayer set to return from a season-long loan at Galatasaray, the incoming manager believes one of Aymeric Laporte or John Stones will be all he requires in the centre of defence.”
The Guardian zone in on the Laporte speculation, with their report reading: “City are understood to be preparing a contract offer for Laporte and his agents – former Spain internationals Carles Puyol and Iván de la Peña – before submitting their bid to Athletic.
“Having turned 22 last week, Laporte has been a regular for the Basque club since 2013 and has now played more than 120 games in La Liga. He is also predominantly left footed – a trait that is believed to have been made a priority by Guardiola and the sporting director, Txiki Begiristain.
“Laporte, who moved to Athletic as a 16-year-old, has signed four contract extensions since December 2013 as his status as one of the world’s best young defenders has grown.”
Finally if you’ve a few spare minutes to fill today, why not have a crack at this quiz on Squawka.com, which challenges you to name ever City signing since 2008!
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