The Daily Mirror have a backpage splash on what they believe is in the Etihad Stadium pipeline, so let’s get straight to it...
Reporter David McDonnell reckons: “Manchester City are ready to hand Pep Guardiola another £150million to turn them into the best team on the planet.
“The Blues backed new manager Guardiola to the tune of £175m last summer with a string of big-money signings, and are prepared to fund more spending when the transfer window reopens in January.
“There is an awareness inside the club that they may need two transfer windows to achieve what they really want in the transfer market.
“Boss Guardiola is convinced he needs to add more quality to his squad for City to be able to play the close-pressing, high-tempo style on which he has built his reputation as the world’s most revered coach.”
If that piece had an eye on the future, there was a nod to the Guardiola’s past in the press on Thursday evening after his appearance at the launch of Johan Cruyff’s autobiography.
The City manager spoke in London, and reiterated his admiration for the Dutch master.
ESPN’s Martyn Thomas reports: “Pep Guardiola believes Johan Cruyff should be remembered as the “most influential person” in the history of football.
“Cruyff, who passed away earlier this year, has been credited with formulating the blueprint for success that the two major clubs in his life -- Ajax and Barcelona -- still adhere to today.
“The Netherlands great served as a player and coach in both Amsterdam and Catalonia, and it was as Barca boss that he gave a young Guardiola his first team debut 26 years ago.
“It was a masterclass after every single training session, every single game,” the Manchester City coach remembered at an event in London to mark the release of a book about Cruyff entitled: “My Turn: The Autobiography.”
“[We would] analyse after the game why we played good, played bad. It was a coach’s university every single day.
“I think Johan was the most influential person in football in all history. He changed not one club, he changed two clubs. As a player and as a coach, it is impossible to find a guy like this.”
Finally, two City youngsters feature in the latest rundown of the best 59 kids under 21 in FourFourTwo; Marlos Moreno (18) and Kelechi Iheanacho (14).
On Marlos, FourFourTwo reflect: “After arriving at Atletico Nacional as a 14-year-old, Marlo Moreno’s rise has been rapid. It climaxed in 2016 as he played a key role in his boyhood club triumphing in both the Superliga Colombiana and their sensational Copa Libertadores win.
“Moreno’s stunning displays – he scored in the first three group games and added five more assists throughout the competition – convinced Manchester City to part with a potential bargain £5m for him, amid interest from clubs including Manchester United, Liverpool, Benfica and Sporting.
“He can play anywhere along the frontline but prefers the No.9 role he relished in Colombia. ‘My game is based on speed and skill. I think one-on-one situations are my strong point,’ he told Manchester City’s official site upon signing.”
