As clubs up and down the land prepare for their pre-season tours the speculation about who is going where has definitely moved up another level.
We’ll start with one deal that has happened rather than the ones the press believe will/won’t happen.
One of the most intriguing conundrums for Pep Guardiola this season will be how he uses his goalkeepers.
Both Ederson and Claudio Bravo will by vying for the No.1 jersey this campaign and The Mirror highlight the battle ahead in their feature this morning.
They write: “Ederson has warned Claudio Bravo he faces a fight for the No 1 spot at Manchester City.
“Pep Guardiola splashed out £34.7million to land Ederson from Portuguese side Benfica and the Brazilian understandably intends to become the Blues’ first-choice goalkeeper.
“Bravo performed well at the Confederations Cup with Chile this summer after a difficult first season in England and says he’s up for the scrap. So is Ederson.
‘I sure am,’ he said. ‘I’m happy for him, that he had a good tournament. It was good for him coming off the back of a season that wasn’t so easy. It will help him regain some of the confidence that he might have lost last year.
‘Everyone knows that he’s an excellent goalkeeper, but I hope he realises he’s going to have some stiff competition for the shirt.’
Moving on, there are a plethora of reports claiming alleged City target Dani Alves has decided to join PSG instead of the Blues.
Alves has been strongly linked with City for the past fortnight or so, but was supposedly pictured in Paris on Tuesday, fuelling speculation he will join the Ligue 1 side instead.
The IB Times report: “Alves urged Juventus to release him, following which the Old Lady decided to terminate his contract. According to ESPN, the Brazilian right-back was expected to reunite with his former manager Pep Guardiola at the Etihad on a free transfer.
“However, PSG made a late approach in securing his services and the former Sevilla man has decided to snub Manchester for Paris. The Ligue 1 outfit’s sporting director Antero Henrique and his assistant Maxwell played a key role in signing Alves.
“In addition to this, Maxwell’s friendship with the player has also encouraged them in landing the full-back. Alves arrived in the French capital on Tuesday and underwent his medical before his proposed move to Parc des Princes.
“Alves’ medical was conducted at the American Hospital of Paris in Neuilly-sur-Seine, and not PSG’s Pitie-Salpetriere facility. He will sign a two-year deal with the French giants on Wednesday.”
But while one full-back seemingly is headed to France, could another be headed out.
Benjamin Mendy’s Instagram is becoming the stuff of legend and he clearly enjoys teasing the press with his cryptic hints and – it should be said – possible wind-ups!
Whatever the truth, he’s obviously got a great sense of humour with The Mirror nipping at the bait.
They write: “Manchester City target Benjamin Mendy has hinted he is weighing up a £40million move to the Premier League.
“The Monaco left-back, 22, is reportedly set to follow Bernardo Silva in switching from the Ligue 1 side to the Etihad.
“And Mendy’s latest Instagram post suggests he has his sights set firmly on heading to the UK.
“Alongside a picture of him wearing a pair of Union Jack shorts, the defender posted the caption “See you soon”, which could be interpreted as an indication he will leave France this summer.”
Finally, the Manchester Evening News have highlighted UEFA’s latest co-efficient rankings that place the Blues at an all-time high of ninth.
Former City journalist Alex Porter writes: “Manchester City have climbed into the UEFA top ten for the first time in their history.
“Pep Guardiola ‘s side sit 9th in the rankings for club competitions this season - the highest position of any English club with Arsenal down in 11th, Chelsea in 13th and United in 16th.
“European football’s governing body sorts each team based on their performances in continental competition over five seasons combined with the strength of their domestic league.
“Despite a Champions League exit to Monaco last season that was earlier than the manager expected, the Blues have been recognised for four consecutive years of appearances in the knockout rounds of the competition, including a run to the semi-finals in 2016.
“Since leaping into the top 20 in 2014, City have continued to progress and now appear in the top 10 for the first time by moving ahead of Arsenal, Chelsea and Benfica.”
That’s enough for now – more gossip and rumour tomorrow…
