The summer months are often lean times for the back pages, especially with no major tournaments to report on.
So, only one fresh name this morning plus the usual stories about the Blues pursuing several of Europe’s most coveted full-backs.
We’ll begin with Football London’s report on City’s alleged interest in Tottenham’s Kyle Walker…
“Walker’s potential transfer from Tottenham to Manchester City has moved closer after Pep Guardiola ordered the signings of three full-backs in time for his side’s pre-season tour of the US.
“According to the Daily Mail, City have offered £40m for Walker, but that is £10m shy of Spurs’ price tag on the right-back as Spurs look to get top dollar for the former Sheffield United defender.
“Walker has refused to comment on his future but is understood to favour the idea of moving back closer to his family home this summer having grown unhappy at Kieran Trippier displacing him as the guaranteed starter for Spurs at right-back.
“Trippier’s emergence, coupled with Mauricio Pochettino’s belief that Walker cannot play twice in a week, have led City to enter the running for the 27-year-old’s signature but Spurs are adamant Walker will leave on their terms.”
The Telegraph also discuss Walker, but add Dani Alves and Benjamin Mendy to the mix – two familiar names to this column – suggesting the Blues are keen to tie up all three before the US tour.
James Ducker writes: “Manchester City hope to wrap up the signing of three full-backs before they fly to the United States for the start of their pre-season tour next month but Pep Guardiola is prepared to play a waiting game over Arsenal forward Alexis Sánchez.
“Dani Alves could be the first of those through the door, with City aiming to get a deal for the Brazil right-back over the line this week. Alves, 34, is a free agent after terminating his contract with Juventus and is expected to sign at least a two-year deal with City.
“City are still haggling with Tottenham Hotspur and Monaco over fees for England right-back Kyle Walker and France left-back Benjamin Mendy but hope to have both players in place before Guardiola and his squad fly to Houston on July 17. City face Manchester United in the International Champions Cup three days later.”
So, to that new name.
In a tenuous link special, Sport360 claim Borussia Dortmund star Ousmane Dembele has travelled to Manchester for informal talks as they write: “Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona were thought to be leading the chase for Ousmane Dembele but according Le 10 Foot the Borussia Dortmund forward has met with Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.
“It is understood Dembele is keen to leave the Bundesliga giants this summer and the report says he dined with Guardiola in Manchester on Monday night to discuss a potential move to the Etihad Stadium.”
And finally…
Kevin De Bruyne can now officially apply for the game show Mr & Mrs.
We’ll let The Mirror take up the story…
“Manchester City star Kevin de Bruyne has shared his delight after marrying his sweetheart Michele Lacroix.
“The couple, who have been together since 2014, tied the knot over the weekend.
‘So proud I can call you my wife now!’ the Belgian ace said on Instagram.
“De Bruyne, in a traditional black tuxedo with black bow tie, shared a picture of the happy couple with Lacroix wearing a strapless gown with a veil and holding a bouquet of white roses.
“The pair have a one-year-old son named Mason Milian.”
Congratulations, KDB.
