This afternoon’s trip to Sunderland comes secondary to the rumours of potential incomings and outgoings, according to the morning papers. You’d think it was deadline day!
So, without further ado, let’s see who’s being linked…
The Sun say Pep Guardiola is plotting an £115million triple swoop for William Carvalho, Ryan Bertrand and Ben Gibson.
Neil Ashton and Dan King claim: “Guardiola sees Sporting Lisbon ace Carvalho, 24, as his new midfield enforcer and is willing to smash the club’s transfer record to sign him.
“The City chief feels his side have been too easily unpicked through the middle of the park this term and he believes Carvalho — who emerged as a genuine world star in Portugal’s Euro 2016 triumph — is the answer.
“Sporting will want £60m-plus for him in the summer, but that will not deter Guardiola, even though that will leave the futures of both Fernando and Yaya Toure unclear.
“Guardiola sees former Chelsea man Bertrand and £25m-rated Boro centre-half Gibson, 24, as part of an overhaul of his defence for next season.
“City know it could cost up to £30m to land Bertrand, although Saints will fight tooth and nail to keep the 27-year-old, who penned a new five-year contract only last July.
“Southampton chairman Ralph Krueger said after last weekend’s EFL Cup final defeat that the club had no intention of selling key players this summer — as they have done in previous years.
“Yet City still regard Bertrand as a more realistic target than Tottenham’s Danny Rose.
“Guardiola would love to snatch away both Rose and Kyle Walker from White Hart Lane — but accepts Spurs will not sell.
“He has been without captain Aleksandar Kolarov out of position.
“Gibson would add to his options and bolster the number of homegrown players in the squad.”
Meanwhile, the Daily Star insist Yuri Berchiche is on Guardiola’s wishlist.
Joel Watson writes: “The Sociedad defender was on Tottenham’s books between 2008 and 2010, but spent the majority of his time being loaned back to Spain.
“And he’s since flourished in La Liga, becoming a stalwart of the team that is pushing for a Champions League spot.
“Mundo Deportivo say Guardiola has sent his agent brother Pere out to Spain to take the first steps in recruiting Berchiche.
“And he’s though to have a release clause in his contract of £26m.”
There’s more, as ESPN report City (and United) are at risk of missing out on Ajax starlet Daishawn Redan.
Peter O’Rourke scribes: “The 16-year-old is regarded as one of the most exciting young talents this season and he has scored 19 goals so far this season.
“Ajax have been hoping to tie down the teenager to a new deal, but now big-spending Leipzig are hoping to lure Redan to Germany, sources said.
“Bundesliga challengers Leipzig are set to play in next season’s Champions League and they are looking to bring in some star names.”
That’s not all… the Daily Express have thrown another name into the hat: Alex Sandro.
According to Neil Fissler: “Pep Guardiola has been interested in the Brazilian international since his time at Bayern Munich and is ready to revive it and take him to the Etihad.
“He needs to rebuild his aging squad this summer and Sandro is one of the players who be believes will instantly improve his side.
“Sandro has been likened to legendary Brazilian left back Roberto Carlos in his style of play and Guardiola is a huge fan.
“Juventus are keen to offer the star a new deal to keep him in Turin but fear that he might already have had his head turned by Manchester City.”
And that’s your lot!
