There are topics aplenty in Tuesday’s media round-up!
We’ll kick off with the news a former Blue has tipped City to conquer Europe and dominate the Premier League for years to come.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Frenchman Bacary Sagna asserted: “Yeah, they will (dominate) - and for a long time because they are based on young players.
“Most of them are 22, 23 and they are building a team to last for the five years coming (up). I think they are going to achieve well.
“To me, they’re going to be champions for a few years in a row. I think they are even going to win the Champions League.
“It’s going to be a big statement from the club because 10 years ago it was very small and it has changed a lot.
“This season I was amazed by the way they played against big teams, how they played in every single competition and by the way they reached 100 points.
“It’s not done by every single team but they did and they have no limits and a manager who will push them.
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“He wants them to give the maximum and he wants to get the best out of every single player. To me, they are going to be flying.”
Keeping with the European theme, City’s women’s team have moved up two places in UEFA’s official club rankings.
and remain the highest-ranked English team.
The Blues will be lifted into sixth spot when the draw for the 2018/19 Champions League takes place in August, as Frankfurt have not qualified for next year’s tournament.
In other news, Fabian Delph has revealed the secrets to his success.
As the Independent’s Mark Critchley reports: “Fabian Delph believes taking up meditation, ditching red meat and the influence of Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola have all combined to help him win back his place with England.
“Delph was named in Gareth Southgate’s 23-man squad for this summer’s World Cup last month and will travel to Russia on Tuesday, despite his last international call-up coming back in November 2015.”
The makeshift – but marvellous – left-back explained: “I’ve managed to change my diet in terms of getting it more balanced, more healthy by eating more greens, more vegetables – and I’ve cut out sugar. And it has helped me tremendously.
“We’ve got a fantastic nutritionist at the club, Tom Parry. And Pep has introduced Silvia [Tremoleda], a Spanish lady, who has been absolutely fantastic as well. The club is just full of these amazing people who give absolutely everything.
“It’s worked. I only had a couple of niggles all season which is fantastic for me.”
Delph, who is expecting his third child at the end of this month – during the World Cup! – also discusses his family life, hails the ‘genius’ of Pep Guardiola and describes the impact Mikel Arteta has had on his career. A must-read!
Moving onto transfer gossip and TalkSPORT carry yesterday’s story, claiming City are lining up a £88million bid for Juventus star Douglas Costa.
Meanwhile, Goal’s Rob Lancaster shares quotes from Jorginho’s agent, who states a move to the Etihad Stadium would be ‘the opportunity of a lifetime’ for his client.
Joao Santos apparently told TuttoMercatoWeb: “Jorginho is good at Napoli, but there are negotiations with Manchester City and this is why we do not talk about a renewal.
“We are talking about a lad for whom Manchester City represents the opportunity of a lifetime.
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“But beware - he would not be sad if he stayed in Naples. In Naples the lad is well and is happy.”
Finally, the Manchester Evening News believe City ‘face competition from Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain in their rumoured pursuit of Frenkie de Jong.’
Writes Richard Fay: “De Telegraaf suggest top European clubs are targeting a summer move for the 21-year-old Ajax central midfielder.
“Guardiola is reportedly an admirer of the Dutch youngster however it is believed Barcelona are currently in pole position for de Jong, with the La Liga champions reportedly prepared to offer €40m for his services.”
Of course, the first place you’ll hear of any confirmed transfers is right here on ManCity.com.
