Today’s transfer tales feature some familiar names – and perhaps one unfamiliar one – in addition to a tactical analysis of a coaching masterclass.
Let’s dive in to Wednesday’s headlines…
According to talkSPORT, a deal for Napoli star Jorginho is edging closer with the midfielder having apparently agreed personal terms.
It’s claimed: “The 26-year-old was one of the best midfielders in Italy this season and he seems destined for a big move this summer.
“City have made the Italian one of their top targets as Pep Guardiola looks to bolster his options in the middle of the park.
“Napoli are well aware they are likely to lose Jorginho during the current transfer window, but they are holding out for around £50m.
“As of yet, City are yet to meet that asking price but, according to Calciomercato, they have agreed personal terms with the midfielder.
“Jorginho is said to have provisionally agreed a long-term contract worth £85,000-a-week with the Premier League champions, subject to a fee being agreed.”
The Manchester Evening News also report on the Jorginho rumours, sharing an ‘update’ from his agent.
Simon Bajkowski scribes: “Manchester City remain in prime position for Jorginho despite negotiations taking their time.
“The 26-year-old, an integral part of the team built by Maurizio Sarri that earned such praise from the City coach when the teams were drawn together in the Champions League, has expressed a desire to work with Guardiola and agreeing personal terms are not expected to be a problem.
“However, a deal with Napoli is yet to be thrashed out and delays open the possibility of other clubs challenging the Blues for the player’s signature.
“Joao Santos, Jorginho’s agent, did little to shut down the prospect of a bidding war when name-dropping a number of ‘important and interesting’ top European clubs.
“But he did confirm that there has not been any contact from those clubs as he prepares for talks with Napoli bosses this week to decide whether the player’s future remains at the Stadio San Paolo or not.”
Apparently, Santos told Calcio Napoli: “I don’t know if the negotiations between Napoli and City for Jorginho have moved forward. I’m not a part of that, so you’ll have to ask Napoli.
“Chelsea are an important and interesting club, like Barcelona and Real Madrid, but they’ve never contacted me.
“I’ll be in Italy this week. In the transfer market things can mature in 15 hours or in 15 days.”
Elsewhere, the Daily Express believe Riyad Mahrez will make the switch to the Etihad Stadium ‘within days’.
Writes Mike Whalley: “Negotiations with Leicester are understood to be close to completion, with the Algeria winger finally set to get a move away from the Walkers Stadium at the third time of asking.
“The Premier League champions are prepared to pay £60m up front, with another £15m in performance-related add-ons, to secure Mahrez, although the finer points of the payment structure have still to be agreed.
“Manchester City director of football Txiki Begiristain has remained in contact with Leicester after an unsuccessful approach four months ago, when they offered £50m plus young winger Patrick Roberts in part-exchange.
“Leicester wanted a cash-only deal then, and although they remain interested in Roberts, any move for him this summer will be negotiated separately.”
Meanwhile, the Birmingham Mail are of the opinion City (and Wolves) are eyeing right-back Joao Cancelo.
States Greg Evans: “The Valencia defender spent the season on loan at Inter Milan but the Serie A side haven’t taken up a €35m option that was initially agreed.
“It’s understood that the figure could be re-negotiated, but other teams are ready to pounce.
“Manchester City are said to be weighing up a move and reports in Spain suggest a €45m bid could be lodged.”
There’s more, as the seemingly ever-lasting link with Isco continues to rumble on with Sports Lens suggesting a move could be on the cards with the midfielder said to be ‘uncomfortable’ at the Bernabeu.
It’s alleged: “City manager Pep Guardiola is looking to take advantage as he’s long been an admirer of Isco. He could be a long-term replacement for 32-year-old David Silva.
“The Spanish international is one of the best No.10s in Europe, scoring and creating 14 goals in 21 Liga starts last season, and would certainly improve an already stellar midfield at the Etihad.
“The Los Blancos midfielder won’t be easy to sign, however, with four more years on his contract at the Bernabéu. Real, as a result, have no obligation to negotiate a deal if they don’t want to sell him, so Guardiola has a tough task landing his signature this summer – even if Isco is somewhat disillusioned under Zidane.”
Finally, switching focus, the Coaches’ Voice run a brilliant piece on Nick Cushing’s coaching masterclass from City’s Women’s Champions League semi-final triumph at Lyon last season.
Described as ‘one of the most passionate and enthusiastic’ subjects in the feature, Cushing ‘almost gets into the board’ when recalling his tactics and selections from that famous night.
Carli Lloyd’s goal separated the sides at the Parc Olympique Stadium and although the Blues would exit the competition on aggregate, the result in France certainly raised eyebrows across the continent.
Take a look – it’s a must-watch!
