The summer window may have only just ‘slammed shut’ and the next one not due to creep open until January, but that is not stopping the press from predicting potential purchases for the New Year.
(It’s an international break – those pages need filling!)
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So, what stories are floating around this morning?
Well, before we step into the rumour mill, let’s kick off with positive news, as Oleks Zinchenko has earned plaudits for his displays for Ukraine, silencing critics in the process.
As Football 1 commentator Viktor Vatsko explains (quoted by Foot Boom): “When Zinchenko was called up to the national team, many were thinking: ‘What the hell is he in the team for? He’s out of practice at Manchester City’ but it seems that playing with De Bruyne and Aguero is a very good option.
“He came on in both games and refreshed them. Like Tsygankov, he adds dynamism, he gets the ball and boldly goes on the attack, without stopping, without looking back.”
Nice one, Zinc! Now to the transfer gossip…
According to the Daily Express, City are set to battle Liverpool for the services of Napoli midfielder Piotr Zielinski.
Writes Charles Perrin: “Zielinski only recently signed a new long-term deal with the Serie A outfit that has a £107million release clause inserted into his contract.
“Despite the new deal for Zielinski, Italian outlet Calciomercato claim Liverpool and City are hopeful they can claw the Polish midfielder away from Napoli.
“It is said Real Madrid are also eyeing a move for the player, who has previously been compared to Juventus legend Pavel Nedved.
“The 24-year-old’s versatility would be welcome for any suitor as he can play in a variety of positions.
“Zielinski has become one of the top performers in Serie A this term. He inspired his side’s dramatic 3-2 victory over AC Milan last month, scoring twice in a remarkable come-from-behind win.”
Meanwhile, 101 Great Goals state City are one of four clubs to have ‘held talks’ with Paris Saint Germain’s Adrien Rabiot.
“Adrien Rabiot’s contract with PSG is set to expire next summer,” declares Jamie Brown.
“The midfielder has shown a reluctance to sign a new deal and could agree to leave for free in January.
“The 23-year-old is free to negotiate a pre-agreed deal with clubs abroad to join in the summer of 2019.
“Barcelona, Juventus, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City have all held talks with the player.
“Liverpool have dropped out of the race to sign Rabiot, according to RAC 1.”
Elsewhere, it’s also claimed City are monitoring Frenkie De Jong’s situation closely, after Ajax reportedly turned down offers from Barcelona and Tottenham.
Opining for Mundo Deportivo, Spanish journalists Gabriel Sans and Xavier Munoz believe that if striking a deal with Barca “takes too long, the risk that other clubs like City, PSG or Tottenham go with everything will be much higher.”
In other news, the Mirror report Juventus have entered the race to sign alleged City and United target Ruben Neves from Wolves, as well as Diogo Jota.
Scribes Andrew Gilpin: “The Italian giants, who recently added Cristiano Ronaldo to their squad, are keeping tabs on the Molineux stars.
“The Portuguese midfield pair played a key role in Wolves winning promotion last season.
“Neves was wanted by Juve before he joined Wolves from Porto for £15.8million last summer. He has also been tipped as a £60m target for Manchester City and neighbours United.”
