It’s been a busy seven days at the City Football Academy with two new additions to Pep Guardiola’s squad – Angelino and Rodri – but apparently, there’s no time for rest with media outlets around the world insistent that City are eyeing more transfer business.
So, who’s been linked in today’s headlines…?
READ: Angelino | 11 things you might not know...
WATCH: Inside City | Rodri’s first day
GALLERY: Behind-the-scenes | City’s 2019/20 PUMA away kit shoot
SHOP: City’s 2019/20 PUMA kits
Well, according to the Express, City have cooled the alleged interest in defender Harry Maguire and are seeking alternative options with Bournemouth’s Nathan Ake said to be topping the list.
Writes Adam Skinner: “Both City and Manchester United are tracking Leicester star Maguire, 26, but the Foxes want around £90million for the centre-back.
“And The Mirror say City are not willing to meet their valuation that would make Maguire the most expensive defender of all time.
“The report claims Bournemouth’s Ake, 24, would cost closer to £40m and that City are now weighing up a move to take him to the Etihad instead.
“City are looking at the pair as either would boost their homegrown quota.
“England star Maguire clearly fits the bill for a homegrown player and, despite being a Dutch international, Ake does too.
“He came through the Chelsea academy as a youth player and spent three years with the Blues before his 21st birthday.
“Since moving to Bournemouth - initially on loan in 2016 and then a club-record £20m deal in 2017 - Ake has been a revelation and is now attracting interest from some of the biggest clubs in the country.
“Tottenham are also said to be interested in signing him while Manchester United have also been linked in the past.”
Meanwhile, Under-20s World Cup star Jose Cifuentes has claimed he is set to join either City or Celtic.
Mark Walker of the Scottish Sun reports: “Celtic target Jose Cifuentes has revealed he is set to decide whether to sign for the Hoops or Manchester City.
“He plays with homeland side America de Quito and has just completed a degree in Ecuador, after passing a mathematics exam. Now he is set to make the next step in his footballing career.
“Cifuentes impressed during the Under 20s World Cup where his Ecuador team surprisingly reached the semi-final in Poland this summer and he won the Goal of the Tournament award.
“The creative midfielder is now set to complete a move to Europe. He would require a work permit for both City and Celtic - that wouldn’t be a problem for the Parkhead side, but City would almost certainly have to loan him out to another club in Europe.
“And he’s ready to make his decision soon.”
The youngster said: “My aim is to play in Europe. I don’t know which club I will sign for yet - either Manchester City or Celtic.
“Nothing has been decided yet.
“I deserve my opportunity to play in Europe, it’s where I have to be. And my mentality is that I am going to be in Europe for a long time.
“I have spent a lot of time studying and they taught me many things, including English which I now understand better.
“To become a great footballer, I must learn languages and not just English. The studying has helped me on and off the pitch because I now believe I make decisions faster.
“Even when I do go to Europe, I want to continue studying. I want to have another profession besides football. Since I was little I thought about going into business.
“My next ambition is to be part of the team that plays in the World Cup in Qatar in 2022. I will work very hard for it.”
In other news, upon the conclusion of England’s Women’s World Cup participation with defeat to Sweden in the Third-Place Play-Off last night, BBC Sport have analysed each players’ performance over the tournament with four City stars included in the Outstanding Performers category – captain Steph Houghton, new signing and top scorer Ellen White, number one Karen Bardsley and midfield engine Jill Scott.
Examining our skipper’s overall display, Alistair Magowan reflected: “After taking time to get used to the captain’s role, Houghton has proven herself to be a leader of the highest calibre.
“When England have faltered at the back, she has been there to pick up the pieces, and, off the pitch, team-mates talk of a leader who always has their backs.
“We have played seven games and we are dead on our feet. It’s been tough mentally and physically. We showed great resilience in the second half. Well done Sweden.”
Asked where she feels England have progressed, she added: “The style of play. I’m not going to sit here and say it’s perfect.
“Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero made the goal look like a walk in the park, the star remained cool, calm and composed as he rounded the goalkeeper and fired the ball into the back of the net.”
Sounds about right! See for yourself…
Watch Sergio Aguero give Argentina the lead against Chile in typical Sergio Aguero fashion 😍#CopaAmerica #ManCity pic.twitter.com/FnXTBtPQNE
— Superbia Proelia (@SuperbiaProeIia) July 6, 2019
The tournament concludes tonight with Brazil facing Peru in the Final (9pm BST). Gabriel Jesus is expected to start, having netted the opening goal in five of his last seven international matches.
Meanwhile, Riyad Mahrez’s Algeria lock horns with Guinea in the African Cup of Nations Round of 16 (8pm BST). The City winger was named in the competition’s official group-phase team, while manager (and former City player) Djamel Belmadi was named best coach.
Good luck, lads!