The media also ponder on the possible impact of Phil Foden ahead of England’s first game later today at the European Under-21 Championships.
But we begin on the transfer front with a story alleging that City are close to agreeing a deal with Juventus to sign right-back Joao Cancelo.
City have been linked with the 25-year-old Portuguese defender for a number of weeks now and Goal.com’s Juventus reporter Romeo Agresti asserts that a potential move could be in the offing.
Agresti claims: “Manchester City and Juventus are close to reaching a deal for right-back Joao Cancelo.
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“Goal reported on June 6 that the two clubs have been in advanced talks regarding a move for the Portugal international, with Juve holding out for around €60 million (£53.6m/$67.4m).
“Sources in Italy now indicate that further talks have taken place on Monday, and while City are still reluctant to meet Juventus’ top asking price, they are prepared to up their initial offer.
“That represents a breakthrough in negotiations and sources believe a final agreement, worth €50m (£44.7m/$56.1m) plus bonuses, could be reached in the coming days.
“Manchester United have shown an interest in Cancelo but have so far not made a concrete proposal. The club are also interested in Crystal Palace’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who City did consider signing before approaching Juve for Cancelo.”
Meanwhile, sportsmole.co.uk have run a piece alleging that City have joined the list of clubs monitoring a potential move for Barcelona’s Philippe Coutinho.
The future of the Brazilian, currently on Copa America duty in his homeland, has been the subject of fierce speculation over the past few weeks.
Now, sportsmole claim that City have joined the list of clubs expressing an interest in the former Liverpool midfielder.
They scribe: ”Manchester City have reportedly entered the race to sign Barcelona playmaker Philippe Coutinho this summer.
“The 27-year-old’s future has come under increasing speculation in recent months amid reports that he is unhappy at the Camp Nou, having so far failed to live up to his nine-figure transfer fee.
“Manchester United and former club Liverpool had previously been linked with a move for Coutinho, but Marca claims that neither are in the running anymore.
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“Instead, there is Premier League interest from Manchester City and Chelsea, although the latter must first overturn a FIFA-imposed transfer ban before they would be able to bring the Brazilian to Stamford Bridge.
“French champions Paris Saint-Germain are also understood to be in the race for his signature, and they appear to be the most capable of matching the wages he earns at Barcelona.
“Coutinho is unwilling to take a pay cut despite his desire to leave Catalonia, which could prove to be a sticking point in negotiations with City.
“The Brazil international made 53 appearances for Barcelona last season, scoring 11 goals.”
Away from the transfer gossip meanwhile, England open their European Under-21 Championship campaign against France in Italy this evening.
And the Manchester Evening News’s Simon Bajkowski believes the high-profile tournament could offer City’s teenage attacking midfielder Phil Foden the perfect platform to further illustrate his rich potential.
Bajkowski writes: “Less than two years after starring at the Under-17 World Cup, the Under-21 Euros could make it impossible for the England teenager to be kept out of the spotlight again.
“Previous recipients of the Golden Player award at this tournament have included Rudi Voller and Luis Figo, while the winners in this decade alone - Juan Mata, Thiago Alcantara, William Carvalho, and Dani Ceballos - have all made their mark.
“The current England squad includes Premier League regulars James Maddison and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, while Luka Jovic and Moise Kean are among the established names representing other countries.
“Given Foden will be playing up a few years and only won his first Under-21 call-up last October, it will be some effort to stand out at the tournament.
“But the Stockport lad has done that so well in every team he has been in there are expectations that he can make his latest mark among the most talented youngsters on the continent.
“Shine in Italy over the next fortnight and Foden will show Pep Guardiola that the learner plates are no longer required and he can play regularly in one of the best teams in Europe.”
