However, more transfer gossip has emerged, with City understood to be leading the chase for young Brazilian superstar Yan Couto.
Goal.com have looked into his career so far…
Goal: Yan Couto - Man City set to beat Barcelona to ‘new Dani Alves’
Tauan Ambrósio writes: “Born just days before the start of the 2002 World Cup, which a Ronaldo-inspired Brazil would go on to win in South Korea and Japan, the teenager has enjoyed a rapid rise to prominence over the past 12 months. So much so he now finds himself at the heart of a transfer battle between two of Europe’s richest clubs.
“Barca have never truly replaced Dani Alves, and as such the promise of an heir put the Camp Nou hierarchy on alert. Reports in Brazil midway through the January transfer window suggested a bid of €5 million from the Blaugrana had been accepted by the youngster’s club, Coritiba.
“However, as reported by Goal, it is Manchester City who look to have won the race for the flying full-back - nicknamed ‘The Flash’ due to his lightning speed - with the move likely to be completed when he turns 18 in June. Reports of a €14m (£12m/$17m) fee having been agreed are understood to be wide of the mark, but Barca insist they are no longer in the running given how close City are to reaching an agreement to sign a player who also has admirers at Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen.
“Couto joined the Coritiba academy at the age of 10, where it quickly became clear that he possessed quick-thinking with the ball at his feet along with the skills to beat opponents having played futsal as a child, much like another Coritiba graduate and former Fenerbahce playmaker, Alex.
“Once playing regularly on the grass, he was able to increase his physical power - an attribute that has allowed him to stand out among his peers. Couto cites Cristiano Ronaldo as one of his heroes and as such is so obsessed with the Portugal star’s prowess that he admitted in an interview with the CBF’s website that he would be studying physical education were he not about to set off on a footballing career.”
That’s all for this morning’s Media Watch - but stay with us throughout the day as we bring you all the latest City news.
