So, with plenty to get our teeth into, lets not delay.
Defensive reinforcements appear to be Pep Guardiola’s main priority, according to the latest media reports. The Sun suggest the new City boss will return to his native Spain as he looks to add to his squad before the 2016/17 season opener.
Atletico Madrid’s Lucas Hernandez is the man to have reportedly caught Pep’s eye as Antony Kastrinakis writes: “The City boss has made centre-half Hernandez, 20, a top target as he looks to bolster his defence.
“The centre-half has a £20m get-out clause and Atletico are powerless to stop the youngster from leaving. Boss Diego Simeone is desperately trying to convince Hernandez to stay on at Atletico – who fear they might lose one of their bright young stars to City.”
The Daily Mail believe it’s going to be a busy summer at City HQ, with Simon Jones suggesting there could be a further four additions to the Blues’ squad. A number of familiar faces crop up in the article, with Jones reporting City are continuing negotiations with Torino as they look to capture Bruno Peres.
He writes: “Manchester City are continuing discussions over a £17million deal for Torino full-back Bruno Peres, who missed training yesterday. German international Leroy Sane is expected to give City an answer over his proposed £40m switch from Schalke this week.
“A goalkeeper is also to be added by Pep Guardiola. Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Claudio Bravo at Barcelona have both been discussed again in recent weeks while an offer has been made for Argentina international Geronimo Rulli at Real Sociedad.”
The press also believe City have won the race for Athletico Nacional’s Marlos Moreno. Goal’s Sam Lee expects the Blues to announce the signing of Colombian winger - for a reported fee of £8.5 million - before sending the 19-year-old out on loan.
“Goal reported at the end of June that City were confident of warding off competing interest from Manchester United and Benfica by agreeing a deal worth €10 million (£8.5m) with Moreno’s club Atletico Nacional.
“The Premier League side had not agreed personal terms with the 19-year-old at that point, but have worked closely with the player’s agent over the past fortnight and an agreement between all parties is now in place.
“The completion of the move will be designed not to interfere with Nacional’s Copa Libertadores campaign, with the Colombians on the brink of a final place after downing Sao Paulo 2-0 in Brazil in the first leg of the semi.
“It is now understood that Deportivo La Coruna have emerged as front-runners to take the Medellin-born forward on a short-term deal once the paperwork on his move to the Etihad Stadium is completed.”
In other news...
Paul Pogba could yet stay at Juventus, says agent Mino Raiola.
