We start today’s round-up with a trip to the Mirror, who believe that City are edging closer to sealing a move for John Stones.
The 22-year-old has been the subject of many a rumour this summer and today’s report suggests that a deal is nearing completion.
David McDonnell writes: “Manchester City are close to resolving the John Stones saga, after resurrecting collapsed talks with Everton.
“And the Etihad club are edging ever closer to meeting the Blues’ asking price for the England defender, after a positive break-through in negotiations overnight.
“The deal had stalled with Goodison’s new owner Farhad Moshiri telling the Manchester club he wouldn’t even come to the table until the bidding had got past £50m.
“And with City reluctant to go beyond the £40m that Chelsea offered for Stones last summer, it looked as though the player may face another crushing transfer window, after again telling Everton he wanted to leave.
“But talks have been revived in the past 48 hours and it seems there is now a real prospect of a deal being struck, with City prepared to go beyond the £50m barrier to ensure they get the centre half in early.”
Keeping with the transfer rumours and Talksport are reporting that City are one of four English clubs after Roma defender Kostas Manolas.
They state: “Kostas Manolas is a summer target for Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United, according to his agent.
“The Greek defender, who has also been linked with Arsenal, has rejected an extension on his current Roma contract which expires in 2019.
“That decision plunged his future into doubt and now his agent Ioannis Evangelopoulos has revealed that his client could be on his way to England.”
When asked whether Manolas would be staying at Roma, Evangelopoulos told Il Tempo: “No comment.
“I want the best clubs in Europe, there is not only Manchester City, but United and Chelsea too.
“Roma do not speak for a while.”
And finally, ESPN believe Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus will sign for City in the next few days.
According to Jonathan Smith: “The 19-year-old is regarded as one of the most exciting talents to emerge from Brazil in recent years and has been linked with a host of top clubs including Real Madrid, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, while Manchester United were reported to have made a late bid.
“But City are confident that they have won the race for the Palmeiras forward, who could cost around €32 million.
“As part of the deal, Jesus is expected to remain on loan at the Brazilian club until the conclusion of the national championship in December.
“Palmeiras coach Cuca told a news conference that his player had already spoken to City manager Pep Guardiola with the permission of the club’s director of football, Alexandre Mattos.
“City could potentially face a work permit problem as Jesus is not yet a full international, but he could qualify as a special talent.”
