As always, we start the day with by taking a look at the City-centric reports from the media, who remain convinced John Stones and Leroy Sane will be City players by the time the transfer window slams shut.
We begin with the Mirror, who believe they’ve cracked the code as to how the Blues are approaching this summer’s transfer window.
Youthful and/or home grown is the priority according to Simon Mullock, who suggests that such is the desire to sign players who meet this criteria, City are willing to meet the financial demands of other clubs.
In a report that features a host of familiar faces, Mullock writes: “The lack of departures means they [City] are concentrating on young or home grown recruits.
“That is one reason why interest in Torino’s Brazilian right-back Bruno Peres has been replaced by Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin, with the 21-year-old Spaniard counted as home grown.
“John Stones is a big Guardiola target and City are ready to meet Everton’s £50m demand.
“The Blues also expect a deal for Leroy Sane to be completed, despite Schalke’s determination that their £42m asking price for the 20-year-old is met in full. Sane’s age means he won’t be counted as an overseas player.”
One transfer that’s already in the bag is Nolito, and the Spanish forward is the City boy who dominates this morning’s column inches.The 29-year-old became our second recruit this summer and ahead of today’s game, he told the media what – or who - it was that convinced him to choose Manchester over Barcelona.
Pep Guardiola is the man responsible, as our new number nine indicates the opportunity to work with him again, was too hard to refuse.
Featuring across the national press, we’ll take a look at the Guardian’s angle, where Jamie Jackson has Nolito’s quotes:
“The truth is I enjoyed working with him in Barcelona even though it wasn’t much time. It’s a reason for me to come here but not the only one.
But it was also about City, they have a great team, it’s a great project, they got to the semi-finals of the Champions League last season and the truth is I will try to help this club achieve great things.
“I thought it was the best decision for me and my career. I have come to the Premier League to play with City and under Pep Guardiola, who will play me in the first team, and I am very happy with the decision I took.”
Well, we certainly won’t disagree with that!
One of the quieter days on the transfer rumour front which means that’s all for today, but mancity.com is the place to be for all the latest City news.
