From post-match reaction to transfer gossip, it’s all there…
Naturally, the top story derives from Pep Guardiola’s press conference, after the City boss confirmed his interest in signing John Stones and Leroy Sane (read more about that here) – but as for topics you may not have read…
On the subject of the Blues’ penalty shoot-out victory over Borussia Dortmund, the Manchester Evening News have penned a ‘things we learned’ piece, which includes notes on David Silva’s role in City’s goal, another impressive display from Tosin Adarabioyo and the impact Pep Guardiola is making.
Writes Simon Bajkowski: “In a game where all shooting boots seemed to have been chucked off the Great Wall and lost forever, the best move of the match resulted in a City goal.
“The galavanting Angelino had only just come onto the pitch when he found space upfield to collect a ball and feed David Silva.
“A perfectly weighted ball from Aleix Garcia convinced Silva to give and go and Sergio Aguero tapped in.
“City have not been short of beautiful goals in the last few years and more of this will help Pep Guardiola’s popularity among Blues.”
Elsewhere, Celtic midfielder Kris Commons has openly praised on-loan winger Patrick Roberts, insisting the City man can fire the Scottish side to the Champions League play-offs. That story is featured in the Daily Mail.
After the Hoops’ 1-1 draw with Astana, he reflected: “Paddy Roberts was superb against a defender, Shomko, who looked out of his depth.
“Astana will now be looking ahead to next week and thinking: ‘How are we going to deal with this guy? How do we stop him?’
“The experience will do the player the world of good and I’m sure he’ll go up a gear at Parkhead next week.”
Moving on to the transfer rumours and the Daily Star claim City are eyeing a move for Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey.
According to Jamie Styles: “The 25-year-old has two years left to run on his current deal at the Emirates.
“And Arsenal are said to be in no rush to sell the Welshman, who was linked with a move to Manchester United last month.
“They claimed the Gunners would only consider doing business at £50m.
“The big-money arrival of Granit Xhaka from Borussia Monchengladbach could serve to throw his position at Arsenal into doubt.”
Meanwhile, an ESPN article states Marlos Moreno’s agent has told press a switch to City is imminent.
Eladio Tamayo said: “I will travel with him on Saturday to sign a contract with Manchester City and he will go on loan to Deportivo La Coruna for a year.
“The main architect of all this is Marlos, with his discipline and commitment. I just contributed a bit.
“I love him like a son. We built this dream together and we did it with the help of his mother, his brothers and his girlfriend.”
Also in the headlines, Gazzetta World report the alleged pursuit of Leonardo Bonucci has reached its conclusion, with the defender set to stay at Juventus.
An article reads: “Last month, a bid of €60 million was immediately knocked back by the Bianconeri for their star defender, and now it appears that Guardiola has focused his attentions elsewhere, with the BBC claiming that talks between the two Premier League clubs over Stones are at an advanced stage.
“Bought from Barnsley for around €3.5m in 2013, the elegant 22-year-old England international was the subject of several failed bids from Chelsea before the start of the 2015/16 campaign, and has reportedly made it clear that he would like to make the short switch from Goodison Park to the Etihad Stadium as soon as possible.
“With discussions under-way, all that remains now is for the Manchester outfit to meet the Toffees’ €60m valuation for Stones.
“It is understood that an initial cash-plus-player offer including Citizens fringe player Wilfried Bony was rejected outright by Everton officials, who would prefer a straight cash deal.
“At this moment in time, it seems as though a transfer is very much on the cards, and while it is unknown if City will totally drop their interest in Bonucci, the likelihood is that the Azzurri international will stay with the Italian champions for the forthcoming season if Stones joins the Etihad ranks. “
In terms of alleged departures, Estadio Deportivo believe the re-signing of Jesus Navas would be ‘the icing on the cake’ for Sevilla’s 2016/17 season, whilst the aptly-named Football Transfer News suggest Eliaquim Mangala is set for a £21million move to Valencia.
Phew! Got all that…?! Keep an eye on our City Now feed for more rumours and updates as they happen.
