Let’s get straight to it in the form of Croatian starlet Ante Coric, who is reportedly attracting the attention of a number of clubs.
The Daily Mail’s Simon Jones reports: “Manchester City are looking to offer around £6million for Croatia international Ante Coric.
“City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham have all expressed interest in the Dinamo Zagreb midfielder who is part of the national squad at Euro 2016.
“Zagreb want £10m for the 19-year-old plus add-ons and believe the likes of Liverpool would be willing to pay their valuation.
“Coric is a skilful midfielder who plays behind the strikers and in the channels. He is technically adept at opening up defences, has good control and is quick.”
Over to Spanish publication Marca now, who continue the John Stones and Leroy Sane thread that has embroidered this column for the past few months.
Their piece states: “A centre-back and another wide man are the priorities now and that’s where Stones and Sane come in.
“City were previously thwarted in their pursuit of Athletic Bilbao’s French defender Aymeric Laporte. Everything looked to be in place for that deal with the Citizens content to meet the buy-out clause but, with the player set to agree personal terms, the Basque club moved decisively to offer him a significant salary bump and - crucially - raising the release clause.
“Stones is now their number one target, but it will be no easy deal.”
The article adds: “Sane is the other priority as the club seeks an upgrade in the wide attacking berths but, with the player being tracked by several clubs across Europe, they are sure to face stiff competition for his signature.”
Reporter Jonathan Smith continues the Sane theme over on ESPN.
“The Schalke winger is one of the top targets for new City boss Pep Guardiola as the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager looks to overhaul a squad that finished fourth in the Premier League last season,” he reckons.
“There had been reports that City were already close to completing a £40 million deal for Sane, but that was denied by Schalke sporting director Christian Heidel, who told Bild: “The story is incorrect, nothing has changed with Leroy Sane.”
“Bayern Munich and Manchester United have also been linked with a move for Sane, with Schalke still keen to keep hold of their young asset.
“However, a source has told ESPN FC that he is not expected to make his final decision until after Euro 2016, which could be up to three weeks away if Germany reach the final on July 10.”
In other news
Tottenham complete deal for Victor Wanyama, who makes the move from Southampton – tottenhamhotspur.com
Jamie Vardy has agreed a new four year deal to stay with Leicester - lcfc.com
