The teenage striker had an impressive season with City and he has taken that form on to the international stage as Nigerian newspaper Leadership reports: “Over and over, it had been said, but, yesterday night, in far-away France, it needed to be said again and Manchester City starlet Kelechi Iheanacho made all the difference for Nigeria in an international friendly against Mali.
“The starlet’s 77th minute smasher, moments after he came on for Arsenal’s Alex Iwobi, was all Super Eagles needed to avoid another score-less evening against Mali.
“Fellow substitute Michael Babatunde released Iheanacho for the youngster to deliver a cool finish, after a flurry of changes added some verve to a drab evening.”
Over in Germany, the Blues continue to be linked with Leroy Sane but the talented youngster admits he doesn’t know where he’ll be next season.
He also added that he is happy where he is – not that saying so will stop the rumours!
The MEN report: “The player has another three years on his contract at Schalke but did not rule out the prospect of moving this summer.
“Any potential changes of club will have to wait until after the European Championships though, where Germany are looking to claim the honours to go alongside their World Cup win of 2014.
‘I still have a contract with Schalke and I am happy there,’ said Sane.
‘The whole season I was focused on just the season and always wanted to help the team. Everything else takes a backseat right now.
‘I am here with a goal in mind and that is to be in the final Euro squad.
‘I will make a decision after my time with the national team.”
“Following friendlies with Slovakia and Hungary, Germany will play group matches against Ukraine, Poland and Northern Ireland at Euro 2016.
“Sane will be hoping to be involved at the tournament, having made his international debut under Joachim Low in a friendly match with France last November.”
Finally, the Standard suggest the Blues will be unrecognisable next season if incoming manager Pep Guardiola’s transfer wish-list bears fruit.
It seems more likely that the new boss will want to see and work with his squad first before making any major decisions but nonetheless, the report reads: “The incoming Etihad manager has urged City’s board to make wholesale changes to a team which only scraped into the Premier League’s top four under Manuel Pellegrini.
“And even with the sovereign wealth of Abu Dhabi behind the club, City know it will take them TWO summer windows to transform their squad to Guardiola’s liking – with most of his intended targets said to be valued at ‘£25million plus’.
“It is believed that, among City’s current squad, only Sergio Aguero, Kevin De Bruyne and Fernandinho are seen as ideal starters by Guardiola. Skipper Vincent Kompany is a possible fourth, although the injury-prone Belgian’s fitness record means that central defence is a top priority for the incoming boss.”
We’ll back with more transfer rumours, opinion and gossip tomorrow…
