Let’s kick-off with a word from a Club legend with Nicky Weaver’s comments on Ederson – how he feels the Brazilian is ‘taking goalkeeping to another level.’
Quoted by Four Four Two (amongst others), Weaver told Omnisport: “I think goalkeeping has changed a lot, football has changed a lot. It’s all about systems now.
“The role of a goalkeeper has changed over the past couple of years – I think it’s even changed over the past few months since the World Cup.
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“If you look at City, the way they play out with Ederson. He’s the best I’ve ever seen with his feet. He’s unbelievable.
“The thing with Ederson is not how much confidence he’s got – he’s obviously got lots – it’s how much confidence the players and defenders have in him because they give it back to him under pressure constantly.
“I’ve watching him live quite a few times and he could probably play left-back if he wanted. He’s got such good feet.”
Looking ahead to this weekend’s Premier League action and Saturday’s opponents West Ham have been handed a boost with Andy Carroll and Jack Wilshere set to return for the Hammers, according to the Football Fanbase.
Richard Grant explains: “Wilshere has been recovering from an ankle injury which he suffered during the last week of September forcing him to miss as many as ten games for the Hammers.
“But the summer signing has returned back to full training during the international break and he will be available for selection for the weekend clash vs Manchester City.
“The next player who is expected to make a comeback is forward Andy Carroll who is yet to feature under Manuel Pellegrini this season.
“Carroll picked up an ankle injury in the month of July following which he had to undergo surgery.
“Before the start of the season, the forward was expected to be sold by Pellegrini but his injury halted that move. But now that he is still in the club, the manager will surely use him.
“Wilshere might very well start the match against Manchester City but Carroll is expected to come on as a substitute in the second half.”
In other news, on-loan Daniel Arzani has shared an injury update on Instagram, as the youngster has undergone an operation in Barcelona, having torn his anterior cruciate ligament.
Speedy recovery, Daniel!
Turning attentions to transfer gossip and Sports Mole state City and United are set to go head-to-head in pursuit of Gremio ace Everton, with Daniel Lewis proclaiming that Pep Guardiola has ‘personally stepped in’ to encourage the move.
“The Brazil international confirmed earlier this week that he will consider a switch to the Premier League once the Brazilian football season comes to an end,” Lewis affirms.
“Everton, who leads the scoring charts for Gremio this term, is aware of the rumoured interest from Man United, but South American outlet Radio Grenal suggests that Man City are also now in the running for his signature.
“Citizens boss Guardiola is said to have called the 22-year-old to persuade him to make the switch to the Etihad Stadium in January, though no formal offer has been made by the English champions.
“Gremio president Romildo Bolzan recently revealed that versatile attacker Everton, comfortable playing on the right or through the middle, has a release clause of around £71m.”
Meanwhile, the Mirror claim to have an exclusive update on City’s alleged interest in Frenkie de Jong, asserting the Blues will have to break our transfer record for the Ajax star.
Scribes David Anderson: “Premier League champions and leaders City have made Holland and Ajax star Frenkie De Jong their top transfer target after scouring the world for a top central midfielder.
“They identified De Jong after missing out on Napoli’s Jorginho to Chelsea in the summer and feel the 21-year-old Dutchman can become the long-term successor to Fernandinho at the Etihad.
“However, Spanish champions Barca are also very keen on De Jong, and several other top clubs are monitoring the rapid progress he’s making this season.
“Amsterdam-based Ajax feel they can demand up to £75m for De Jong because of this growing interest in him.
“That means City would have to eclipse the club record £60m they paid Leicester for winger Riyad Mahrez in the summer.
“Ajax’s hand is also strengthened by the fact that De Jong is under contract with them until June 2022.
“Sources in Holland claim Barcelona are determined to top any offer City make in the battle for the midfielder.”
The same source also suggest City are ‘monitoring’ Sunderland starlet Josh Maja.
Writes Simon Bird: “The youngster is the hottest property in League One after taking his tally to 11 already this season.
“His current form is giving the club a medium term headache with Bristol City interested in a January deal, and Spurs , Manchester City and Southampton monitoring his situation.
“The 19-year-old’s deal ends in the summer. Boss Ross would love him to stay and sign long term, but talks have been going on a while and he has confirmed: ‘There is no update.’
“If Sunderland can’t tie him down soon, a £6m bid might be too good to turn down in January.”
According to Joe Strange: “The Juventus left back has attracted interest from Manchester City and Chelsea over the last 18 months, while Real Madrid have also kept tabs on his progress.
“Sandro, who is currently with the Brazil squad … insists he is ‘very happy’ at Juve but is ready to leave Serie A at some point in the future.
“However, it appears Sandro is not yet willing to push through a move to the Premier League as Juve target another Serie A title and the Champions League.”
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Sandro declared: “I think, one day, who knows what will happen?
“I have a desire to play in the Premier League but right now I am very happy where I am at, the club I am at [Juventus], the league I am playing in.
“So today my only thought is to continue where I am because that’s where I feel happy.”
