Elsewhere in the press, John Stones shares his thoughts ahead of the upcoming season and there are claims City will implement a new tactical approach in today’s friendly with Kitchee.
Transfer gossip
Daily Express: Who Man City could sign to open the door for Man Utd to seal Harry Maguire transfer
Writes Lloyd Johnson: “One player who the Citizens are monitoring is Bournemouth centre-back Nathan Ake.
“The 24-year-old Dutch defender has seen his stock rise since making a move from Chelsea to join the Cherries in 2017.
“Another positive is that Ake already has considerable Premier League experience, having already made 117 top-flight appearances, so would only need to work on learning a new system rather than also having to adjust to the pace of a new league.”
From the players
Sky Sports: John Stones ready to step into Vincent Kompany’s shoes at Manchester City
John Stones: “There’s some big shoes to fill - Vinnie (Kompany) set a benchmark at the club which I don’t think can be done again.
“He’s such a good person and for anyone who becomes captain, if they do half the job he did then they will be able to call themselves successful.
“He was such a key player for us, and will be missed by everyone, especially me personally.
“But it’s a great challenge for me and us all to step up and grab the bull by the horns and run with it now.”
Opinion
Manchester Evening News: Man City might try new tactic vs Kitchee on pre-season tour
Writes Charlotte Duncker: “Guardiola also gave individual instruction to both Rodri and Kevin de Bruyne who were operating as deep lying midfielders.
“The way Guardiola had them playing was alongside each other as the full backs were encouraged to push up the channel ahead of them and link up with the wingers.
“It was an exercise that was worked on for half an hour and it will be interesting to see if De Bruyne is deployed in a deeper role for the third game of the pre-season tour against Kitchee SC.”
