For several weeks the press in Spain and England have suggested Atleti’s Rodri is the main summer target – and the Daily Express suggest the Spaniard will decide whether or not to move to the Etihad in the coming days.
They report: “City transfer target Rodri is expected to make a decision on his future this week, with only his signature needed to complete the switch from Atletico Madrid.
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“City are hoping to complete the transfer of long-term target Rodri this week.
Pep Guardiola has targeted 22-year-old Rodri as a replacement for Fernandinho.
City triggered the Spaniard’s release clause in his Atletico contract, after launching a €70m (£62m) bid for the midfielder.
“Rodri has been sitting on the offer for around 15 days, Spanish newspaper AS claim.
“Rodri is expected to make a decision on his future this week, and he could become City’s first signing of the summer transfer window.
“But the fact that he hasn’t already agreed to sign for the Citizens could worry Guardiola.
“Rodri has shown immense potential in his brief spell at the Spanish capital.
“His ability on the ball, as well as reading of the game, could make him the perfect replacement for Fernandinho.
“He’s also 6”3’, meaning he could provide a physical test for most attacking midfielders in the Premier League.
The Express also claim City have a back-up plan should Rodri fail to join the Premier League champions.
It reads: “If Rodri decides to stay at Atletico, Guardiola could turn his attention to Lyon midfielder Tanguy Ndombele instead. City would face competition from Manchester United for the 22-year-old Frenchman.
“Ndombele still hasn’t chosen where he’d like to play next season. Speaking after France’s international friendly with Bolivia on Sunday, he revealed that the door is still open for a move.
‘As I told my agents and the club, I’m not fixed yet, I did not make a decision,’ he said.
“Ndombele’s role in the Lyon side is predominantly to win the ball back for his side.
“He’s a powerful midfielder, with slightly more drive and energy than Rodri.
“Although Tottenham are also interested in the young Frenchman, City are most likely to make the signing - especially if they fail to buy Rodri.”
Meanwhile, the Daily Mirror say the battle for Benfica’s Joao Felix is now between Real Madrid, City and United.
They write: “Manchester United and City are embroiled in a £120m tug of war with Real Madrid for Portugal whizz kid Joao Felix.
“Both Premier League clubs will have scouts watching Benfica teenager Felix in Portugal’s Nations League semi-final against Switzerland in Porto on Wednesday night.
“United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has targeted Portugal’s latest footballing sensation as he begins the rebuilding of his team after a disappointing season.
“But he faces fierce competition from Real, who are desperate to land the Benfica teenager, City and also Italian giants Juventus.
“Benfica want around £120m and Real have already seen an opening bid of around £80m rejected.
“But they are now expected to use Benfica’s interest in goalkeeper Keylor Navas to try to clinch a deal next week after the finals.”
Finally, the Daily Star link believe the Blues are in pole position to sign another talented teenager – this time from Ligue 1.
The report reads: “Manchester City hope to beat Inter Milan to wonder kid Lucien Agoume by offering a player on loan in part-exchange.
“Midfielder Agoume, 17, is a rising star with French club Sochaux who has been compared to Paul Pogba and has been on Manchester City’s radar for months.
“Born in Cameroon, Agoume is available for just £4.43m as his contract runs out next summer and he is unlikely to sign a new one.
“Barcelona, Paris St-Germain and Leipzig have all registered an interest in the player but the two clubs pushing hardest for him are understood to be City and Inter.”
That’s all for today. More gossip and rumour tomorrow…
