Though Pep Guardiola has repeatedly asserted City wouldn’t be doing major business this month, we have been linked with a move for a highly-rated Brazilian teenager.
Meanwhile, the focus is also trained on Sunday’s return to Premier League action away at Tottenham – and a re-acquaintance with Jose Mourinho.
And there are also warm words for the City boss - along with the Club’s management support structure and staff - from departing City women’s manager Nick Cushing ahead of his final game in charge this weekend against Arsenal.
Transfer gossip
Daily Mail - City to pip Barca for Brazil defender?
Jack Bezants: “Manchester City have entered the race to sign highly-rated young Brazil defender Yan Couto.
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“According to Brazilian publication Globoesporte, City have eclipsed the offers from Barcelona and Arsenal for the 17-year-old defender.
“A deal was initially believed to be in the making for either side for around £4-5m but the reports in Brazil say City have taken pole position with a much bigger offer of £7.5m, that could rise to £12.5m.
“Couto plays for Brazilian side Cortiba and is not expected to depart for any side in Europe until the summer, when he turns 18 in June.
“But he fuelled speculation further on Thursday by tweeting an emoji of an plane followed by a pair of eyes.
“But he is one the most highly regarded talents in Brazil’s youth setup and reports earlier this month stated that Arsenal had identified him as a long-term replacement for Hector Bellerin.
“Couto starred for his country in the Under 17 World Cup last year, a tournament which Brazil won on home soil.”
Opinion
goal.com – Guardiola and Mourinho lock horns again
“Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola collide in Premier League action this weekend as Manchester City visit Tottenham.
“Despite defeat by Manchester United on Wednesday, City still advanced to the EFL Cup final, and will be confident of retaining silverware.
“City are comfortable in the Champions League places as well, on 51 points—17 ahead of Manchester United—but how Pep Guardiola would love to inflict more woe on his old rival Mourinho.
“This will be the 23rd meeting in all competitions between the two legendary coaches, with Mourinho on the losing end on 10 occasions—four more times than against any other manager.
“Spurs endured a damaging run in early 2020, taking only two points from a possible 12 in the Prem, although fans will hope that the signing of Steven Bergwijn will help compensate for the exit of Christian Eriksen and the injury to Harry Kane.
football.london – How Spurs could line up against City
Alasdair Gold: “Plenty depends on who comes into the team before deadline day is over but Jose Mourinho at least has one new face to call upon for the match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
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“Steven Bergwijn signed in time to get four days’ worth of training under his belt and he’s match sharp so there’s no reason not to throw him in as a surprise element against Manchester City if Mourinho feels the Dutchman is ready for the game.
“Giovani Lo Celso’s loan move was made permanent this week and the Argentina international will once again be called upon to provide the creativity in the centre of the park on Sunday.
“Elsewhere Mourinho needs to decide on the balance of his defence, with Danny Rose no longer an option on the left, while deciding who plays up front if a new striker is not found or is but is not fit enough to start.”
Alasdair Gold’s team (4-3-3) : Lloris; Aurier, Alderweireld, Sanchez, Tanganga; Lo Celso, Winks, Ndombele; Alli, Son, Bergwijn.
From the managers
Manchester Evening News – Nick Cushing on life at City and learning from Pep
Charlotte Duncker: “Nick Cushing credits the players for believing in him but also the support he has received from staff at the club.
“The amount of support I have had to get where I am at now is amazing. I have never felt under pressure,” he said. “From the likes of Brian Marwood, Gavin Makel, Jason Wilcox and even now Txiki Begiristain and Pep Guardiola.”
And Cushing reveals that the Catalan has had a huge impact on the way the women’s team operates.
“For me Pep Guardiola has had an incredible impact on every football coach in the world,” Cushing said. “The last 18 months having the opportunity to sit with him with a tactics board and speak to him around the methods he is using and the ideas that I have has been incredible.
“Almost the first few times it was a bit of a dream because of where he is at. But now he’s evolved my thinking and understanding of how his style is applied and the concept of how he plays and why he’s been so successful. To learn from him has been incredible and I’m so grateful of that.”
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