It doesn’t matter how many times Pep Guardiola‘s tries to dampen speculation, the media continue to crank up the noise.
This time, Sky say they know who City’s dream defensive recruit would be.
Meanwhile, Riyad Mahrez is in receipt of significant praise and City are tipped for silverware.
Here’s today’s Media Watch...
Transfer news
Sky Sports News
Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol says (via the Express): “A player [City] have been strongly linked with is Milan Skriniar at Inter Milan.
“Now he really is top, top drawer. He’s established himself as one of the best centre-backs in the world but Inter Milan are doing so well, he’s doing so well.
“I think it would cost a lot of money to get him out of Inter, I can’t see Inter selling him.
“But he would be the dream signing at centre-back I think at the moment.”
TICKETS: City v United - Carabao Cup semi-final
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Opinion
FourFourTwo: Why Riyad Mahrez could be the most important player in Manchester City’s ruthless machine
Mark White writes: “The winger is now integral to Manchester City, because he provides chaos. And at times over the last couple of years, this Man City side has lacked chaos - not the bad kind - but the game-changing genius of someone to conjure the unthinkable. Like Messi did for Pep at Barca. Like Robben, himself, in Bavaria. Like De Bruyne can do, should he be used out wide.”
Yahoo Sports: Man City click into gear as they chase cup glory
Ian Whittell writes: “Pep Guardiola‘s Manchester City will not retain their Premier League title barring a spectacular Liverpool implosion, but the form book suggests the Catalan could still end up celebrating a trophy-laden season.
“The defending league champions have won nine of their past 10 games in all competitions, their only defeat since early December coming when they were reduced to 10 men and lost 3-2 at Wolves.
“The visit of Crystal Palace on Saturday is followed by a trip to face Sheffield United before they take on Fulham at home in the fourth round of the FA Cup and Manchester United in the second leg of their League Cup semi-final.
“City hold a 3-1 lead in that tie in a competition in which they have not lost a game since October 2016, an extraordinary run that makes Guardiola‘s side overwhelming favourites to win the League Cup for a third consecutive season.”
Pre-match predictions
BBC Sport: Premier League predictions: Lawro v King Gary star Tom Davis
Man City v Crystal Palace
“Crystal Palace always seem to do well against Manchester City with what they have got, but it is hard to see them holding out against Pep Guardiola‘s side at the moment.
“There is no way Palace will be as open as Villa were, but City are back on their game and they will find a way through.
“Lawro’s prediction: 3-0
“Tom’s prediction: Palace have done all right against City recently, but I think City will win this. 3-1.”
That’s all for this morning’s Media Watch – but stay with us throughout the day as we bring you all the build up to tomorrow’s game at home to Palace.
You can follow that match right here on ManCity.com with LIVE minute-by-minute text updates on our Matchday Centre.
And don’t forget, a full 90-minute replay will be available on Man City for TV from Sunday.
