Everton assistant manager Erwin Koeman has praised the attitude of John Stones in the face of Manchester City’s ongoing transfer pursuit. City boss Pep Guardiola on Thursday confirmed his club were “going to try” to sign the 22-year-old England centre-back . There has been increased speculation about a reported £50million move but Stones, who played the last 11 minutes of the Toffees’ penalty shoot-out defeat to Real Betis in Germany on Saturday and 69 minutes against Dynamo Dresden on Friday, has remained focused. “He is very … [Read more...]

Manchester City’s pursuit of Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci could be all but over after it emerged that the Citizens have opened talks with Everton over the transfer of John Stones. Despite only assuming the role at the start of the summer, new City boss Pep Guardiola has immediately prioritised defensive reinforcements, with his search for a ball-playing centre-back who is able to start attacks, leading him to Bonucci and the Everton youngster. Last month, a bid of €60 million was immediately knocked back by the Bianconeri for their … [Read more...]

Manchester City have opened talks with Everton over a deal for John Stones, according to reports. With Vincent Kompany set to miss the start of the season through injury, Martin Demichelis having been released, and neither Nicolas Otamendi or Eliaquim Mangala managing to fully convince in the Premier League, City are in the market for a new centre-back. Leonardo Bonucci – who featured in our top five defensive targets – had been mooted, but it now appears City manager Pep Guardiola has set his sights on England international Stones. The … [Read more...]

Leroy Sane has told Schalke that he wants to leave the Bundesliga club, according to general manager Christian Heidel. The 20-year-old, who was part of Germany’s European Championship squad in France, has been linked with some of Europe’s top clubs, including Manchester City, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. Heidel told German newspaper Bild: “Sane has clearly expressed that he would like to change (clubs). We have to accept it. We will correspond if the conditions for Schalke are in order.” “I can not confirm that the deal is in the … [Read more...]

Middlesbrough have completed the season-long loan addition of striker Alvaro Negredo, subject to international clearance. The 30-year-old has joined from Valencia after two disappointing seasons as he looks to reignite his career. Boro are reportedly paying the entirety of his £100,000-a-week salary . It will be Negredo’s second spell in England following a solitary season at Man City in 2013-14. CONFIRMED | The club has agreed a deal with @valenciacf to bring @AlvaroNegredo_7 to #Boro – https://t.co/T66IUN5Hlw … [Read more...]

A new goalkeeper has popped up on Manchester City’s radar with Pep Guardiola reportedly unconvinced that Joe Hart can be his reliable No.1. Hart, who featured in our six stars with the most to prove this season , is under intense scrutiny after his dismal showing with England at Euro 2016 and the new Citizens chief is thought to be weighing up other options to rival him as first-choice goalkeeper at the Etihad. According to the Daily Mail, PSV’s £7m-rated stopper Jeroen Zoet has been added to Guardiola’s wishlist alongside Barcelona pair … [Read more...]

Manchester City have balked at Schalke’s £42 million starting valuation of Leroy Sane but hope to reach a compromise with the German club after the attacking midfielder signalled his desire to move to the Etihad Stadium. Sane is ready to sign the offer of a four-year contract with City but negotiations over a fee for the highly-regarded 20-year-old are proving difficult with Schalke asking for €50 million (£41.7 million) with further performance related payments to follow. Although Pep Guardiola has pinpointed City’s defence as the main … [Read more...]

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is reportedly weighing up a move for Bayern Munich and Germany defender Joshua Kimmich. City are considering making a £20m bid for the Bayern right-back who also excels as a defensive midfielder, but he is highly rated in Bavaria and the German champions are unlikely to want to lose one of their young stars. It was Guardiola who signed Kimmich for Bayern in January 2015 for £6m from RB Leipzig and he regularly featured last season, making 36 appearances in all competitions as Bayern won their fourth … [Read more...]

Galatasaray have offered Wilfried Bony an escape route from Manchester City after the striker was deemed surplus to requirements at the Etihad Stadium. The Ivory Coast international has failed to make an impact at the Etihad, scoring just 10 goals in 18 months at the club. The 27-year-old was in superb form at Swansea before his move to Manchester in January 2015 for £28m, netting 35 goals in 70 appearances for the Swans in all competitions. Bony scored just eight goals in 34 appearances for City last season, starting 18 … [Read more...]

Middlesbrough are trying to finalise a deal to bring back Valencia striker Alvaro Negredo to the Premier League on loan. The newly-promoted Teessiders are understood to have opened talks over the 30-year-old former Manchester City frontman as head coach Aitor Karanka looks to boost the firepower at his disposal in the Premier League. However, the negotiations are proving painstaking with Boro seeking an initial loan agreement without taking on full responsibility for the player’s existing financial package. Discussions are understood to … [Read more...]

Promising Colombian teenager Marlos Moreno is expected to complete a move to Premier League side Manchester City. Manchester City are "very close" to completing the signing of Colombia international Marlos Moreno, according to Atletico Nacional coach Reinaldo Rueda. Moreno has been heavily linked to City in recent weeks, with media reports on Monday suggesting a deal for the 19-year-old was all but wrapped up. The Atletico forward is one of the brightest young talents in South American football, showcased by his efforts at the Copa … [Read more...]

Following the arrival of Pep Guardiola to Manchester City, the future of midfield powerhouse Yaya Toure is in the air . After it emerged that Roberto Mancini wanted to link up with former player Yaya Toure, the Manchester City midfielder could be now heading to China. The Inter tactician remains a fan of the Ivory Coast international despite his advancing age, after the duo shared a successful period during their time together in Manchester. Following the arrival of Pep Guardiola to the Etihad Stadium, the future of the box-to-box … [Read more...]

After helping Italy to the quarter-final at the European Championship in France, Leonardo Bonucci is now expected to decide on his future at domestic level. With Manchester City interested in signing Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci, the Bianconeri will look to ward off interest by offering him an improved contract. Etihad officials are prepared to offer the 29-year-old a contract worth €8 million per season until 2021, which is more than twice his current salary that sees him earn €3.7m at the Bianconeri. Bonucci is a fan favourite … [Read more...]