Manchester City are on the brink of a famous transfer window, but there is much to be done ahead of the Premier League season starting up next month.
The Sky Blues have already snapped up Brazilian prospects Kayky and Metinho from Fluminense, and, of more significance, they are pushing to sign Jack Grealish and Harry Kane.
City are willing to stump up £100million to land England playmaker Grealish, but Aston Villa are understandably desparate to keep hold of their captain and have opened talks over a new contract.
The latest reports suggest Etihad chiefs will need to complete the deal sooner rather than later, or else risk missing out on Grealish.
Monday’s Manchester City round-up also brings you news of Pep Guardiola’s transfer priorities and a £52million defender linked with a move to Inter Milan.
City receive Grealish warning
Manchester City will need to sign Jack Grealish this summer – or they may be forced to wait for two years to lure the Englishman to the Etihad, according to reports.
City are expected to table a £100million bid to land Grealish before the transfer window shuts, but Aston Villa have taken decisive action by opening contract talks with their captain.
The 25-year-old only signed a new five-year deal last September and a contract extension would further strengthen Villa’s position.
In fact, Midlands-based journalist Luke Hatfield claims Grealish penning a new deal with his boyhood club could prevent him leaving until at least 2023.
Discussing Grealish, Hatfield told Thisisfutbol : “There’s new deal talk coming from Villa’s end. If that happens, you can basically rub off any idea of a move happening this summer and potentially next.
“But the key for Villa and Grealish is can they keep on improving because he’s clearly a player who is incredibly gifted and worthy of playing in the Champions League and cup finals.”
Guardiola targeting three transfers
(Image: Getty)
As well as pursuing Jack Grealish, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola aims to strengthen his side with three more signings this summer.
Speaking on Reach PLC’s Transfer Window podcast, signings expert Ian McGarry outlined Guardiola’s hopes of signing a centre-forward, centre-back and left-back.
The Sky Blues lost their all-time record goalscorer, Sergio Aguero, this summer and left-back has been a weakness in the squad for many seasons.
More surprising is the fact that Guardiola is targeting a central defender, but McGarry claims the City boss is still not entirely convinced by John Stones, while Aymeric Laporte is heavily linked with an exit.
Milan giants monitoring Mendy
(Image: Manchester City FC via Getty Ima)
Speaking of Manchester City’s weakness at left-back, the club are willing to let injury-prone Benjamin Mendy depart this summer.
And Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport claims Mendy has emerged on Inter Milan’s radar as they look to bolster their options following Ashley Young’s departure.
The 26-year-old managed just 13 Premier League appearances last season and has been plagued by injuries since his £52million arrival from Monaco in 2017.
But that has not put off Inter, who are keen to strengthen as they prepare to defend their Serie A crown.
