Manchester City transfer news

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      Man City plan £50m transfer swoop for LaLiga star and Euros winner – six months after he snubbed Liverpool move

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      MANCHESTER CITY are planning a £50.3million January swoop for Martin Zubimendi — six months after he turned his back on Liverpool.The 25-year-old Real Sociedad midfielder was on Anfield’s summer hitlist  and was close to sealing a deal before a U-turn meant he stayed put.Martin Zubimendi has emerged as a transfer target for Man City in JanuaryCredit: GettySpain’s Euros winner also insisted last month he wanted to remain at boyhood club Sociedad, saying: “The best solution is staying. “I want to grow and develop here.”But sources insist Zubimendi has had a change of heart and is keen to play in the Premier League after all. And that has put City on high alert.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTheir failure to cope with the long-term absence of crocked Ballon d’Or winner Rodri continued with last night’s 2-1 defeat at Brighton — their fourth loss in a row. And Zubimendi — who came on for Rodri at half-time in Spain’s 2-1 Euros final win over England — would be an ideal replacement.Rodri, 28, is out for the season after rupturing his ACL during September’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal.The pair have played together for their nation, giving City the potential of a mouthwatering defensive midfield partnership when Rodri returns.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe release clause in Zubimendi’s contract would not be a problem, although manager Pep Guardiola was initially not keen on making any major moves in the January market.City’s injury pile-up and dismal form could signal a rethink, as Guardiola is equally reluctant to pile too much pressure on his younger players.Top 10 best paid managers in world as sacked Roberto Mancini is knocked off No1 spotOne potential stumbling block could be ongoing uncertainty about the Spaniard’s own future.There is still no sign of a definite decision over his plans beyond the summer. More

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      Pep Guardiola in feisty exchange with Brighton star after losing fourth game in a row for first time in 898-game career

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      PEP GUARDIOLA was embroiled in a heated exchange with Jan Paul van Hecke as he fell to a fourth defeat in a row for the first time in his career.Manchester City looked set to stop the rot going into the international break as Erling Haaland put them one goal up with a scruffy finish.Pep Guardiola was involved in a heated exchange with Jan Paul van HeckeCredit: GettyIt came as Man City lost 2-1 to BrightonCredit: GettyIt marked the first time Guardiola has lost four games on the spin in his 898-game managerial careerCredit: RexHowever, second half goals from Joao Pedro and Matt O’Riley compounded the reigning champions to another defeat.And after 898 games in his senior managerial career, it was the first time he has lost four on the spin.It was also the first time City as a club have lost four on the bounce since Stuart Pearce was in charge in August 2006.The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager was seen speaking to the Seagulls defender Van Hecke after the full-time whistle.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt came as the conversation saw Guardiola whisper something in the Dutchman’s ear.He and Van Hecke then refused to let go of one another hands as they initially attempted to walk away from each other, as their argument carried on.The argument seemed to come from a late altercation between Van Hecke and Haaland towards the end of the game.Van Hecke had pulled Haaland to the ground in the penalty area in injury time as the defender fell to the floor after he tried to shield Haaland away from the ball before it was collected by goalkeeper Bart Verburrgen.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe referee had awarded Haaland a yellow card for his heated reaction to the incident.The Norwegian saw a record of his own come crashing down, with this game being the first time he has lost when scoring in 46 matches.Furious Pep Guardiola lashes out and kicks chair with Man City stars fuming at Arsenal’s stunning equaliser More

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      New Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim makes ex-Man City star top transfer target with ace ‘on verge of leaving’ European giants

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      INCOMING Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim is reportedly lining up a move for former Manchester City defender Danilo.Amorim, who starts life at Old Trafford on Monday, could look to sign the Juventus centre-back as early as January.Ruben Amorim is keen on former City title winner DaniloCredit: ReutersDanilo is on the verge of leaving JuventusCredit: RexAmorim feels that Danilo could improve United defensively, according to a report from Juve Live.The 33-year-old star could prove to be a useful short-term acquisition for the Red Devils as they look to tighten up at the back.Danilo – who captains both Juventus and Brazil – is apparently on the verge of leaving Turin.This follows reports that Danilo’s agent has been reaching out to several clubs, including Amorim’s new club United.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe Brazilian defender’s contract with the Serie A giants expires next summer.But Thiago Motta’s side could be tempted to cash him in for a reasonable price in January.Otherwise, they could lose Danilo for free at the end of the season.His age doesn’t fit the strategy being imposed by Ineos, who are making strides to sign players under 25.Most read in FootballDanilo’s stats last seasonFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSUnited prioritised younger signings like Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and even Arsenal’s 16-year-oldstriker Chido Obi-Martin.But with United often suffering with injuries at the back, he could be a quality alternative and brings a wealth of dressing room knowledge.Manchester United Player Ratings: Post-Match Analysis (1)Danilo has proven Premier League experience – and under Pep Guardiola too.The veteran defender won two Prem titles with United’s fierce rivals City between 2017 and 2019.He also lifted two Champions League trophies with Real Madrid before joining City.After two years in the Prem, he joined then Serie A champs Juventus on a five-year deal worth £30m.Amorim will need all the help he can get when he takes over from interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy on November 11.The Red Devils have endured their worst-ever start to a Prem campaign, sitting 13th in the table. More

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      Jack Grealish at centre of club-versus-country row as England call-up leaves Pep Guardiola furious at Lee Carsley

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      JACK GREALISH is at the centre of a club-v-country row over his England call-up.Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is fuming with the FA and interim manager Lee Carsley for picking the £100million ace — who has not played since October 20 due to a groin injury.Jack Grealish with Man City boss Pep GuardiolaCredit: ReutersGrealish has been recalled by Lee CarsleyCredit: GettyThree Lions sources insist they were in regular contact with City medics and were assured he was available for the Nations League double-header.Carsley said Grealish, who misses City’s tea-time trip to Brighton today, returned to training this week — but Guardiola hit back: “It’s his decision.“It’s a question for the England manager, I’m not involved. They can select who they want. “All I’d say is the day after Wolves, he was injured — 17 days out and Friday was the first training with the team.READ MORE IN football “He trained 20 minutes. This is the reality. He was in the gym a few minutes, yes, the last two days. But for my team he’s not fit — he cannot play.“They can select who they want. Jack trained and believes he can help, so I’m not the guy to say you cannot go.“All I can say is that over two weeks he didn’t train but the people from England believe he can help. So go.”Guardiola was angry when John Stones played in the March internationals despite fitness fears.Most read in FootballSouthgate vs Tuchel records comparedTHOMAS TUCHELAugsburg II 2007-2008P34 W 20 D8 L6 Win percentage: 58.82%Mainz 05 2009-2014P184 W72 D46 L66 Win percentage: 39.13%Borussia Dortmund 2015-2017P107 W67 D23 L17 Win percentage: 62.62%Honours: DFB Pokal Paris Saint Germain 2018-2020P127 W95 D13 L16 Win percentage: 74.8%Honours: Ligue 1 X2, Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue, Trophee des Champions x2Chelsea 2021-2022P100 W60 D24 L16 Win percentage: 60%Honours: Champions League, Super Cup, Club World CupBayern Munich 2023-2024P61 W37 D8 L16 Win percentage: 60.66%Honours: BundesligaGARETH SOUTHGATEMiddlesbrough 2006-2009P151 W54 D43 Win percentage: 35.76%England U21 2013-2016P37 W27 D5 L5 Win percentage: 72.97%Honours: Toulon tournamentEngland 2016-2024P102 W61 D24 L17 Win percentage: 59.8%Honours: Euros runners up, 2020, 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSNow he is on a collision course with the FA again ahead of next week’s Greece and Republic of Ireland clashes.Pep is also unimpressed Grealish, 29, wants to go.Jack Grealish owes Trent Alexander-Arnold £500 as he’s made to regret wager within seconds during England clashHe said: “Have I spoken to him? Yes. He said, ‘I want to go to the national team’. Am I surprised? No.”Asked if it could help the forward get fit for a busy couple of months, Guardiola said: “Maybe. The manager from the UK will know better.“Our medical department haven’t told me they spoke with them.”But FA sources last night insisted there had been dialogue with City about Grealish’s availability before Thursday’s squad announcement.Guardiola also indicated he will not be signing a new deal in the international break.The last two times he has extended his stay, he has done so in November.But Pep said: “I said many times, I won’t talk about it. When it happens, it will happen.” More

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      Awkward moment Sky Sports pundits drenched and forced to run for cover after sprinkler gaffe on live TV

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      A SKY SPORTS presenter couldn’t resist joking as two pundits got a soaking – just as she had gleefully predicted.Caroline Barker’s pre-match analysis went beyond tactics when she took to the Etihad pitch with ex-Lionesses Steph Houghton and Izzy Christiansen.Houghton and Christiansen take evasive action after a belated Barker warningThe trio were discussing how Women’s Super League leaders Manchester City would fare against Tottenham on Friday night.But Barker suddenly spotted some ominous sprinklers springing into action behind the trio as they stood with their microphones.Pointing at the two ex-City stars, she smiled and told them: “You’re about to get soaked and I’m about to laugh.”Almost in the same breath, and just as the sprinklers took aim on their surprise new targets, Barker added: “There we go!”READ MORE TOP STORIESHoughton and Christiansen turned open-mouthed and moved as swiftly as they did at their peak of their playing careers – but this time to run for cover behind the Sky Sports table.Even the broadcaster joined in the fun at the duo’s expense.Sky noted on social media that the pair suffered “a surprise when one of the pitchside sprinklers attacked mid analysis!”Tottenham then faced an unwarranted torrent of their own – looking all over the place as City poured forward early on.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSKhadija Shaw bagged a double early on for Gareth Taylor’s team.Jill Roord’s thumping third goal in three games put City in command midway through the second half before Shaw completed her hat-trick in a 4-0 win.TV presenters Alex Scott and Jules Breach stun on red carpet for PFA awards night in daring outfitsFormer centre-back Houghton, 36, and ex-attacker Christiansen, 33, were each at the Etihad the last time City picked up the title.But that was way back in 2016.Chelsea have lifted every crown since then – bar Arsenal’ s 2018-19 triumph.But for Houghton such matters as titles are trivial compared to her husband’s battle with motor neurone disease.Former Liverpool, Bradford and Bolton defender Stephen Darby, 36, is now eating through a tube following a “life-changing” procedure.Steph told The Guardian it was the best thing for him during a “tough ride” and would allow him to relax a bit more. More

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      Brilliant moment Jack Grealish joins Aston Villa fans in Bruges pub on FaceTime after being dropped from Man City squad

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      JACK GREALISH was seen on FaceTime with Aston Villa fans after being left out of Manchester City’s Champions League squad.Villa and City were both in action this week in Europe, with Grealish’s old side taking on Club Brugge on Wednesday and his current taking on Sporting CP on Tuesday.Jack Grealish was seen on FaceTime with Aston Villa fansCredit: XIt came after he was left out of Man City’s team to face Sporting CPCredit: XGrealish was not present as Pep Guardiola’s team suffered a 4-1 defeat to the Portuguese side on Ruben Amorim’s final home game in charge before he takes over at Manchester United.However, the 29-year-old opted to spend some of the evening on FaceTime with fans of his former club.A video shared to social media showed Grealish on a video call with Villa fans following their game in Bruges, where they lost 1-0 following an inexplicable handball from Tyrone Mings.But seeing Grealish on the phone while they were in the pub seemed to brighten their spirits.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey were heard chanting about Grealish during the call.It went: “Take me on up to the spirit in the sky. “It’s where I want to go when I die. “When I die and they lay me to rest, I’m going to go on the p*** with Jack Grealish.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSGrealish was expected to be out of action until after the international break.But earlier today he was named in Lee Carsley’s final England squad before Thomas Tuchel takes over the team.Jack Grealish owes Trent Alexander-Arnold £500 as he’s made to regret wager within seconds during England clashGrealish has had a stop-start season after missing out on Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions squad for Euro 2024.He has made 10 appearances and has two assists to his name, but is yet to score.The defeats in the Champions League this week were the first for both Villa and City in the competition this season.This weekend Man City pay a visit to Brighton, while Unai Emery’s Villa are away at league leaders Liverpool. More

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      Jack Grealish tipped for stunning return to former club as ‘very good friend’ says ‘it would have to be right for him’

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      JACK GREALISH has been tipped to make a shock return to Aston Villa.The 29-year-old swapped his boyhood club for Manchester City in a £100million deal back in 2021.Jack Grealish has been tipped to leave City for VillaCredit: ReutersHenri Lansbury reckons Grealish will one day look to return to Villa ParkCredit: GettySince joining Pep Guardiola’s side, Grealish has won three Premier League titles, the FA Cup and the Champions League.But a difficult season last term saw him fail to land a spot in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2024.He has also struggled to nail down a spot in the City side this season, being named in the starting XI just six times amid injury issues.Grealish’s “very good friend” and former team-mate Henri Lansbury reckons he could benefit by moving back to Villa.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said at the launch of Ladbrokes’ Gaffer of all Accas: “The Man City move was an unreal one for Jack. He deserves every bit of success. “But now that he is there, you can’t forget you’re putting him in a team where, whoever they are coming up against, they are putting 11 men and their dog behind the ball. “When he was in the Villa team, it was a case of ‘give it to Jack’ and let him do his thing. “It’s a totally different thing for him now, but I think he’s been fantastic. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I am honestly so happy for him. He is one of the nicest kids you will ever meet, and he’s also a very good friend of mine. “But this is just a totally different playing style under Guardiola. Jack Grealish owes Trent Alexander-Arnold £500 as he’s made to regret wager within seconds during England clash”You see him do bits here and there, and he will still get assists and goals, but I’m sure he will want to do more himself. “In terms of an Aston Villa return… I think it’s something he would want to do.”But it would have to be when the time is right for him.”It remains to be seen whether Grealish will one day return to Villa Park and whether they could afford him after PSR battles in the summer.But it might not take much to convince him to come home as they are currently flying high in the Premier League and Champions League under Unai Emery. More

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      Sporting Lisbon 4 Man City 1: Ruben Amorim produces tactical masterclass to make huge statement ahead of Man Utd move

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      THEY’LL be rolling out the red carpet for Ruben Amorim in Manchester on Monday now.And they should be having a whip round at Old Trafford to get Viktor Gyokeres to follow him to Old Trafford as soon as possible.Ruben Amorim said farewell to Sporting fans ahead of joining Manchester UnitedCredit: AFPGoal machine Viktor Gyokeres was on the scoresheet again with a clever finish over EdersonCredit: ReutersMaximiliano Araujo put Sporting ahead after a brilliant team move just seconds into the second-halfCredit: AFPGyokeres made it 3-1 from the spotCredit: RexErling Haaland saw a penalty hit the barCredit: ReutersGyokeres completed his hat-trick with another coolly dispatched penCredit: ReutersTogether they produced the ultimate fairytale farewell to the Jose Alvalade Stadium for the United-bound boss.What an extraordinary way to endear himself to his new fans.His team inflicted a first Champions League defeat in 90 minutes on Pep Guardiola’s mighty Manchester City since May 2022 – 32 matches ago.Not to mention the heaviest loss in any competition in over four years for the ‘noisy neighbours’.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIf this is the kind of entertainment that is heading for the Theatre of Dreams, then fasten your seatbelts.Gyokeres got a hat-trick – including two penalties – to enhance his reputation as one of the hottest properties in Europe.He could have had more too and looks exactly what goal-shy United need right now.  They say if you can’t be a good manager then be a lucky one – and Amorim certainly had his share of good fortune.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSCity bossed the first-half and should have been out of sight – while Erling Haaland also uncharacteristically missed a second-half pen.But credit to Amorim and his team for hanging in there and then hitting the English champs with some stunning breakaways.New Man Utd manager Ruben Amorim in awkward interview with reporter The manager was given a huge ovation by the crowd before kick-off – while a huge banner showed the trophies he has won and simply said “thank you”.Yet he had expressed his worries before kick-off that the emotion of the last week might affect his players.And sure enough they began nervously despite their excellent start to the season and fell behind within four minutes.Keeper Franco Israel rolled a pass to Hidemasa Morita who didn’t look best pleased when he was dispossessed in the blink of an eye by Foden.The England ace took a couple more touches before thumping a shot past the Sporting keeper – who might be disappointed not to keep it out.Foden has now scored in eight of his last nine appearances in this competition and seems to be going through the gears after a slow start to the season.Yet the home side could have levelled within a couple of minutes as Gyokeres nipped in ahead of Rico Lewis and raced through on goal from his own half.The in-form former Coventry man never looked confident though as Ederson stood up to him and his chipped effort was weak.Back at the other end, Haaland saw one chance clawed away by Israel and blazed another wide after a delightful pass from Matheus Nunes.The Norwegian was getting plenty of opportunities and saw a looping header hoofed off the line before Israel flung himself to keep out a volley.Haaland was being made to wait for his 45th goal in this competition – but you know with him it wont be long.Stand-in skipper Bernardo Silva latched onto a cheeky back-heel from Foden but steered his shot just past the post.Sporting have won all ten of their domestic league games this season and were neck-and-neck with City in the table.City should have been out of sight given their chance – they weren’t though – and were made to pay shortly before the break.Geovany Quenda found Gyokeres and this time he held off teenage defender Jahmai Simpson-Pusey before clipping home his shot.The Swedish forward – who now has 25 goals this season for club and country – is a huge cult figure in Lisbon and the fans went wild.Don’t be surprised if a bid comes in from Old Trafford before long.As the home fans celebrated, Amorim called a quartet of players over to dish out some tactical advice. No sign of him clocking off early.He can clearly give a half-time team talk too as his side came roaring out for the second-half.Just 19 seconds after the restart the home side were ahead as Pedro Goncalves threaded a pass to Max Araujo whose shot went straight through Ederson.Sporting fans unveiled a huge tifo to say goodbye to AmorimCredit: TNT SPORTSThe home fans were still celebrating as Josko Gvardiol lost the ball on the left and then upended Francisco Trincao.It was a clear penalty and Gyokeres did the rest – sending the City keeper the wrong way with an emphatic spot-kick.City were shell-shocked as they faced up to the prospect of losing three games in a row for the first time in six years.They got a lifeline midway through the second-half as Silva’s shot hit the arm of Ousmane Diomande.After a long VAR check a penalty was given and after an even longer wait, Haaland hammered his spot-kick against the bar.It was clearly Amorim’s night – and not City’s.And that much was clear as former Sporting star Nunes shoved over Geny Catamo in the box to earn the third pen of the night.READ MORE SUN STORIESGyokeres kept his cool and rattled in from the spot again to spark more bedlam and complete his hat-trick.Welcome to Manchester, Ruben Amorim.Phil Foden opened the scoring after just four minutesCredit: Getty More