Manchester City transfer news

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      Man City ‘launch £82m Jose Gimenez transfer bid but Atletico Madrid demand entire £111m release clause for defender’

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      MANCHESTER CITY have reportedly launched an £82million bid for Atletico Madrid star Jose Gimenez.
      Pep Guardiola is keen to add another centre-back to his squad after landing Nathan Ake earlier in the window.

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      Jose Gimenez is highly rated in Spain after signing for Atletico Madrid in 2013Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      The lack of a top-class centre-back alongside Aymeric Laporte was often described as one of City’s biggest issues last season.
      And reports in Spain suggest Gimenez, 25, has been identified as the man to fill that hole at Etihad Stadium.
      According to AS, City have offered £82m plus £4.5m in add-ons for the defender.

      However, Atletico are said to be demanding the player’s full £111m release clause.
      The two clubs negotiated over a similar deal last season, which saw defensive midfielder Rodri trade Madrid for Manchester.
      On that occasion, Atleti failed to convince their man to stay but did get the full buyout stipulated in his contract.
      Both Gimenez and his club are said to be tempted by City’s proposal.

      The Uruguayan was relegated to the bench at times during last season, but finished strongly as Atletico comfortably bagged third in LaLiga.

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      But the opportunity to play in the Premier League has previously been talked up by Gimenez.
      He even suggested earlier in the summer that a move to Chelsea would interest him, before the Blues snapped up Thiago Silva.
      Atletico are also reportedly pondering the sale, given their financial difficulties amid the coronavirus pandemic.

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      Gimenez is not expected to push for a move and is reportedly happy in Spain, having signed from Danubio in 2013.
      City have also been linked with Kalidou Koulibaly throughout the summer.
      Napoli remain staunch in their £70m demands for the centre-back and Oleksandr Zinchenko’s agent has talked up the chances of the left-back being involved in a player-plus-cash deal.

      17-year-old Man City wonder kid Charlie McNeill shows off his talents on the pitch More

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      Man City defender Angelino hits back at troll’s jibe over lack of playing time after rejoining RB Leipzig on-loan

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      MANCHESTER CITY defender Angelino retaliated after an Instagram troll teased him about his lack of playing time.
      The 23-year-old has rejoined RB Leipzig on loan for the 2020-21 season.

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      Angelino replied to an Instagram toll who said he was ‘not good enough’Credit: Rex Features

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      He impressed with the German side in the second half of last season – helping them reach the Champions League semi-finals.
      And he did not hesitate to defend himself when a City fan suggested he flopped at The Etihad because he was ‘not good enough’.
      Replying to a comment on the social media site, Angelino said: “haha great banter… can’t perform playing 1 game a month.”

      The full-back accompanied his reply with a laughing emoji as he stood up for himself online.
      It is believed his new Leipzig loan deal includes the obligation for the German club to buy him for £16million.
      But the clause will only be triggered if he makes 12 appearances, five of which must be in the second half of the season.
      He played 18 times in his last spell, and kicked off the new campaign on Saturday by featuring in the 3-0 win against Nurnberg in the DFB Pokal.

      City bought the left-back from PSV for £10.8m in 2019 but could be set to cash in at the end of the season.

      Man City’s owners have added a tenth club to their stable after buying Troyes

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      The Spaniard made just 15 appearances for City before departing for Leipzig for the first time at the start of 2020.
      And it appears he does not have a role in Pep Guardiola’s future plans and is unlikely to add to his tally.
      Angleino told Leipzig’s website: “I’m delighted to be staying in Leipzig and that we carry on our journey together.
      “My first six months with RBL have been amazing; I got lots of game time straightaway and I really like the coach and the team’s approach. 
      “We also had really successful Bundesliga and Champions League campaigns. I’m very much looking forward to the future and lots more success.”

      17-year-old Man City wonder kid Charlie McNeill shows off his talents on the pitch More

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      Man City star Zinchenko’s agent confirms he would be open to discussing Napoli transfer as part of Koulibaly deal

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      OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO’S agent confirmed the Manchester City ace would be open to being part of a swap deal for Kalidou Koulibaly.
      Pep Guardiola has already brought in one centre-back this summer with Nathan Ake arriving from Bournemouth.

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      Oleksandr Zinchenko could be used as part of a transfer deal as Manchester City eye Kalidou KoulibalyCredit: Reuters

      But he is still keen to get another through the door at the Etihad before the transfer window closes – with Napoli ace Koulibaly a long-term target.
      The Senegal star would reportedly cost around £63million but reports suggest City may try and use Zinchenko as a makeweight in any deal.
      And the Ukranian’s agent, Alan Prudnikov, told Radio Marte: “Zinchenko in the Koulibaly negotiation? He is on the radar of Naples, three years ago there were meetings.

      “But for this, we have to ask Koulibaly’s agent, of whom we have the utmost respect as well as the Manchester City management. 
      “What if City called me to include Zinchenko in the negotiation? If it were to do so, we would listen to Napoli’s proposal and try to see what to do.”
      Zinchenko, 23, has proved a versatile player under Guardiola, regularly playing at left-back with Benjamin Mendy’s injury woes – although he prefers to play further forward in midfield.
      He has previously been linked with Napoli, most notably in 2018 as City eyed Jorginho, now of Chelsea.

      He stayed put at the Etihad and made a total of 25 appearances last season, adding another Carabao Cup to his extensive trophy cabinet.

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      NINTCHDBPICT000607811708Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      But Prudnikov added a move to Italy should not be ruled out – especially while Cristiano Ronaldo is still playing there.
      He continued: “Zinchenko in the past near Napoli? In hindsight, we can say that staying in Manchester City was the right choice.
      “We are grateful to Guardiola for the chance he gave the boy to develop and play. Zinchenko renewed last summer with City and is focused on the English club, he wants to win many trophies.
      “With Guardiola, he plays at full-back, but he can do at least four roles and today he is focused on City, but in football never say never.
      “One day it would be nice to beat Ronaldo in Serie A, but it is necessary that Cristiano does not retire also because at the moment Zinchenko’s future is at City.”

      Kalidou Koulibaly scores brace for Napoli vs Chievo in Serie A More

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      Man City and West Ham send transfer scouts to watch non-league star Courtney Clarke, dubbed ‘young Patrick Vieira’

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      MANCHESTER CITY and West Ham believe they may have unearthed a ‘young Patrick Vieira’.
      Both Premier League clubs sent scouts to watch non-league ace Courtney Clarke, according to The Telegraph.

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      Pep Guardiola could make a transfer swoop from non-leagueCredit: PA:Press Association
      Clarke, 17, plays for Whyteleafe FC in Croydon.
      The midfielder has caught the eye after featuring regularly in senior football for the side in the Isthmian League.
      And comparisons have been made with Arsenal legend and former City player Vieira thanks to his marauding box-to-box style.

      Any potential transfer would be a big step up from the eighth tier of the football pyramid.

      But Clarke has also been monitored by Brighton, Millwall and Charlton.
      The teenager could be a cut-price addition for The Hammers.
      David Moyes’ side are looking to keep costs down amid the coronavirus pandemic.
      And Clarke could be brought into their Under-23s set-up as they plan for the future.

      The club sold youth product Grady Diangana to West Brom for £18million and hope to reinvest the funds into their squad.
      But the sale of the exciting 22-year-old went down like a lead balloon with fans fuming and captain Mark Noble publicly saying he was ‘gutted angry and sad’.
      Things went from bad to worse for the East London side over the weekend after they were smashed 5-3 at home by relegated Bournemouth in a pre-season friendly.

      Ian Abrahams questions West Ham’s ‘perplexing’ decision to sell fan favourite Grady Diangana More

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      Man City see £62m transfer bid plus bonuses for Chelsea target Jose Gimenez rejected by Atletico Madrid

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      MANCHESTER CITY had a £62million bid for Chelsea target Jose Gimenez rejected by Atletico Madrid, according to reports.
      Pep Guardiola’s side are still thought to be on the hunt for another new centre-back this summer.

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      Jose Gimenez was the subject of a £62m bid from Manchester City but Atletico Madrid rejected the offerCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      But according to La Gazzetta dello Sport reporter Alfredo Pedulla, their approach for Gimenez was snubbed.
      It is thought City offered an initial £62m for the Uruguayan defender, 25, but with added bonuses.
      However, Atleti are keen to keep their star defender who is the third captain behind Koke and Jan Oblak.

      It is reported he has a £109m release clause in his contract which still has three years left to run.

      Chelsea did express an interest in signing him and have even sent scouts to watch him in action for his country.
      Gimenez opened the door to a move to Stamford Bridge by openly declaring his appreciation for the club and boss Frank Lampard.
      Speaking in an interview with LaLiga, he said: “I would have liked to play with Lampard.
      “I always used to watch Chelsea as a kid, loved them.”

      Gimenez signed from Danubio in his homeland in 2013 for around £800,000 and has made 191 appearances for the Rojiblancos.
      The Etihad club are hoping to bolster their defensive options despite already spending £40m on Nathan Ake with Eric Garcia set to quit next summer.
      Kalidou Koulibaly remains a target – and would cost around the same as Gimenez – but negotiations with Napoli are proving difficult due to the clubs’ strained relationship following the Jorginho saga in 2018.

      Nathan Ake post emotional video to Bournemouth fans after completing move to Man City More

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      Lionel Messi’s Man City transfer could be in jeopardy over ‘superclub pact’ to not aggressively pursue Barcelona rebel

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      LIONEL MESSI could be left in limbo because of a ‘superclub pact’ to avoid aggressive tactics over transfers.
      Manchester City are the favourites to sign the wantaway Barcelona star, which would see a reunion with former boss Pep Guardiola.

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      Lionel Messi could be left out in the cold as clubs rein in their spendingCredit: AFP OR LICENSORS
      French champs Paris Saint-Germain are also in the hunt for the six-time Ballon d’Or winner.
      But according to Marca, Europe’s top clubs have ‘an agreement to avoid aggressive tactics’.
      And with City and PSG having both been investigated by the Court of Arbitration for Sport over Financial Fair Play in the past, it could mean Messi is out in the cold.

      The Messi saga took a stunning turn earlier today when his father and agent Jorge said the player is considering staying at Barcelona for one more year.

      Messi reportedly has a £623million contract offer to join Manchester City this summer.
      But after a “very good” meeting with the club bosses, his father admitted he could see out his contract in Spain.
      Jorge was asked whether there was a possibility of the Argentine ace staying at the Nou Camp.
      He simply replied: “Yes.”

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      Pep Guardiola is eager for a reunion with Messi at Manchester CityCredit: Handout – Getty

      When asked how the meeting with Josep Maria Bartomeu went, he said: “Very good.”
      The 33-year-old’s situation appears to have taken a huge U-turn after his dad allegedly told the club president: “My son isn’t staying.”
      Jorge flew by private jet from his home in Rosario, Argentina, to Spain for showdown talks with Barcelona chiefs.
      The discussion earlier this week lasted around 90 minutes – and they were not able to reach an agreement.
      Messi demanded to leave the club on a free after he handed in his transfer request.
      BARCA READY TO GO TO COURT
      The Argentina international called for the club to activate the clause in his contract that allowed him to leave for nothing.
      But the Spanish giants insisted the clause had expired – and that he could only leave if his £629m buy-out clause was met.
      Barcelona have vowed to take their all-time top scorer to court if he leaves the club for free.

      Lionel Messi’s dad Jorge confirms for first time son is considering staying at Barcelona after positive talks with club More

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      How Man City will line up with Lionel Messi: Five ways star fits into Pep Guardiola’s system amid £623m transfer talk

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      MANCHESTER CITY could pull off one of the most incredible signings of all time if they land Lionel Messi.
      The Barcelona great, 33, is on the verge of an astonishing exit from the club he joined almost 20 years ago.

      Messi’s dad Jorge met with Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu on Wednesday for showdown talks where he reportedly told the club chief: “My son isn’t staying.”
      But Messi Sr did offer a suggestion there was still a possibility of the Barca captain remaining at the Nou Camp.
      He simply replied to reporters: “Yes.”
      When asked how the meeting with Bartomeu went, he added: “Very good.”

      However, should Messi Jr get his way and force an exit, the Etihad side are in pole position to land the Argentine – with reports of a £623million offer on the table for him.
      The five-year deal would make Messi the highest-paid individual in the history of the sport – equating to £14,200 an hour, £341,000 per day, £2.4m every week and a whopping £10.4m per month.
      So should City sign the six-time Ballon d’Or winner, Pep Guardiola will have to work out the best way to fit him into his system… or fit his system around the icon.
      And the Spaniard has plenty of star talent already at his disposal…

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      This could be a familiar sight for Manchester City fans next season with Messi lining up in the sky blue at the Etihad

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      4-3-3 (Messi out wide)
      The most likely option (above) could see a standard back five of Ederson in goal, Kyle Walker, summer-signing Nathan Ake, Aymeric Laporte and Benjamin Mendy.
      Rodri may sit at the base of the midfield with Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden pushing on and a devastating front three of Messi on the right, Sergio Aguero through the middle and Raheem Sterling on the left.
      That would allow Messi to operate in the role he has caused so much damage from over the years, especially since Luis Suarez’s arrival at the Nou Camp.
      4-3-3 (Messi up front)

      A similar option for Guardiola that would allow him to keep his favoured 4-3-3 formation could see Messi played as the central striker – or the false No9 as he mastered under his former boss at Barca.
      That would mean Aguero dropped out and Riyad Mahrez takes the right-wing spot while Fernandinho could be brought in for Rodri in midfield.
      4-4-2

      A slightly rogue option – maybe one for the Carabao Cup – could see City line up in a 4-4-2 formation.
      A changed-up defence may give a chance for Joao Cancelo, John Stones, Nicolas Otamendi – or Eric Garcia – and Oleksandr Zinchenko.
      Mahrez and Sterling offer pace on the wings while De Bruyne or Foden and Rodri can operate in midfield together.
      That would free up Argentina team-mates Messi and Aguero to start together as a front two causing any centre-back pairing nightmares.
      4-2-3-1

      With a return to the regular back four, De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan may get the nod to operate as a two in midfield together.
      Even with Leroy Sane sold to Bayern Munich, there are plenty of other options out wide with Bernardo Silva and new-boy Ferran Torres brought into the side.
      Aguero’s understudy Gabriel Jesus could lead the line and allow Messi to operate in the No10 role pulling the strings with plenty of pace around him.
      3-5-2

      Should Guardiola want to really shake things up with a back three, he certainly has the tools at his disposal to do so.
      There are plenty of options for the three centre-backs, including Fernandinho who slotted in with ease throughout last season.
      Walker and Mendy are the perfect wing-backs in the modern game and either Gundogan or Rodri could be the most defensive of the midfielders.
      De Bruyne and Messi – just like David Silva for many years – would be pretty unstoppable linking up in between the lines while Sterling could move centrally to partner Aguero up front.

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      Sergio Ramos warns Lionel Messi he is going about Barcelona exit in wrong way and wants him to stay at Barcelona More

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      Lionel Messi transfer fee to Man City could be just £88.8m with Barcelona star set for more talks with dad Jorge today

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      LIONEL MESSI could be available for just £88MILLION as he gets set for further talks with his father and agent Jorge over his Barcelona future.
      The football world was stunned when the 33-year-old slapped in a transfer request with the Catalans.

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      Lionel Messi will have further talks with his dad Jorge over his Barcelona futureCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Now, The Telegraph is reporting that potential suitors, with Manchester City the favourites, could bag the little magician for just £88m.
      Messi’s team are using Cristiano Ronaldo’s move for the same price from Real Madrid to Juventus in the summer of 2018 as the “benchmark”.
      They also believe Barca finances being hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic means fees cannot be over-inflated.

      Messi’s father Jorge, who is also his agent, flew in for a crisis meeting with Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu on Wednesday.

      Talks lasted 90 minutes and the two sides are still poles apart.
      The Argentine, 33, wants to join Manchester City and Messi Sr yesterday claimed: “It is difficult for Leo to stay.”
      Messi no longer considers himself a Barcelona player after faxing a transfer request last month.
      But the Nou Camp club insist he is still under contract and on strike after refusing to train.

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      Jorge Messi arrived in Barcelona on Wednesday to discuss his son’s future with Barcelona chiefsCredit: Reuters

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      The six-time Ballon d’Or winner has handed in a transfer request at BarcelonaCredit: Manu Fernandez

      A £623million buyout clause in his contract is a huge stumbling block to any move.
      He is now locked in dispute with the Spanish giants after claiming that a release clause in his contract allows him to quit for nothing with immediate effect.
      Nou Camp officials believe the stipulation expired on June 10, with the Argentine superstar under contract until the summer of 2021.
      And LaLiga have backed the Catalan giants, insisting Messi’s €700millon (£629m) buy-out clause is still valid.
      CITY DEAL DONE?
      The fallout from the transfer saga has led to Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu facing calls from fans to step down.
      News coming out of Spain on Wednesday night reported that Messi had agreed financial terms on a five-year contract worth a total of €700m (£623m) with Manchester City.
      According to Record Sport, the incredible deal would make the Argentina captain the highest-paid individual in the history of the sport.
      It equates to £14,200 an hour, £341,000 per day, £2.4m every week and a whopping £10.4m per month.
      Messi is set to spend three seasons at the Etihad before joining City Football Group’s (CFG) Major League Soccer side New York City FC for two years.

      Lionel Messi’s future still up in air after dad’s talks with Barcelona chief end in stalemate More