Manchester City transfer news

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Man City vs Tottenham: Back our 8/1 Bet Builder predictions and get £50 in free bets with Betfred

      by

      THE Premier League returns and Pep Guardiola will be hoping his side’s winning mentality does too when Tottenham visit Manchester City on Saturday.Our team of betting experts have selected a Bet Builder for the massive top-flight encounter, which Betfred have priced up at a generous 8/1.Not just that! New Betfred customers who register an account with Betfred and stake a tenner on football will receive £50 in sports free bets!Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim..Betfred welcome offerVisit the Betfred website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: BETFRED50Deposit £10 using a Debit CardPlace your first bet of £10 or more on any qualifying Sportsbook markets, at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that bet has settled, Betfred will credit your account with £50 in Free BetsBetfred: Get your £50 in free bets – Claim here*Man City vs Tottenham tipsOur Bet Builder selections: Manchester City to win, over 4.5 goals in game and Kevin de Bruyne to score – ADD TO YOUR BET SLIP HERE!Back our 8/1 Bet BuilderHere’s why we’ve made those selections..Manchester City to win: Hard to believe this is a dodgy pick but that’s probably what it is at the moment. As good a time as any for Spurs to visit but you know it can turn at any moment. Can get back to winning ways here.Over 4.5 goals: A mammoth 17 goals scored in last three league games at Etihad and both sides are struggling to keep ball out their own net. Bets form of defence is attack and they both can do that. Could be thrilling.Kevin de Bruyne to score: On road back from injury and clocked minimal minutes on international duty. Not sure he’ll be thrown in from the start here but City need a spark from somewhere and he can provide it, from the start or the bench.Back our 8/1 Bet BuilderSAFER GAMBLING WEEK – FIND OUT MORE HERERemember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk*New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply. More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘North vs South match could be huge positive for English game’ as Premier League considers holding matches in the US

      by

      A NORTH vs South match could be a huge positive for English football, says a football investment expert.It was an idea mooted by Todd Boehly two years ago, not long after he took control of Chelsea.The Big Six already compete in the Summer Series friendlies in the USBoehly stated at the time that he wanted the Premier League to “take a little bit of a lesson from American sports” and questioned why there was not an All-Star game.A YouGov poll found most fans opposed the idea of such a match, though younger fans supported it, but investment specialist Adam Sommerfeld believes it could benefit the Premier League.He suggests US investment, which already has a stronghold in the Prem, could enhance the English game and improve its entertainment product.Sommerfeld told SunSport: “Some of the things they would bring to the game could be necessary changes or enhancements to the game.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”A North vs South game, an All-Star game, why is it so bad? It’s just more entertainment, it’s something different. “We are in this attention economy, it’s a better and improved entertainment product so I don’t see it as a bad thing at all.”Those discussions are taking place (to have a Prem match in the US). We’ve seen from the NFL, NBA, MLB coming to London, these are big showcases, they are great events and they help promote that game.”I don’t think it’s the worst thing. I think it’s quite exciting, I think the fans would travel. We’ve seen from games in Europe that fans like the away day.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I don’t think that’s the worst thing at all.”LaLiga president Javier Tebas said there are plans to hold a league match in the US as early as the 2025-26 season, to build LaLiga’s brand in the American market.Every Premier League club’s most famous and also most surprising fanCrossing the pond for pre-season friendlies has already become a regular fixture for several English clubs, even League One side Wrexham thanks to the popularity of documentary ‘Welcome to Wrexham’.TV executives are keen for a Prem game to be played in the US and the idea has received support from Liverpool chairman Tom Werner and London mayor Sadiq Khan.Werner told the Financial Times: “I’m determined one day to have a Premier League game be played in New York City.”I even have the sort of crazy idea that there would be a day where we play one game in Tokyo, one game a few hours later in Los Angeles, one game a few hours later in Rio, one game a few hours later in Riyadh and make it sort of a day where football, where the Premier League, is celebrated.” More

    • 200 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Top tips for Score Predictor Matchweek 12 – play now and compete for £250 weekly prize!

      by

      SCORE PREDICTOR returns with Matchweek 12 coming in hot.As usual, it’s free to play with a £250 cash prize for the weekly winner so there’s no reason to shy away.Play Score Predictor now!Credit: Dream TeamSimply submit your predictions for the five selected Premier League games and earn points for the accuracy of your forecast as the action unfolds.If you amass the most points then – cha ching – you’ll pocket the cash!Allow us to present some key stats and facts for each relevant fixture this Matchweek.Arsenal v Nottingham ForestThis was a relatively straightforward match-up to predict in recent seasons but Forest are a different beast this term.Nuno Espirito Santo’s mob are currently fifth in the table, level with the Gunners on 19 points.Only Liverpool have conceded fewer league goals than Forest at this stage while only Erling Haaland is clear of Chris Wood in the Golden Boot race.Mikel Arteta’s troops will certainly be wary of an upset having only won one of their last five outings in all competitions; and that a victory over Championship side Preston in the Carabao Cup.Most read in FootballWhat’s more, Forest boast the second-best away record in the top flight having gone unbeaten on the road since the start of the campaign.There’s a chance Arsenal will have reset during the international break but all signs point to a very competitive game at the Emirates this Saturday.Our Prediction: 1-1 drawForest have already won at Anfield this seasonCredit: GettyManchester City v TottenhamProbably the standout match-up of Matchweek 12.Pep Guardiola suffered a fourth consecutive defeat for the first time in his managerial career when his side fell to Brighton prior to the break.It would be quite something if that run were to extend to five but certainly not inconceivable given the opposition.Spurs have been a bogey team for the decorated tactician in recent years although his woes have generally stemmed from North London – City’s home record remains imperious.Ange Postecoglou’s side are difficult to pin down this season.They’re the league’s top scorers but inconsistent form, typified by their loss to Ipswich last time out, has them tenth in the standings.These sides rank first and second for total shots in the Premier League this season and with vulnerabilities in both defences it could be an entertaining contest – a tough one to predict though.Our Prediction: 2-2 drawScore PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOWSouthampton v LiverpoolIf the first two match-ups are tantalisingly poised, this one appears relatively simple.With Saints pinned to the bottom of the table and the Reds leading the way at the top, this is a huge mismatch on paper.Arne Slot may have one eye on Real Madrid in midweek but it’s surely a question of how many for the visitors on Sunday?Our Prediction: 4-0 to LiverpoolSouthampton will be up against it this weekendCredit: GettyIpswich v Manchester UnitedThe Red Devils once beat the Tractor Boys 9-0 under Alex Ferguson’s watch but that was a long time ago.After an underwhelming start to the campaign that proved to be the end of Erik ten Hag, Man United are just four places above Ipswich in the table at present.Although the East Anglians were made to wait until November 10th for their first Premier League since promotion.The primary talking point about this game revolves around Ruben Amorim with the Portuguese tactician set to take charge of his first game as head coach of the 20-time champions.Score Predictors will have to ask themselves how much they believe in the concept of a new manager bounce.Only Everton, Crystal Palace and Southampton have scored fewer league goals than Man United this term but there were signs of an upturn prior to the break.Our Prediction: 3-1 to Manchester UnitedA trip to Portman represents a relatively favourable start for Amorim on paperCredit: GettyNewcastle v West HamOptimism has been restored at St James’ Park this month following back-to-back wins over Arsenal and high-flying Forest.After a somewhat subdued start to the campaign, Alexander Isak is now bang in form having scored in four consecutive games – the Swedish striker will fancy his chances of extending his streak on Monday night.In contrast, patience is running thin among Hammers fans in regards to Julen Lopetegui’s tenure.West Ham failed to score in either of the last two outings (against Forest and Everton) and have been rendered relatively toothless by Mohammed Kudus’ lengthy suspension.Having been 3-1 down in the 76th minute, Harvey Barnes inspired Newcastle to a 4-3 win over West Ham in the corresponding fixture last season but it should be a more straightforward task for the hosts this time around.Our Prediction: 2-0 to NewcastleREAD MORE SUN STORIESThink you know better? You’re almost certainly right!Play Score Predictor now and put yourself in contention for the £250 weekly prize.BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

    • 250 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      I got a doctorate in biomechanics after average football career, now I want to follow Wenger’s footsteps in the Prem

      by

      REGIS LE BRIS revealed Arsene Wenger’s early work inspired him to become a boss.The Frenchman has guided Sunderland to the top of the Championship as they chase a return to the Prem following their relegation in 2017.Regis Le Bris has left the Black Cats eyeing promotion to the PremCredit: RexArsene Wenger taught his fellow Frenchman well at MonacoCredit: RexLe Bris, 48, grew up in Brittany and had an unremarkable career as a defender in France.But he knew he wanted to coach after studying Arsenal legend Wenger during his seven years at Monaco from 1987.Saluting the 75-year-old’s Monte Carlo masterclass, Le Bris said: “I really liked Monaco under Arsene Wenger. I wasn’t really a fan but when I was young I liked this team and  his style.“If a player, team or manager had a specific style, I liked analysing the way that they played, their personality . . . there was something different.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“It was new — with many young players and  a proactive style of play.“I was young, so it was difficult to assess the different elements involved in a game.“But I think it was about emotional elements, which were different from other teams.“You can see a football team and think, ‘They are playing well’ or, ‘This is interesting’. But  you don’t really know  why — it just makes you  feel something different.Most read in Football “As a player, I was  interested in understanding the game because I probably didn’t have the  X factor technically or physically.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“When you have a specific talent then you just  have to use it and be good on the pitch — but I was average everywhere.“So I had to think how I could compete with stronger players, understand the game better and be connected with the other players to  solve problems.”Rising star Chris Rigg talks about his rise through the ranks at Sunderland After an “average” playing career as a defender at Rennes, Laval and Belgian minnows Ronse, Le Bris went on to achieve a doctorate in sport physiology and biomechanics while first embarking on his coaching career.Following a spell as youth coach at Wasquehal, he spent eight years at Rennes before moving  to Lorient to help bring through their kids into  the first team.Ex-Arsenal man Matteo Guendouzi and Leeds keeper Illan Meslier were just two of those prior to him becoming first-team boss in 2022.Le Bris always had a “curiosity” to work abroad — and felt England would be the perfect place having visited many clubs.He added: “I wanted to discover new cultures, environments and languages.“I’m just curious and, when I’m in  the same environment for a long   time,  I like working on a long project but  need to be fed new elements to learn.“If it all just stays the same, then I’ll need something else to grow, keep the energy  and connect with other people.“It was a whole new experience and I was  aware that it would be different — but I liked that difference and was prepared for that.“I have visited many football clubs in Spain  and England so  was aware of the environment  and  really liked it.England U18 midfielder Chris Rigg is one of Sunderland’s hot prospectsCredit: GettyJude Bellingham’s younger brother Jobe is another top Black Cats teenCredit: PA“Crystal Palace, Liverpool, Everton, Leeds,  Chelsea, Arsenal and probably two or three more.“I’m like that, I’m curious about new ideas, behaviours and thinking about football.”Le Bris ended up joining Sunderland in July and has no doubts his  young guns —  including Chris Rigg, 17, and Jude Bellingham’s 19-year-old younger brother Jobe — can reach the very top.The impressive Frenchman has already scooped two manager-of-the-month awards but a Premier League return is the biggest prize he is chasing.Le Bris, whose side go to Millwall on Saturday, explained: “The players are good — very good.“I have worked with many, many players that  have worked at the highest level.“It is always a question of potential. We think that they could play at the highest level, Premier League or Champions League.“But the question between the potential and  reality is down to the pathway.I don’t think you can assess the reality of the size of Sunderland before being at SunderlandRegis Le Bris“I’m very confident for them but it’s still fragile. “Yet their behaviours, for example Jobe, Riggy and other players, it’s very interesting their potential and qualities and the way they are managing this relationship with the game.“If you can keep this relationship with the game then you can exploit your potential.“If the environment around the football becomes more important then it will be more difficult.“I’m just a part of their journey, really. If I can help them to grow, and if they can help us to grow as a club, then that’s a good connection. So we’ll have to see for the future.“I don’t think you can assess the reality of the size of Sunderland before being at Sunderland.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Away to Preston, the stands were full and it was crazy. It’s a new experience for me.“This  football club is very important and its history, the fanbase is big and the passion around the club is impressive.” More

    • 250 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Everton had Premier League’s easiest start – now pressure is on for Sean Dyche with £600m takeover complete by Christmas

      by

      DAN FRIEDKIN is on schedule to make many despairing Everton fans’ Christmas wishes come true.The days are passing fast on his £600million Toffees takeover that will finally see the departure of debunked majority owner Farhad Moshiri, expected by the end of next month.Everton manager Sean Dyche could face a nervy yuletideCredit: GettyDan Friedkin is on the brink of completing the long-awaited takeoverCredit: GettyWhether boss Sean Dyche will be able to mark the Californian’s arrival as a season to be merry or not remains to be seen.For he is about to start opening the windows on an advent calendar from hell.By the time he has completed it, any thoughts he might have had  of landing a new contract from Friedkin could be mere humbug.Dyche goes into Saturday’s home clash with Brentford under growing pressure.READ MORE TOP STORIESThe game will signal the end of what Opta stats suggest was the easiest start of this campaign for any Prem club.Yet in 11 games Everton have scraped together only ten points, with just two wins and ten goals.And that after kicking off with four defeats in a row to mark their worst league opening in 66 years.And now comes the hard bit.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollowing the visit of the Bees is a trip to Old Trafford a week on  Sunday in what will be Ruben Amorim’s first home league game as Manchester United’s new manager.Wolves at Goodison follows on December 4 before resurgent title leaders Liverpool come calling in the Merseyside derby three days later.Everton legend Andy van der Meyde takes busty star Charlotte Michelle for a spin in his car It is not liable to get any easier, either, with Arsenal at the Emirates on December 14, Chelsea on the 22nd then a Boxing Day meeting with reigning champs Manchester City.Were Dyche and his players still standing after that lot then he would surely deserve backing from incoming chief Friedkin. But everything points to another winter of discontent among the majority of supporters and a third successive drop battle.Fans are grateful to the 53-year-old manager for keeping the club up against a backdrop of financial crises and sales of prized playing assets like Anthony Gordon and Amadou Onana.A year ago Dyche and Co were left reeling by a ten–point penalty, later reduced by two points, over breaches of the  Prem’s Profit and  Sustainability Rules. Another two points were docked later.Throughout his near-two-year tenure, Dyche has been swimming against the Mersey tide.Transfer funds for new  players have not even been at the same level as most Championship clubs. And there is appreciation on the Gwladys Street End  for his efforts.But, increasingly, he is facing a revolt over his playing style.The faithful complain about dull, predictable, long-ball tactics, with striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin — who is refusing to extend his own deal that also expires next summer — as the only attacking option.If — and it is a big if — Dyche can keep Everton up, do they really want to kick-off Prem life in their new 52,888-seater  stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock playing that brand of football?As the takeover of The Friedkin Group has gained momentum, Dyche has repeatedly sounded off about the problems he has faced.Everton hope their new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium will be ready next yearCredit: AFPHe said: “There seems to always be that cloud waiting around Everton Football Club — on or off the pitch.”Before the 2–1 win over Crystal Palace in September, the ex-Watford and Burnley boss stressed, “Some day the truth will come out,” on how difficult his time in charge has been.He added: “After all that’s been happening, it would be nice just to talk about football.“That’s something that’s  happened about twice since I got here 21 months ago. I’ve worked hard to correct a lot of things and I think I’ve done a very good job.”But more and more, Dyche comes across as someone who does not see himself lasting too much longer.There is also his admission that, despite the mess he has been trying to clean up, “the fans want to see a winning team, no matter what”.And through no great fault of his own, Dyche has struggled to produce winning teams, having just hit the 550-game mark as a manager.Brentford’s visit will be his 77th game in charge at Goodison, with just 25 victories.READ MORE SUN STORIESHow many more he  gets over the next sequence that ends at the  Etihad — by which time Friedkin is likely to be in charge — will almost certainly decide his future.Dyche, facing that nightmare fixture schedule, may well need a Christmas miracle of his own to survive the entrance of Moshiri’s successor. More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man City set to offer Erling Haaland huge £100MILLION package to persuade him to stay after Pep Guardiola’s new deal

      by

      MANCHESTER CITY will now step up their efforts to convince Erling Haaland to follow Pep Guardiola in signing a new deal.The Prem champs hope boss Guardiola’s decision to stay for at least one more year can help get superstar Haaland to agree a £100million mega package.Man City are hoping to tie Erling Haaland down to a new dealCredit: GettyHaaland is the Cityzens next target after agreeing a contract extension with manager Pep GuardiolaCredit: GettyGuardiola has said ‘yes’ in principle to a new 12-month contract — with the option of extending it until the summer of 2027.The Catalan’s fresh deal is not believed to include any release clauses if City are found guilty of the Prem’s 115 charges for alleged breaches of financial rules and get relegated as a result.The Norwegian striker — who already boasts 105 goals for City — has been linked with Barcelona.Haaland, 24, joined in 2022 and still has two-and-a-half years left on a deal worth £375,000 a week before bonuses. His weekly wage means he will bank more than £20m a season.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAny extension would see Haaland remain at City for four or five more years — which would let him pocket in the region of £100m without even accounting for bonuses.Guardiola and Etihad chiefs would love to get him to commit his long-term future to them.And speaking on duty with Norway last week, Haaland said: “I hope Pep signs a new contract. He has been important for me in the first two-and-a-half years.“I hope he stays longer. I like Pep a lot and hope he likes me, too.”Most read in FootballA look at the Premier League’s top earners at the momentFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSCity have a big call to make over talisman Kevin De Bruyne — out of contract in the summer.The Belgian midfielder, 33, has battled injuries in the past few seasons.Pep Guardiola says Man City is not ‘in a dark place’ despite Sporting Lisbon loss He will be free to open talks with foreign clubs in January and may have to accept a reduced role and wages if he decides to stay beyond the 10-year mark at the Etihad.Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, who will attend City’s clash with Tottenham on Saturday, is another likely to be offered a new deal.Meanwhile, Guardiola has no get-out clause in his deal if City are relegated by the Premier League next year.A hearing into the 115 alleged breaches of financial rules is ongoing, with a verdict expected at some point in the spring.If found guilty, City are expected to be hit with a huge points penalty — which could potentially see them lose their top-flight status.But Pep has said he would be happy to stay and begin the march back to the top — even joking he would be happy to play club legends Paul Dickov and Mike Summerbee up front.The dates of his contract — believed to be worth around £20m a season — are sure to be of interest to FA bigwigs.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey approached Pep in the summer about succeeding Gareth Southgate but he told them he would not break a contract with his employers.Now he has a break clause in summer 2026, when Thomas Tuchel’s initial 18-month contract as England boss expires.Man City are also deciding the future of superstar duo Kevin De Bruyne and RodriCredit: GettyWhat will happen to Man City?MAN CITY are favourites to win the Premier League title yet again – but there is one elephant in the room that threatens to put the skids under the Etihad giants.Sunsport’s MARTIN LIPTON discusses what the next few months could hold with Head of Sport SHAUN CUSTIS….Custis: So the big question – will there be a resolution this season?Lipton: Yes…. probably! We know the case will start to be dealt with in October or November.It will take at least a month to go through the evidence. So I suspect around March, April time, we will get a result. But that’s where it starts to get tricky.Custis: Why is that?Lipton: If the result is in City’s favour, that’s the end of the matter. They will be cleared. They will have no punishment to face.But if City are found guilty, these will be the heaviest penalties ever imposed by the Premier League.I suspect if they are found guilty, they will be expelled from the league or given a massive points deduction and a huge fine so that they’re not in the Premier League next season.Check out the full discussion on Man City’s future. More

    • 200 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Moment Pep Guardiola launches furious F-word rant at ‘unacceptable’ Phil Foden captured in Man City documentary

      by

      PEP GUARDIOLA lambasted Phil Foden for his “unacceptable” mistake in a furious X-rated rant last season.Guardiola’s heated dressing down after City’s 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace last December was captured as part of Manchester City’s new behind-the-scenes documentary.Pep Guardiola launched an X-rated rant at his players after last season’s 2-2 draw with Crystal PalaceCredit: Man CityGuardiola labelled Phil Foden’s penalty error as ‘unacceptable’Credit: Man CityThe Premier League’s dominant force have today released a feature film following their record-breaking four-in-a-row Prem title success last term.The movie, aptly named ‘Together: 4-In-A-Row’, gives fans a glimpse into what it took for the Cityzens to win their fourth consecutive Premier League title.But with that comes the challenges they faced too, including blowing a 2-0 lead at home to Crystal Palace in December and the aftermath of that draw.City had led by two goals but saw their comfort blanked ripped from underneath them as Jean-Philippe Mateta bagged a late goal and then won a penalty in stoppage time – which was converted my Michael Olise to share the points.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe late collapse left Guardiola fuming, particularly with Phil Foden, who was the man that had brought down Mateta in the dying embers of the game to give away the spot-kick.Acting in frustration, Guardiola lashed out at Foden’s mistimed tackle and blasted it as “unacceptable.”He said: “Phil, in the f*****g 18-yard box, you don’t touch the opponent. It’s unacceptable, Phil Foden, unacceptable!”Going on to blast the team as a whole by adding: “You are to apologise. You are teenagers. Most read in FootballFoden fouled Jean-Philippe Mateta in the box to give away an injury time penaltyCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I say something when we drop points against Tottenham and Liverpool? I say something? Tell me. I blame you? I say something?”Here [pointing at his head], use it. Here, you have to use it! F*****g hell. F*****g hell.”Erling Haaland does pull ups on cliff edge and runs with wolves as Man City ace stars in insane Beats by Dre advert Perhaps it’s those standards that helped Foden kick on to become the PFA Player of the Year last term and the team to claw back a seven-point deficit from title rivals Arsenal later in the season.However, Guardiola admitted in the documentary that he doesn’t like getting angry with his players and would rather stay calm in the dressing room.”I’m not really proud sometimes.”, He said. “Most of the times, right after the game when I am angry, for my emotions, to it to the players.”I’m a human being and make mistakes and I don’t like that. I don’t like it.”In that moment from 2-0 down, an unnecessary penalty, sometimes I cannot control myself either.”Guardiola has become well known for his impassioned antics on the sidelines and in the dressing room.But the Spaniard is widely considered as the best manager in the world with his unusual techniques all part of his genius.And it looks like City players will have to put up with that harsh criticism and direct approach from the former Barcelona boss for a little longer too.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat’s because SunSport understands that Guardiola is on the verge of agreeing a new one-year contract extension with Man City.It’s expected he will put pen to paper on a new one-year deal with the option of a further 12 months.Foden went on to win PFA Player of the YearCredit: GettyGuardiola is in line to sign a new contract with Man CityCredit: ReutersWhat will happen to Man City?MAN CITY are favourites to win the Premier League title yet again – but there is one elephant in the room that threatens to put the skids under the Etihad giants.Sunsport’s MARTIN LIPTON discusses what the next few months could hold with Head of Sport SHAUN CUSTIS….Custis: So the big question – will there be a resolution this season?Lipton: Yes…. probably! We know the case will start to be dealt with in October or November.It will take at least a month to go through the evidence. So I suspect around March, April time, we will get a result. But that’s where it starts to get tricky.Custis: Why is that?Lipton: If the result is in City’s favour, that’s the end of the matter. They will be cleared. They will have no punishment to face.But if City are found guilty, these will be the heaviest penalties ever imposed by the Premier League.I suspect if they are found guilty, they will be expelled from the league or given a massive points deduction and a huge fine so that they’re not in the Premier League next season.Check out the full discussion on Man City’s future. More

    • 275 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Jack Grealish slammed Gareth Southgate and annoyed Pep Guardiola – now he must do his talking on the pitch for Man City

      by

      JACK GREALISH vowed to “prove some people wrong” as he returned to training early following his Euro 2024 snub — but we are still waiting.No doubt the main one was Gareth Southgate – the man who axed him from the squad – and he took aim at the former Three Lions  boss again this week.Jack Grealish is back with England but needs to step up for Man CityCredit: GettyGrealish helped usher in Lee Carsley’s interim reign with the Three Lions by rounding off a 2-0 win away to Ireland in SeptemberCredit: GettyThe Man City ace will hope his recall under Carsley continues with England’s incoming permanent boss Thomas TuchelCredit: GettyThe Manchester City winger is clearly still hurting from what he described as the “hardest moment of his career” back in June.He vowed to use his heartache as motivation, and prove that he should have been on the  plane to Germany despite an indifferent previous 12 months at the Etihad.Yet, despite a couple of goals in the autumn internationals, the £100million man’s season is yet to really take off.And with no more international football for four months, the time has come for him to do some talking on the pitch for City.READ MORE TOP STORIESJust four Prem starts so far, with two cup games,  is not what his employers were hoping for after almost a third of the campaign.What is more, he managed to test the patience of Pep Guardiola yet again by telling him he wanted to join up with the England squad earlier this month.The Etihad chief made it clear Grealish should be staying back at the City Football Academy to work on his fitness after a hamstring issue.But the former Aston Villa skipper insisted he wanted to go — although in the end he was  sent back almost as soon as he put his bags down at St George’s Park.Most read in FootballGrealish will have to wait four months to see if Tuchel picks himCredit: AFPFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSGrealish could probably see why his club manager was so miffed.He was back in training a couple of days before City’s defeat at Brighton ten days ago,  but has not played any competitive football  since October 20.Top ten greatest Premier League players of all time as Kevin de Bruyne and Cristiano Ronaldo both miss out on top spotThat was as a second-half sub at Wolves, while his last start came two weeks before that as the champions edged past Fulham.Guardiola said Grealish has had “two or three setbacks” with injuries and has not been able to find any rhythm. This was not what anyone had in mind when he was one of the first to report back for pre-season training in July.Speaking in Orlando on City’s pre-season tour in late July, he opened up on his Euro heartache, saying: “It was the hardest moment for me as a footballer. And I’ve had a lot of ups and downs in my career.“I felt like I should have been in the squad. “But I want to try and use it as motivation now, going forward into this season, and hopefully prove some people wrong.“I just need to regain my form and fitness and after that I know what I can do on the pitch.”He has shown glimpses of what he can do since then — for his country at least — with goals in the away wins over Republic of Ireland and Finland. But he has just one assist in seven Prem appearances for City so far this term. And not many of the Etihad faithful will be surprised either, given the way last season ended for him.He appeared in just one of their last five matches as City swept to a fourth straight Prem title and that was a brief cameo off the bench.City chief Pep Guardiola was unhappy Grealish went with EnglandCredit: ReutersGareth Southgate omitting him for Euro 2024 hurt GrealishCredit: GettyOver the course of last season, he started only ten Premier League matches.Then, when City desperately searched for  a goal in their FA Cup final defeat to United, the most expensive signing in the club’s history stayed on the bench.Guardiola admitted after that game that Grealish had “struggled” for much of the campaign.The signs were promising as Grealish impressed during City’s four-match summer tour of the US.His manager said in August: “From what I’ve seen so far from Jack,  I’ve loved it. It’s his commitment in every session.“Hopefully he can sustain it until  the end of the season and compete for a place, but it depends on him.”Fast forward three months and Pep had a face like thunder when he  discussed Lee Carsley’s call-up of Grealish for this month’s internationals — and the player’s decision to accept it.The pair might have to patch things up a bit when training resumes ahead of Saturday’s visit of Tottenham.And Grealish, who turned 29 in September, will know he needs to get that form and fitness back quickly.It does not matter if Southgate, Carsley or Thomas Tuchel is boss,  if you are not performing well for your club, you cannot expect to play for your country.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd after his summer heartache, Grealish knows that only too well. More