We’ll kick off with Kevin De Bruyne’s comments from yesterday, with the Belgian sensibly warning it will take time for Pep Guardiola’s philosophy to take full effect.
Reuters report: “Belgian international Kevin De Bruyne has warned it may take time for new coach Pep Guardiola to build a side and implement his playing style at Manchester City.
“The 25-year-old midfielder is one of several City players who featured at Euro 2016 and the Copa America in the close season and he only returned to training on Thursday after an extended break.
‘He’s changing a few things,” De Bruyne told Sky Sports television, referring to Guardiola. “I think tactically he’s going to change a few things.
‘Possibly yes (it will take time) especially with all of the late arrivals. It’s tough to build a team when a lot of people are coming in late after the Euros and the Copa America.’”
Elsewhere there are widespread reports Marlos Moreno will become a City player today.
The Daily Mail report: “Manchester City’s spending on young talent will reach nearly £70million in the space of four days when Marlos Moreno completes his £4.75m move from Colombian club Atletico Nacional on Friday.
“Moreno joins Leroy Sane and Gabriel Jesus, who cost a combined total of £64m, on City’s books although the 19-year-old forward is likely to go out on loan to Deportivo La Coruna in Spain.
“The flurry of transfer activity this week underlines City’s desire to invest in some of the best young talent around the world.”
One of the summer’s longest-running stories has been John Stones to City, but with the campaign just days away there has seemingly been no progress on the proposed move.
Former United and England defender Rio Ferdinand reckons something’s got to give – and quickly.
Speaking in the Mirror, he said: ‘I think he needs to go or to commit his future to Everton. He seems like he’s playing with something on his mind.
‘I know what it’s like. Until your future gets sorted out, it’s difficult. It’s a blur. You’re frustrated. You want things sorted out.
‘Football’s about timing. The more you read about it the more you think: ‘How long before he goes.’
‘I think for Everton it’s important as well because if he goes really late they aren’t going to have much time to get anyone in.
‘But for him as a young English player, get that decision made quickly so he can start improving as a player.’
In Scotland, on-loan City winger Patrick Roberts has been ruled out for several weeks after picking up an injury in midweek.
The former Fulham teenager’s move to Celtic has proved a resounding success so far and the Hoops will miss his trickery in the opening weeks of the SPL season with the Express reporting: “Roberts has left Celtic in a Champions League sweat after being told he faces up to three weeks on the sidelines.
“Roberts limped out of Wednesday’s win over Astana with a hamstring injury.
“The on-loan Manchester City winger was sent for a scan yesterday, where it was confirmed the 19-year-old had suffered a strain rather than a tear.
“He will miss Sunday’s Premiership kick-off against Hearts at Tynecastle, the League Cup clash with Motherwell and the first leg of their Champions League play-off.”
And that’s all for today – stay tuned to mancity.com throughout the day for all the latest breaking news.
