This morning we’ll look at reports that the Blues are considering moves for a former Barcelona keeper, a Juventus full-back and a former England boss believes City should also break the bank to land one of Monaco’s most exciting defenders.
Onwards and forwards…
Let’s start with former England head coach Glenn Hoddle’s assessment on one of the Monaco stars who has impressed during the Ligue 1 side’s march to the Champions League semi-finals.
The Manchester Evening News carry the snippet…
“Looking back on the match (between Juventus and Monaco), the BT Sport panel were discussing the clubs that would be interested in Leonardo Jardim’s players and former England boss Glenn Hoddle picked out 22-year-old left-back Benjamin Mendy as the one that would be perfect for City.
‘I think you’d have to watch Mendy a lot of times defensively,’ he said.
‘Going forward, he’s outstanding. If you want that in your team and you’re not worried about defence, he’s made for Man City.’
Next up, The Sun who believe the Blues are considering a move for Victor Valdes.
The report reads: “Valdes has reportedly emerged as a shock target for Manchester City this summer.
“The Spanish goalkeeper will leave relegated Middlesbrough on a free this summer due to a clause in his contract.
“And he could be set for a reunion with his former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola at the Etihad.
“Despite Boro’s return to the Championship being confirmed with the 3-0 defeat at Chelsea on Monday, the stopper has impressed at The Riverside.
“According to Inside Football in the Bleacher Report, City have already touched base with his representatives about a switch across the Pennines.”
Moving swiftly on and The Sun again speculate that the Blues could be on the trail of Juventus star Alex Sandro.
Whether the Turin would want or need to sell any of their prized assets this summer is another thing, particularly a member of arguably the best defence in Europe – but the report reads: “City are said to be preparing a bid and willing to shell out up to £42million to sign the Juventus ace
“And Goal.com report City director of football Txiki Begiristain was in the Turin stands to run the rule over Sandro.
“The Brazilian is one of several defensive targets City are looking at ahead of next season
“Sandro’s team-mate Leonardo Bonucci is also being looked at, while Southampton centre-back Virgil van Dijk, Bilbao’s Aymeric Laporte and Bayern utility man Joshua Kimmich are also being eyed.”
Finally, yet more praise for City striker Gabriel Jesus, this time from World Cup winner and compatriot Gilberto Silva.
Goal write: “Gilberto Silva says he has been impressed with the impact Gabriel Jesus has made since arriving at Manchester City.
“And former Selecao star Gilberto believes the 20-year-old will get even better as he adapts to his new environment.
‘Gabriel is already doing really well because it is not easy for a young player to arrive at a club as big as Man City, with all the pressure that exists at a club like that.
‘He has come straight in and performed at centre-forward, like he did at Palmeiras, proving that he has learned a lot about the position.
‘He has to settle in England now, which he is already doing, and as time goes on I am sure he will overcome the language issues and feel more comfortable at the club and gain a better understanding of the English culture.’
That’s all for now – mancity.com will report any breaking stories and snippets throughout the day as per usual…
