It’s a little early for media outlets to be previewing the weekend’s return of domestic football, so other topics fill their pages.
Let’s start with Dani Alves’ admiration for Brazil teammate Gabriel Jesus. He’s warned England they’ll be facing ‘the new Ronaldo’ at Wembley.
As the Daily Star’s Eddie Kirk explains: “Gabriel Jesus has set the Premier League alight since joining Manchester City from Palmeiras earlier this year, netting 14 goals in 20 games.
“And Paris St Germain star Alves believes that the 20-year-old can now be measured against former Barcelona, Inter Milan and Real Madrid star Ronaldo.
“Jesus is set to lead the line for a full-strength Brazil team at Wembley - looking for his eighth goal in 13 games for the five-time World Cup winners.”
Alves declared: “I wasn’t joking when I called Gabriel the new Ronaldo. They have a similar drive. He’s already great, and will get even better.
“For all that he’s done, all that he has achieved, there is no pressure on Gabriel. He’s doing what he loves.”
Brazil coach Tite, who has transformed Brazil’s fortunes after taking over from Dunga in June last year, agreed: “City should be very pleased with Palmeiras and the coaches there, who formed a player who is already at such a good level.
“He came to England with natural fluency. He has great mental capacity and technical ability.
“He didn’t need much time to adapt to English football - he was already playing at a very good level.”
Elsewhere, former Blue Frank Lampard has cast his predictions on who will win the league title.
Quoted in a Sport Review article, he stated: “Man City, it’s what we’re all saying now but I can’t see them being caught.
“Some people are saying ‘yeah but the last two years they started well and went away’… I think there’s much more to them this year.
“It’s great to see a team playing that way, we all want to see our own teams involved but when they’re playing that beautiful football it’s great to watch whether you’re a City fan or not.”
In other news, Turkish Football believe Pep Guardiola is eyeing a move for Liverpool’s Emre Can.
According to Eren Sarigul: “Liverpool star midfielder Emre Can has been frequently linked with a move away from the Merseyside based club in recent weeks.
“The 23-year-old has under seven months remaining on his contract with the Reds. Can could end up leaving the club for free next summer unless a new deal is agreed.
“According to the Times, Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund have joined the race to sign Can.
“Per the source, Dortmund do not want to buy Can in January but are willing to wait until the end of the season to sign him for free.
“The German giants can however open negotiations with Can from January onwards after he enters the final six months of his contract.
“Meanwhile, the Daily Star have reported that Can’s next destination could be rivals Manchester City.”
Finally, it’s also claimed the Blues – along with United and Arsenal – are keen on securing the services of Steven N’Zonzi.
Writes Jack Staplehurst: “Sevilla’s star midfielder has built a solid reputation for himself since leaving Stoke.
“The 28-year-old was an established Premier League player before moving to Spain in 2015.
“But N’Zonzi’s profile has risen considerably in La Liga and now earned him a place in France’s team.
“The 6ft3 defensive midfielder would provide United, City and Arsenal with the necessary cover.
“And according to Spanish outlet Don Balon, Jose Mourinho, Pep Guardiola and Arsene Wenger all want him.
“Manchester rivals Mourinho and Guardiola are said to see N’Zonzi as the figure needed to put together a really fearsome midfield.”
