Friday's media watch brings us a blend of World Cup predictions, transfer speculation and match team news ahead of the Swansea clash.

So before you start filling up the paddling pool in anticipation of another scorching day (by Manchester standards at least) take a look at the latest City-centric snippets.

First let’s hear from Brazil and PSG ace Neymar, who is predicting two City stars could be game changers at this summer’s football showpiece in Russia.

“There are lots of quality players, it’s the World Cup we’re talking about, only the best in the world,” Neymar said in quotes reported by Goal.com.

“But Coutinho and [Gabriel] Jesus are two that can make a difference, I hope they do.

“Salah doesn’t play for a big national team, but he can have a good World Cup.

“There are also other very talented players: Hazard, [Kevin] De Bruyne, [Luis] Suarez. 

“I hope we all can perform well and have a wonderful World Cup, but I expect them not to do so against Brazil!”

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Staying on the summer theme but this time transfers related, the Daily Mirror‘s John Cross believes City could swoop for Leicester winger Riyad Mahrez.

He reckons: “Manchester City are ramping up their interest in going back for Riyad Mahrez this summer.”

 

Over to the Manchester Evening News now and City reporter Stuart Brennan has penned a piece on why the Blues will be even stronger next season.

On the transfer speculation front he writes: “They are already eyeing up Borussia Dortmund’s Julian Weigl, Napoli ace Jorginho and Shakhtar Donetsk star Fred for the first one, while Riyad Mahrez – or even a more ambitious move for Eden Hazard – is also on the cards.”

And later on in the piece Brennan pointed to the clutch of City starlets waiting in the wings, adding: “It is hard to believe that Phil Foden – League Cup winner and likely to get a Premier League winner’s medal as well – does not turn 18 until next month.

“He and Brahim Diaz have given everyone a tantalising glimpse of the future this season – and a year on, as they mature physically and mentally, they will add to Guardiola’s options.

“The fact that David Silva is inevitably having to ration his games will offer fresh opportunities for both youngsters.

“There will also be more academy products getting their chance on the summer tour - Pablo Maffeo, Angus Gunn, Jacob Davenport, Rabbi Matondo, Lukas Nmecha and Manu Garcia are names that keep getting whispered.”

Finally, there is some team news from Sunday’s opponents Swansea.

“Luciano Narsingh will miss Swansea City’s trip to Manchester City this weekend and Renato Sanches remains some way off after a return to action,” reports the official website.

“But there is better news of Sam Clucas, who has a chance of featuring at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday after missing last weekend’s draw with Everton because of a knee problem.

“Narsingh will not face the Premier League’s newly crowned champions having twisted an ankle during the Everton game.

“Sanches, meantime, is not yet ready to play a full part in training despite returning to Wales from parent club Bayern Munich at the beginning of the week.”

That’s all for today, but stay tuned to all Man City’s channels for all the build up to Sunday’s game.