Despite the January window closing last week, there’s no end to the transfer tales and that’s where we’ll begin this morning.
The Daily Express, via Spanish outlet, Don Balon, deliver the gossip, suggesting Real Madrid’s Isco could be in line for a summer move to the Etihad Stadium.
Writes Jack Otway: “Isco was left on the bench for that match and, despite impressing at the start of the campaign, a parting of the ways could be in the offing if he continues to be overlooked.
“Spanish website Don Balon thinks the Spain international may leave Real Madrid for Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City at the end of the season.
“Another midfielder is on their radar with David Silva entering the twilight years of his career.
“Isco would fit the bill with his Spanish style likely to compliment Kevin De Bruyne and Fernandinho in the middle of the park.”
Meanwhile, after another impressive display at Turf Moor, Ederson has earned the compliments of Sean Dyche.
For his goalkeeping, yes, but also for his demeanour with the ball at his feet, with the Burnley boss comparing him to a Dutch legend.
The Manchester Evening News carry Dyche’s quotes: “He is the calmest keeper I have seen.
“It is like having Ronald Koeman in goal. He defuses the game.
“He made two good saves – it was a fantastic save from Aaron Lennon because he hit it so clean.”
It seems City’s fine form this season has not gone unnoticed by Europe’s big boys, with a former Blue revealing his admiration for Guardiola’s side.
Bayern Munich’s Jerome Boateng told Goal: “He’s brilliant. For me, tactically, he is the best.
“This season City bought a lot of good players. They have a lot of money.
“Now you see more that it’s his team. They play very good football. It’s beautiful to watch.”
We conclude with De Bruyne’s plans for the three days off Guardiola has afforded his squad this week.
Speaking after the Burnley game, the Belgian told the BBC: “It will do us a lot of good.
“I’m going away, it doesn’t matter where!”
That’s all for today, Blues, but we’ll be back with more news from the back pages tomorrow.
