The BBC’s Mark Lawrenson has made his usual pre-match predictions.
And there’s also a couple of transfer reports this morning, despite Pep’s repeated insistence we will not be doing any business in the near future.
As ever, take with a pinch of salt…
Transfer news
HITC: City want to sign explosive winger and nine-goal Koeman favourite
Danny Owen writes: Manchester City are interested in signing two of the most exciting young attackers in Europe with PSV Eindhoven’s Mohamed Ihattaren and Basel’s Noah Okafor both being linked with January moves to the Etihad Stadium.
Pep Guardiola has been at pains to play down suggestions that the soon-to-be deposed Premier League champions will break the bank on a world-class centre-back or another prolific centre-forward during the current transfer window. But City will remain on the lookout for any potential superstars of tomorrow – and it’s fair to say Ihattaren and Okafor fit the bill.
At the age of 19, Okafor is already a Switzerland international with the jet-heeled winger taking the game by storm in his homeland.
The jet-heeled teenager, arguably the most exciting young talent to emerge at Basel since a certain Mo Salah, is a target for City, Dortmund and Juventus according to Estadio Deportivo – while the player’s father has also confirmed interest from Sevilla.
Ihattaren too has been a revelation during a breakthrough year, establishing himself as one of the first names on PSV’s teamsheet. A fleet-footed midfielder with the sort of end product which belies his years, Ihattaren also has nine goals and nine assists to his name this season – a staggering tally for a player who is still just 17.
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Sport Witness: European giants aware of interest from Guardiola’s side
Naveen Ullal writes: On Tuesday, we carried a report from Marca, who explained Barcelona have made a ‘formal offer’ for Dani Olmo and these claims were also made by Mundo Deportivo on Tuesday.
Another Spanish newspaper AS claims sources close to the La Liga winners have denied making a formal bid for the Dinamo Zagreb star, but they confirmed their interest in 21-year-old.
Any approach from the Catalan club in signing the Spain international will not be easy because they are ‘aware’ of competition from Manchester City.
The report suggests Pep Guardiola’s side are also interested in the attacking midfielder and are in the race for Olmo’s signature.
FA Cup preview
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Mark Lawrenson says: Manchester City are the FA Cup holders and are clearly going to be overwhelming favourites to progress here.
But this is another tie where a smaller club will get a pretty substantial windfall from the gate receipts and, when you look at what has happened to the likes of Bury and Macclesfield recently, you realise how important this game is going to be for Port Vale’s finances.
Prediction: City 3-0 Port Vale.
That’s all for this morning’s Media Watch – but stay with us throughout the day as we bring you all the latest news from Pep Guardiola’s media conference.
