There are claims that Pep Guardiola’s side will compete with Premier League rivals, Liverpool and Manchester United for the signatures of Nabil Fekir and Matthijs de Ligt respectively.
According to the Sun, Lyon are willing to listen to offers for winger Fekir, with the newspaper expecting the Frenchman to be in demand this summer.
Writes Dave Fraser: “Manchester City and Liverpool have been put on red alert after long-term target Nabil Fekir was told he can leave Lyon.
“The French winger, 25, is out of contract at the Ligue 1 side in 2020 having originally joined the club in 2011.
“Now Lyon’s president Jean-Michel Aulas wants to avoid losing him on a free and has sensationally all-but told the world Fekir is leaving.
“Liverpool are hoping to land Fekir, but will face the challenge of mega-rich Man City - who pipped them to the league title by a single point on the final of the season.
“Juventus are another side linked with Fekir in recent months.”
Meanwhile, the latest reports on Ajax captain De Ligt’s future indicate the race for his signature has reduced from three to two clubs.
And the Mirror have declared that City face significant and determined competition from the red half of Manchester.
Simon Mullock has the story and explains: “United moved in when Barcelona refused to pay the Dutchman’s agent £12million to broker a move to the Nou Camp, after De Ligt led his Amsterdam club to a league and cup double.
“Manchester City are also back in the frame for the 19-year-old.
“But sources in Holland last night suggested United have moved into pole position after agreeing to outbid any club and meet Mino Raiola’s demands for a £350,000-a-week wage and a huge fixer’s fee.”
Today’s Media Watch concludes with talk of City’s Academy, and how past graduates may have fared under Guardiola.
Former Academy boss, Jim Cassell, has been speaking to the Manchester Evening News and identified four players whose development he oversaw as having the ability to succeed under the current manager.
He told Stuart Brennan: “Technically, without any doubt, [Michael] Johnson and [Daniel Sturridge] Sturridge could still be in the squad at City. In terms of work rate and ability, Wrighty (Shaun Wright-Phillips) as well.
“Steven Ireland is another one - a fantastic engine and could arrive in the box from midfield. Great feet, great vision.”
