Thursday Gossip

by Rob Pollard@RobPollardMCFC


Media: City to hijack rival's midfielder move?

Anticipation for the 2019-20 season is rising.

City travel to China later this week to begin our preseason tour of Asia as Pep Guardiola’s preparations step up a notch.
And with the new season edging ever closer, the media is awash with stories this morning, so let's start with some gossip...
Transfer gossip
Caughtoffside: Man City try to hijack Man Utd move for £70m-rated target after talks this week
Ron Carne: “Man City reportedly held talks with Sporting Lisbon officials this week, and made an attempt to try and pip Man Utd to the signing of Bruno Fernandes.
“Pep Guardiola led his side to a domestic treble last season as he has built a brilliant squad with quality and depth to compete on multiple fronts for the foreseeable future."
The Mirror: Man City ‘line up’ summer transfer swoop for Dani Alves
Gareth Bicknall: “Manchester City are set to renew their efforts to sign Dani Alves , according to reports .
“The Brazil right-back is now a free agent after two season with Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1.
“City boss Pep Guardiola is said to be keen on a reunion with the defender - who played under him at Barcelona and has an incredible career haul of 40 trophies after Brazil's Copa America triumph on Sunday."


Opinion
Daily Mail: How the Big Six look with a month of the transfer window left
Adrian Kajumba: Manchester City - What they have done so far?
"There has not been too much noise about Manchester City's plans and then in a matter of days, just like that, they made two important signings.
"Left back Angelino was brought back to the club from PSV and then they broke their club record to sign £62.8million Rodri. They have been after a long-term replacement for Fernandinho for over a year so Rodri's arrival could be vital.
"What do they have left to do?
"Vincent Kompany's departure has left a big void that needs filling. Get a new centre-back and it will be hard to find any weaknesses in City's squad.
"However, City are baulking at Harry Maguire's £85m valuation and have also shown in the past that if the right man is not available they are willing to wait so that signing could be left until later.
"Prediction (as things stand): 1st"
That's all for this morning's review of the back pages - but stay with us throughout the day as we continue to bring you all the latest City news.