Friday gossip

MCFC Editorial

Media: City chasing 16-year-old striker? ​

International breaks can sometimes lead to a dearth of club news – but there’s plenty of Manchester City chatter kicking around the football media this morning.
And most of it is transfer related, with speculation about potential deals and suggestions about which of Europe’s top young players are capable of succeeding our older stars.
As ever, we advise taking these stories with a substantial helping of salt...

Transfer gossip
Football Insider: Man City set sights on beating Liverpool to attacker
Pete O’Rourke writes: "Man City have set their sights on beating Liverpool to the signing of West Brom striker Jovan Malcolm, Football Insider can reveal.
"The Premier League big guns are beating a path to the door of the Championship leaders after being alerted by the performances of the 16-year-old.

"A Man City source has told Football Insider that the club are interested in signing Malcolm before he turns 17 next month.
"The Premier League champions face strong competition from Liverpool for his signature as well as Man United and Arsenal.
"They have all made regular scouting checks on Malcolm as the Premier League’s big guns look to land the best young talents in the country."
TalkSPORT: Drivetime show - Harry Kane backed to thrive at City
Danny Murphy said: “I think with [Sergio] Aguero nearly 32 now, I think City fans would welcome Harry Kane with open arms.
"That’s not to say he is better than Aguero, City fans won’t have that argument and it’s not about that.
“But if Harry Kane right now was on the shopping list, would City fans be happy? What would he cost? It could be a world record. But the goal record he has got is phenomenal."

Opinion
Squawka: Potential candidates to replace Aguero and David Silva
Ben Green writes: “Bruno Fernandes.

"The Sporting Lisbon magician looked destined to leave the Portuguese capital in the summer but was unable to secure a move away from the Estadio Jose Alvalade.
"Fernandes’ quite ridiculous 20 Primeira Liga goals and 13 assists made him hot property during the previous window, while that form has also spilled over to this term.
"He has so far registered five goals and five assists in the Portuguese top flight while bagging a further three in the Europa League.
"Compatriot Bernardo Silva would no doubt relish playing alongside a player who appears almost tailor-made for a Guardiola side.
"He is slick, technically proficient and boasts a refined end product. Fernandes would have no difficulties acclimatising to Guardiola’s liquid football."
That’s all for this morning’s Media Watch – but stay with us throughout the day as we bring you all the latest City news.
City are back in FA Women's Super League action against West Ham on Sunday. Kick-off at the Academy Stadium is 12.30pm and tickets are available.