International duty is likely to delay a couple of possible moves at Manchester City but some action on the transfer front seems likely early next week.
A long-anticipated move for Marc Cucurella could gather speed as could the likely departure of Gabriel Jesus. The future of young defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis may take a little longer to hammer out but a decision could be taken after England’s U21 action.
JESUS FINALLY ON HIS WAY
Gabriel Jesus has hinted he is ready to announce his probable move to rejoin Mikel Arteta at the Emirates early next week.
With Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette’s allowed to return to Lyon on a free transfer a replacement is already teed up. And it is the Gunners who are in pole position to land the Brazil international for £50million despite interest from Serie A and Spurs.
Speaking after he scored for Brazil against South Korea in a 5-1 win, the striker delivered an update. “I’m looking to see what’s best for me and above all, for my career. From Tuesday, we’ll see what is the best.”
HOT SHOT HAALAND TO HIT THE HEIGHTS
Kevin de Bruyne predicts Erling Haaland will score over 20 goals next season and help him boost his own assists stats in the process.
The Belgium international delivered his confident verdict on City’s £51million striker in an exclusive interview with HLN. The midfielder said: “Erling Haaland is a top striker and his move should help us to grow as a team. Everybody expects a lot. They've always been looking for a No.9, but I think it'll be good to have that striker that maybe scores 20-25 goals a season.”
As well as backing the former Borussis Dortmund hitman to make an impact, De Bruyne is hopeful that he will be enable him to increase his assists tally. The Belgian racked up eight in the last Premier League campaign and is looking to boost that with Haaland to aim for inside the penalty area.
HARWOOD-BELLIS HAS A DECISION TO MAKE
Taylor Harwood-Bellis wants to get international commitments out of the way before deciding on his future.
The highly-rated centre half, 20, will lead England’s U21 out against Czech Republic as the side aim for European Championships qualification. But following that the City defender is ready to see whether City want to keep him or consider offers from Celtic and Burnley.
The Stockport-born defender got a surprise call up to go and work with the senior England team at St George’s Park this week. Southgate called up Harwood-Bellis and Arsenal’s Folarin Balogun, Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey and Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Morgan Gibbs-White.
TOO MUCH FOOTBALL SAYS SILVA
Bernardo Silva has questioned the wisdom of backing up a gruelling season with international football insisting it will lead to injuries.
The City and Portugal star was on target in Thursday’s 1-1 draw against Spain, the first of four games in 10 days. “For the fans it's good but for the players it's hard,” he said. “After a season in which we've had 60 games, to come here and then have to play four more... many people have spoken about it.
“There are too many games, in the end, too many injuries. We start the new season in a month’s time and I'm certain we are not going to be 100% ready. “It's tough but it is what it is.”
MIDFIELD TALENT STAYING PUT
Loan inquiries for highly rated midfielder James McAtee are likely to be knocked back by Manchester City.
Both Swansea and Southampton have made tentative moves to get the young talent for a season. But they are not likely to succeed with club sources playing down a move and Pep Guardiola keen for the midfielder to train with the first team group nexty season.
