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It's revealed that two years ago when Joao Felix was making a decision about his next move away from Benfica, his agent Jorge Mendes had some advice that might still chime with the Portugal star.
An Ajax youngster has been tipped by Ronald de Boer to be a good fit for Manchester City's, but a man who knows all about the perils of the Premier League has one major concern.
Meanwhile, could a former City maverick return to the Premier League?
Man City 'the best thing for Joao Felix
Superagent Mendes seemingly wanted Joao Felix to join City a couple of years ago, before he moved to LaLiga champions Atletico Madrid in 2019.
The 22-year-old attacker has been linked with a move to the Etihad Stadium before and after that switch and Portuguese newspaper, Record has revealed his agent said that City would be the “best thing” for him.
“The best thing for Joao Felix would be Manchester City, for Guardiola. It will be the most expensive signing in Portuguese football”, Mendes said in an audio recording heard by the paper.
The recording was gleaned by Portugal's Public Ministry and its operation Cartão Vermelho (Red Card), which is investigating the operations of football agents and directors in the country. There is no suggestion of any wrongdoing by Mendes in this instance.
Our view: Joao Felix obviously ticks a lot of boxes in terms of being an ideal Pep Guardiola attacker, from his versatility to supreme technical ability. However, City already have enough players in that mould and an out-and-out striker should remain Txiki Begiristain's transfer priority this summer.
Ronald de Boer calling Timber!
De Boer believes Ajax’s Jurrien Timber is a good fit for Manchester City. Turns out the Dutch great does a pretty mean Jorge Mendes impression.
Ajax Show Time spoke to De Boer, who is impressed by the youngster but wonders whether he would do well in the Premier League because of his diminutive stature for a defender.
“I really like Timber. He plays so well," he said. “He rules and is calm on the ball. It's unprecedented. But could he, because he is 1.78 m tall, also be able to do it in the Premier League against [Romelu] Lukaku or another top striker?
“Will clubs go for that?' It depends on what club you go to. I think he can do that at Manchester City. There he plays with a lot of space in his back.”
Our view: Timber is the sort of top talent City and the rest of Europe's elite are likely to have on their radar. In terms of fears over whether he would be able to deal with the likes of Lukaku, De Boer might be overselling the problem after Aymeric Laporte and John Stones won all nine of the aerial duels contested against Chelsea's star striker last weekend.
Mario on the Toon?
Inside Futbol have reported that Newcastle United are considering triggering Mario Balotelli’s release clause. Yes, you read that right!
According to the president of the Turkish side Adana Demirspor, where Balotelli is currently playing, the Magpies are considering a move for the former City striker as part of their ongoing overhaul.
Murat Sancak has been quoted as saying, "Newcastle was considering signing Balotelli.
"But so far they have not made an official offer. There is an exit clause in his contract. But I cannot reveal the amount of that clause."
Our view: The City kit team should send a special edition bib to St James' Park as a welcome back gift if this happens. We're not entirely sold on whether Mario is the ideal man for a relegation dog fight, but you’ve got to love him, haven’t you?
Who do you want to see City sign next? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below
