Welcome to the latest edition of the City Is Ours daily round-up, where we take a look at some of the Manchester City stories you might have missed.
City’s latest academy starlet James McAtee is the leading scorer in Premier League 2 this season, prompting an increasing band of admirers to monitor his contract situation.
Liverpool hero-turned-pundit Jamie Carragher has labelled a City player the best in his position in world football.
And finally, Dutch great Marco van Basten has warned both City and Liverpool away from a highly-rated talent at PSV.
Magic McAtee
Phil Foden has paved the way for City youngsters to break into the star-studded first-team squad and it looks like plenty are ready to follow his lead. One player who is catching many eyes across the county is McAtee.
The Daily Mail have reported that the likes of Brighton, Leicester City and Aston Villa are all interested in the 19-year-old.
Our view: This boy can play. He’s the type of player who will get things ticking in the final third and shades of David Silva with an eye for goal to boot make him look perfect for Pep Guardiola.
However, the vast options in the first-team squad and McAtee's contract being set to expire in 2023 means he has a looming decision to make. Would McAtee benefit most from regular first-team football, or training and learning alongside arguably the finest squad in Europe?
Eyes off, Carra!
We all know how amazing Kevin De Bruyne is. The Belgian has established himself as one of Europe’s best players since his arrival at the Etihad Stadium in 2015. He’s been so good that even sworn rivals are amazed by him.
Speaking on the Sky Sports Football Podcast, Jamie Carragher named KDB as his dream signing for Liverpool.
“I think he’s one of the best players in the world," he said. "I think in the past two or three years he’s certainly been the best midfield player in the world.
"People say Liverpool lack creativity in midfield, and I think that’s a bit harsh because I think Liverpool get their creativity from different areas and with the way the team is set-up.”
Our view: Thanks for the compliments, Jamie. But you enjoy James Milner.
Marco cracks the Cody
Van Basten was one of the very best of his generation. The three-time Ballon d’Or is vastly decorated, so when he talks football, you listen.
The ex-Ajax and AC Milan striker has warned City and Liverpool over their mooted interest in Cody Gakpo, a highly rated 22-year-old winger from PSV.
Speaking on Ziggo Sport’s Rondo, Van Basten said: “[Gakpo] has been in the Eredivisie for a year now. You have to have a foundation to succeed abroad. That is three or four years in the Netherlands.”
Our view: It’s hard to disagree with van Basten. Just look at the players who’ve recently made the switch from Holland to England. Steven Bergwijn, Donny van de Beek and Memphis Depay are all examples of men perhaps making the Premier League switch a little too early.
Who do you think City should sign? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below
