Man City focus: Guardiola signals stay, Rodri in line for pay rise
City plan to make Rodri second-highest earner behind Erling Haaland to extend beyond 2027, amid Real Madrid links. His camp give ‘positive noises’ as City chase trophies in 2025/26.
City have held informal talks over Bayern’s Aleksandar Pavlovic, but the 21-year-old, contracted to 2029, prioritises staying. Chelsea also admire him as Bayern plan to keep the midfielder.
Guardiola backs Phil Foden to regain form, urging freedom in the final third. Competition from Semenyo, Cherki and Reijnders noted amid Barcelona interest and contract questions.
FootMercato say Real Madrid aim to have Kylian Mbappé fit for the second leg at Man City on 17 March, likely missing the first. His 38-goal form would be a major threat if he returns.
Arsenal’s trip to Manchester City is moved to 19 April at 16:30. With City holding a game in hand but trailing, the Etihad meeting could be pivotal in the title race.
Preview tips rotation for City at Newcastle in the FA Cup, with Gvardiol and Kovacic out. Predicted XI lists Donnarumma, Dias, Guéhi, Aït-Nouri, Reijnders and Foden among starters.
Pep Guardiola says Rayan Ait-Nouri felt hamstring ‘niggles’ in the 2-2 draw at Forest and City avoided risk. He is a doubt for Newcastle, with Nathan Ake or others ready to cover.
Report claims Bernardo Silva will leave City on a free in June, with no renewal talks. The captain has hinted a decision is made as Guardiola’s side chase trophies in a packed run-in.
Man Utd appoint Darren Hughes as head of academy development after 11 years at Man City, where he led coaching and worked with prospects including Oscar Bobb, Romeo Lavia and Cole Palmer.
Arsenal and Man City remain in contention for the Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup and Champions League, with a potential Champions League final meeting later, and an EFL Cup final between them still to come this month.
Pep Guardiola signals he will stay, saying City are ‘not a complete team’ yet and will be better next season. He laments scheduling before trips to Newcastle in the FA Cup and Real Madrid in Europe.
Joško Gvardiol is ahead of schedule after January surgery. City doctors are ‘very pleased’, with a May return possible, though no exact date is set. Croatia also expect him to be fit.
Leeds condemn boos during a Ramadan fast break in the 1-0 defeat to Man City, cite communication issues, and urge respect ahead of Norwich. Pep Guardiola called for ‘respect’ post-match.
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Newcastle fan group Wor Flags urge supporters to bring scarves and donate for displays ahead of the FA Cup tie against Manchester City at St James’ Park.
