Man City eye Valverde as Maresca era takes shape
Report claims Guardiola lost faith in John Stones’ fitness, omitting him from the Carabao Cup final and limiting minutes late on before his free exit, despite the defender insisting he was fit.
Norway’s doctor denies Erling Haaland was ill after his extra-time substitution in the 2-1 World Cup loss to England. Coach Ståle Solbakken cited fatigue and a dead leg for the Man City striker.
City have enquired about Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde. Madrid set a €100m baseline and will only listen if he asks to leave, with Jose Mourinho valuing him amid reports of recent dressing-room turmoil.
Al Ahli agree a €45m deal for Sporting’s Francisco Trincão, but the winger waits amid interest from Manchester City and Tottenham. Sporting want any English bid to match the Saudi package.
Logan Paul criticises Alexander Sorloth for not squaring to Man City’s Erling Haaland in Norway’s 2-1 World Cup defeat to England, after the striker explained John Stones blocked the pass.
Ex-United defender Paul Parker hails £116m City signing Elliot Anderson as ‘a different version of Paul Scholes’, calling him clinical and consistent, and backing improvement under Enzo Maresca.
Villa will keep Emiliano Martinez, easing Newcastle’s move for City keeper James Trafford, who seeks first-team football after limited minutes behind Gianluigi Donnarumma. Chelsea also monitor the 23-year-old.
Ex-City boss Pep Guardiola is discussed for the Italy job, with Paolo Maldini keen on a top coach. Wages near £21m are a hurdle, as Maresca now leads City and Guardiola serves as CFG ambassador.
Analysis contrasts Julián Álvarez’s Man City output with Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyökeres, arguing Álvarez offers superior goal contribution and pressing as Arsenal chase a €117m deal.
City confirm Maresca’s backroom team, including Willy Caballero and others, with only James French and Richard Wright retained from Guardiola’s staff ahead of the Community Shield vs Arsenal.
Ex-captain Richard Dunne recalls Maine Road, the 2008 takeover and City’s rise, saying the club’s success ‘was coming’ and hailing fans’ journey from relegation fights to Champions League glory.
Rico Lewis says turning to Christianity ‘changed my life’. After just 22 outings last season and missing England’s World Cup squad, the 21-year-old hopes to feature under Enzo Maresca.
City admire Chelsea’s Malo Gusto but balk at a £75m fee. Maresca, who worked with Gusto, wants him, yet City will not proceed without a lower valuation, with Matheus Nunes and Rico Lewis options at right-back.
City will assess Juma Bah in pre-season before deciding on a loan or squad role. After 41 games at Nice, Brest and other Ligue 1 clubs show interest, but Maresca wants a closer look first.
City’s Rodri helped Spain beat Belgium 2-1, Doku impressed in defeat. Haaland went out as Norway lost 1-2 to England, where Nico O’Reilly, Marc Guehi and £116m signing Anderson starred. Six City players reach the semis.
