Man City push for Palmeiras teen, weigh midfield options
Richard Keys criticises PGMOL for appointing Anthony Taylor, from Altrincham, to referee City vs Arsenal, questioning the choice despite Taylor’s Altrincham allegiance and defence from peers.
City believe the verdict on their 115 Premier League charges will arrive days after the season ends and before the 2026 World Cup, with confidence high they will be cleared after a 12-week hearing concluded.
Manchester City are monitoring Feyenoord right-back Givairo Read alongside Bayern, with a €25-30m fee mooted. City consider right-back reinforcements, though the 19-year-old is currently out with a hamstring injury.
Aston Villa target City backup James Trafford amid Emi Martinez doubts. City value him at £35m-£40m, prefer a loan but could sell, with Newcastle and Spurs also interested.
City are linked with Sporting CP captain Morten Hjulmand, a number six with six assists in 40 games, but with Rodri and Nico in place a summer move looks unlikely unless departures create room.
City revive pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen’s Ibrahim Maza. Leverkusen reject early interest and want about €70m after a €35m Atletico bid was turned down. Maza has 5 goals, 6 assists this season.
City lead talks for Palmeiras teen Eduardo Conceição. Agent confirms progress toward a formal bid. City eye €40m package but Palmeiras want around €50m. Competition includes Arsenal and Chelsea.
Eintracht Frankfurt full-back Nathaniel Brown has ‘noticed’ links to Man City, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Arsenal, but says his focus is on Frankfurt’s European push and the World Cup. Contract runs to 2030.
PSG revive move for free agent Bernardo Silva after a €70m bid was rejected in 2023. Barcelona and Juventus also in contact, with Benfica his long-held ambition. City await his decision after nine trophy-laden years.
Nicolás Tagliafico hails Rayan Cherki’s talent but says his disorganised style causes ‘chaos’ and is not typical of Guardiola’s structure. Cherki has 9 goals and 13 assists in 43 games for Man City this season.
