Why we both quited Manchester City this morning – Pep Guardiola and Erling Haaland explained in a press conference
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Man City transfer news RECAP City close in on double signing, Erling Haaland ‘wants Barcelona move’
Stay tuned for the latest Manchester City transfer rumours, injury updates and breaking news throughout the day.
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BY JAMES FINDLATER, GEORGE SMITH
WHY SHOULD MAN CITY FANS BE EXCITED ABOUT JULIAN ALVAREZ
There isn’t much time remaining in the January transfer window for Manchester City to complete any business, including the signing of Julian Alvarez.
The Blues are set to finalise a deal for the South American Footballer of the Year for an initial £17.9million – but Alvarez will remain at his club River Plate on loan until later in the year.
Sources in Argentina claim the deal is currently being finalised after the basics were thrashed out at a meeting of City ’s South American recruitment team with River representatives late last week.
Alvarez has been in sensational form in the last 18 months since bursting onto the scene for River three years ago – he scored 22 goals in 45 games last season to fuel their drive to the Argentinian title.
Meanwhile, Finley Burns has completed his move to Swansea, becoming the third young City central defender to go out on loan this season.
Recap all of today’s City news below.
KEY EVENTS
River Plate confirm Alvarez deal
07:28
07:28KEY EVENT
River Plate confirm Alvarez deal
River Plate president Jorge Brito has confirmed that striker Julian Alvarez has joined Manchester City, insisting the deal is done.
22:31JAMES FINDLATER
Deadline day looms
That’s it from us this evening – we will of course be back with all the latest transfer news on deadline day, so make sure you tune in again throughout tomorrow.
21:57JAMES FINDLATER
City in battle with Spanish giants for Gravenberch
Manchester City are said to be battling with Real Madrid and Barcelona in the race to sign Ajax wonderkid Ryan Gravenberch.
City have been linked with a move for the 19-year-old, who has emerged as one of the continent’s emerging talents this season.
They could face competition from Madrid and Barca though, with Mundo Deportivo suggesting the Spanish giants are also in the market as they eye up some midfield options.
Ryan Gravenberch of Ajax looks on during the UEFA Champions League match between Ajax and Sporting Clube de Portugal at Johan Cruijff ArenA(Image: Peter Lous/BSR Agency/Getty Images)
21:21JAMES FINDLATER
City defender Ilic joines ESTAC Troyes
French side ESTAC Troyes have completed the signing of Manchester City defender Luka Ilic on a two-and-a-half year deal.
The 22-year-old joined City in 2017 after playing youth football for Red Star Belgrade, and has taken in loans at NAC Breda and Twente.
20:36JAMES FINDLATER
Dybala warned off Liverpool move
Paulo Dybala has been warned off a potential move to Liverpool as speculation continues over his future.
The Juventus forward has also been linked to City, and former Sunderland and Southampton striker Kevin Phillips has told Football Insider a move to Anfield for the Argentine would be the wrong one.
Not when you’ve got Diogo Jota, Mane, and Salah all back fit and firing. Not many in the world could break into that front three.
Whoever comes, whether it’s Dybala or someone else – they’ll have to fight for their place.
Of course, we don’t know whether the contract of Salah is going to be resolved. If he’s going to move on, then obviously that will free up a spot.
But at the minute, no one is breaking in ahead of those three – they’re three of the best in the world.
Paulo Dybala of Juventus.(Image: Photo by Piero Cruciatti/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
19:54JAMES FINDLATER
Haaland ‘wants move to Barcelona’
Erling Haaland is reportedly delaying a decision on his future as he wants to secure a move to Barcelona.
The Daily Star claims the Borussia Dortmund superstar’s preferred destination is the Camp Nou, and he is buying some time in order for the Catalan giants to stump up the fee needed to sign him.
Haaland’s release clause in Germany comes into effect this summer, with Europe’s top clubs all lining up to try and secure his services.
City look to be leading the way when it comes to Premier League sides, although Haaland appears to favour a move to Spain, with both Barca and Real Madrid in the running.
Erling Haaland of Borussia Dortmund(Image: Alex Gottschalk/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
19:32JAMES FINDLATER
Burns praises Guardiola inspiration
Finley Burns is hoping to continue the good work he has undergone with Pep Guardiola as he makes the move to Swansea.
Burns joins the Championship club on loan for the remainder of the season, where he’ll be hoping to expand on his talents as eyes up a future at the Etihad.
I think I’ve been prepared the best I could have possibly been because of my work with Pep and the youth coaches at Man City.
That will continue here and the style of play is very similar so I feel I will be ready for what is required of me.
I feel like I’ve developed a lot as a person as well as a player. I’ve matured a lot since I was 13 and I feel like everything is going in the right direction.
19:05JAMES FINDLATER
Burns ‘buzzing’ to sign for Swansea
Finley Burns has given his first interview after signing on loan for Swansea expressing his delight at joining the Championship club.
I was on the train down to London actually to see my grandparents and then I got a phone call from my dad saying ‘Well done son, you’re moving to the Swans!’
I got down here as soon as I could, I had to go straight back to Manchester and drive back down to Swansea. I’m buzzing.
I’ve had a chance to speak to the manager and his staff and they’re all great. They’re delighted to have me here and I feel looked after already so I’m just looking forward to learning under him and progressing.
18:45JAMES FINDLATER
Players tipped to sign for City
SkyBet are offering odds on some of the names being linked with moves away before the end of the January transfer window, with a few big players being linked with City.
Here are some of the players in the market, and their prices for a move to the Etihad.
Paulo Dybala – 12/1
Erling Haaland – 20/1
Harry Kane – 20/1
Declan Rice – 33/1
Ollie Watkins – 33/1
Paulo Dybala of Juventus(Image: Fabrizio Carabelli/Ciancaphoto Studio/Getty Images)
18:22JAMES FINDLATER
Alvarez signing to be announced ‘in coming hours’
Julian Alvarez’s signing looks set to be announced soon after City and River Plate completed all the necessary paperwork, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
18:00JAMES FINDLATER
Sandler linked with another loan move
Philippe Sandler is being linked with a move away from Manchester City.
The 24-year-old has not managed to break his way into Pep Guardiola’s first team since joining the club from PEC Zwolle.
Loan spells at Anderlecht and Troyes have not proven particularly successful either, although reports are suggesting he could be set for another temporary move.
Sandler is being linked with a move on loan to Feyenoord, with the Dutch side ‘hoping’ they can complete a deal before deadline day.
Philippe Sandler(Image: Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
17:34JAMES FINDLATER
Burns joins Swansea on loan
Swansea have confirmed the signing of young City defender Finley Burns.
The 18-year-old joins the Welsh side on loan for the remainder of the season.
17:00JAMES FINDLATER
Trafford continues dream start at Bolton
James Trafford has made a dream start to his loan with Bolton – and now he can even boast an assist.
The young goalkeeper joined the League One side earlier this month, and already has three clean sheets to his name.
And he managed to follow in Ederson’s footsteps by claiming an assist in the 6-0 rout of Sunderland on Saturday.
Read more about Trafford’s dream start at Bolton here.
16:34JAMES FINDLATER
Zalan Vancsa update
Our man Simon Bajkowski has put some more meat on the bones as to Zalan Vancsa and his proposed move to City.
Rather than making the move to the Etihad, it appears Vancsa will instead sign for fellow CFG side Lommel SK.
The previous suggestion had been that Vancsa was going to head to Lommel on loan.
16:14JAMES FINDLATER
Alvarez loan could be extended
Julian Alvarez does of course look to be on the way to Manchester City – although his stay at River Plate could well be extended.
In revealing City had won the race for the highly sought-after forward, River Plate president Jorge Brito also suggested they could come to an agreement with City on extending Alvarez’s loan into the second half of the year if they progress in the Copa Libertadores.
The loan is until July 7 – although there is a clause that speaks of the ‘greatest efforts’ between the three parties: we, who are the sellers, Manchester City, which is the buying club, and the player.
There are possibilities that he will continue with us if River continues in the Copa next season.
Julian Alvarez is poised to become Manchester City’s latest recruit.(Image: Alejandro Pagni/AFP via Getty Images.)
15:51JAMES FINDLATER
Hungarian wonderkid to make City move ‘imminently’
Zalan Vancsa is reportedly on the verge of joining Manchester City.
The 17-year-old is said to have already passed his medical, with his arrival set to be confirmed imminently (via Sports Illustrated).
The Hungarian wonderkid has been heavily linked with a move to the Etihad, and has also been tipped for a move Lommel SK, which is owned by the City Group, on loan.
Zalan Vancsa (right) is reportedly on the verge of joining Manchester City(Image: Getty Images)
15:22JAMES FINDLATER
Swansea set to miss out on City pair
City pair James McAtee and Josh Wilson-Esbrand are expected to stay at the club this month, despite interest from Swansea.
The Swans have long been admirers of attacker McAtee and have held talks with his representatives, while they also enquired about left-back Wilson-Esbrand prior to the window.
According to Wales Online though, the Championship side look set to miss out on both players, with City planning on keeping them at the Etihad.
McAtee has today been seen getting in some extra training as City prepare for their return from the winter break.
15:00GEORGE SMITH
Liverpool FC icon whose marquee January transfer failure sent Man City on the road to ruin
Never one to pass up the chance for a bit of fun and self-deprecation in front of the cameras, Kevin Keegan grabbed hold of Robbie Fowler’s face and mimed a mock kiss towards the striker’s right cheek.
An on-off transfer saga had finally fallen in Manchester City’s favour as Fowler – one of the most exceptional goalscoring talents of his generation – signed from Leeds United in a £6million deal on January 30, 2003.
Keegan was a picture of delight as he paraded his new signing at a press conference, talking up the mouthwatering prospect of pairing the England international with Nicolas Anelka up front.
Fowler’s arrival was supposed to mark the next stage of a thrilling City renaissance after the turn of the century, amid a sense that the club of Joe Mercer and Malcolm Allison were ready to challenge the big boys again.
Click here to read more.
Robbie Fowler celebrates his first City goal with Kevin Horlock and Shaun Wright-Phillips, but it did not open the floodgates.(Image: Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
14:27GEORGE SMITH
Zalan Vancsa ‘passes’ City medical
13:54GEORGE SMITH
OPINION: Pep Guardiola stance on Man City future keeps players on their toes
Pep Guardiola usually makes headlines when he talks about his future, and as he enters the final 18 months of his current contract at the Etihad he can expect plenty more questions about it.
Despite the big question mark that lingers though, the Manchester City boss has been pretty transparent about his intentions whenever he has been drawn on the subject.
Guardiola has often indicated he will not stay in management all his life, and said before the Southampton game that after 12 years as a manager he does not expect to still be doing the job in another 12. And while he has pledged that he could not manage another English club after City, he has spoken before about other coaching challenges that he would like before retiring – such as a national team job.
Click here to read more.
13:22GEORGE SMITH
Alvarez, McAtee, Delap – Man City transfer state of play ahead of Monday window deadline
Manchester City, despite their spending spree in the last 13 years, are not big fans of the January transfer window.
Since strengthening considerably in 2009, when they seemingly faced a relegation dogfight, the Blues have only moved in the mid-season window when it was opportune or necessary.
Aymeric Laporte was brought in as the Blues suffered an injury crisis among their centre backs, but he was already a target – the squad issues simply meant they moved a few months early.
Gabriel Jesus arrived in January, but that deal had been done six months earlier and, like Julian Alvarez in this window, he was allowed to remain in South America until the next window.
Click here to read more.
12:58GEORGE SMITH
Feyenoord ‘target’ City defender
Dutch giants Feyenoord are ‘looking to sign’ Manchester City defender Philippe Sandler ahead of the transfer window closing tomorrow evening.
That is according to a report by Dutch daily newspaper lgemeen Dagblad, as cited by Inside Futbol.
Sandler spent the first half of this season on loan at French club Troyes and his temporary spell over the Channel did not work out.
Philippe Sandler(Image: Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
12:23GEORGE SMITH
OPINION: Julian Alvarez arrival date can prove doubts over Man City transfer wrong
The wait for Julian Alvarez to become a Manchester City player is almost over.
Even if the transfer may not be officially announced until the final day of the January transfer window as all i s are dotted and t s crossed, the River Plate president has confirmed the deal is effectively done and Alvarez and his agent have again exchanged messages celebrating their partnership on social media.
What is less clear, however, is when the forward will actually play at the Etihad under Pep Guardiola.
To say City are paying a fee not far off the money spent on Ferran Torres from Valencia, there does not appear to be a rush to get Alvarez to Manchester; he is set to stay at River Plate until the summer, and could even continue there next season depending on how the Copa Libertadores is progressing.
Click here to read more.
Julian Alvarez is poised to become Manchester City’s latest recruit.(Image: Alejandro Pagni/AFP via Getty Images.)
12:01GEORGE SMITH
Liverpool complete Diaz signing
Manchester City’s nearest Premier League title challengers, Liverpool, have bolstered their attacking options with the signing of Luis Diaz from FC Porto, the Reds have confirmed.
11:49GEORGE SMITH
City to ‘resume’ Sterling contract talks
Manchester City are set to ‘resume’ contract talks with winger Raheem Sterling, according to ESPN.
The England international is out-of-contract in June 2023 and City bosses, according to the report, want to begin discussing fresh terms with him before he enters the final year of his current deal.
Sterling has been heavily linked with a move away from the Etihad Stadium in recent weeks and months, being linked with the likes of Arsenal and Barcelona.
Manchester City reportedly to listen to Raheem Sterling offers amid contract talks. (Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images)(Image: Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images)
11:21GEORGE SMITH
Key fixture dates in Man City Premier League title race with Liverpool and Chelsea
With Manchester City’s draw against Southampton last week the door has been left slightly ajar in the Premier League title race.
A faltering Liverpool and Chelsea looked as though they had no hope of catching a relentless City, who had won 12 games in succession before they were held by the spirited Saints.
But with just two points dropped it now looks like the season isn’t quite over yet, as Pep Guardiola has repeatedly insisted. City will be looking to smash the door shut as soon as possible and here are the key fixtures that could decide if they are successful in doing so.
Click here to read more.
Pep Guardiola holds the Premier League title(Image: Michael Regan/Getty Images)
10:46GEORGE SMITH
City ‘interested’ in Gravenberch
Manchester City are reportedly interested in signing highly-rated Ajax midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, according to Mundo Deportivo.
They claim that Spanish giants Real Madrid could make a move for the Dutchman this summer, but City are also expressing an interest in his signature.
The 19-year-old is out-of-contract at Ajax at the end of next season.
Ajax boss Erik ten Hag (right) has overseen Ryan Gravenberch’s development.(Image: Geert van Erven/BSR Agency/Getty Images.)
10:13GEORGE SMITH
Jack Grealish details how Man City has improved him where Aston Villa couldn’t
Manchester City playmaker Jack Grealish says Pep Guardiola has improved his game in the early stages of his Blues career after completing his £100million switch in the summer.
The former Aston Villa attacker has come under fire for his displays since making the mega-money move from the Midlands as he failed to replicate the creativity that he showed at Villa Park.
Unlike Grealish, the likes of Riyad Mahrez and Bernardo Silva were slowly integrated into the Guardiola system after their arrivals, whereas the 26-year-old was deployed immediately.
Click here to read more.
Jack Grealish has heaped praise on Pep Guardiola’s early impact. (Image: Photo by Matt McNulty – Manchester City/Manchester City FC via Getty Images)
09:44GEORGE SMITH
Barnsley make Bolton ‘enquiry’
Championship side Barnsley have made an ‘enquiry’ into the possibility of signing Manchester City right-sided player Luke Bolton ahead of tomorrow evening’s transfer deadline.
That is according to a report by Football Insider, who say the Championship strugglers want to sign the versatile ace on a permanent basis.
Bolton, who can play at either right-back or right-midfield, is out-of-contract at City at the end of the season and the Tykes believe they can get a deal over the line.
09:24GEORGE SMITH
The full story on Alvarez’s incoming
River Plate president Jorge Brito has confirmed that striker Julian Alvarez will be joining Manchester City, insisting it is a “done deal.”
City, who resume their campaign with an FA Cup tie against Championship side Fulham next Saturday afternoon, have been hot on the heels of the Argentine striker and have now agreed a deal, understood to be around £17.9million, to seal his signature.
Although City have not yet confirmed the arrival of the striker, River Plate president Brito has announced that a deal has been completed, which will see the 21-year-old become the club’s first signing of the January transfer window.
Furthermore, Brito has also confirmed that Alvarez will remain on loan at River Plate until July.
Click here to read more.
Julian Alvarez is poised to become Manchester City’s latest recruit.(Image: Alejandro Pagni/AFP via Getty Images.)
08:53GEORGE SMITH
Martin hints at Burns deal
Swansea City manager Russell Martin has hinted that the Championship side are set to sign Manchester City yougster Finley Burns on loan.
The City defender is poised to join the Swans for the remainder of the season and Martin has already waxed lyrical about his talents, suggesting that a deal to take him to south Wales is close.
Martin, as quoted by WalesOnline, said:
“Fin is an outstanding young player. It enables one of our players to go out and play. Hopefully we will help develop Man City’s player.
“I think it’s a really good fit for all parties. We’re really excited to work with him.”
Swansea City are poised to sign Finley Burns on loan from Manchester City (Image: Alex Livesey – Danehouse/Getty Images)
08:30GEORGE SMITH
OPINION: Man City’s brave January transfer stance has been vindicated by Tottenham and Newcastle
If you watch a certain 24-hour rolling sports news channel in the next few days, you will hear all about the impending drama that is definitely going to happen before Monday night’s transfer deadline.
You will be assured that multiple big-money deals are being made and broken right now, and reporters stood outside training grounds will be offering hour-by-hour updates of what’s happening in the buildings directly behind them.
As the big countdown clock ticks down and the accumulator of money spent grows, you will be told not to go to bed just yet, and reminded of what a deal sheet looks like so you keep watching even after the deadline passes. In the football world, deadline day has become a phenomenon and a key event in the annual calendar.
Click here to read more.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 19: Pep Guardiola, manager of Manchester City signs a contract extension along side Chief Executive Ferran Soriano and Director of Football Txiki Begiristain at Manchester City Football Academy on November 19, 2020 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Matt McNulty – Manchester City/Manchester City FC via Getty Images)
08:09GEORGE SMITH
City to ‘listen’ to Sterling bids
Manchester City will be prepaed to ‘listen to offers’ for Raheem Sterling in the summer transfer window.
That is according to a report by the Daily Star, as cited by the Express, who claim that City will look to offload the England international if he fails to sign a new contract at the club by the summer.
City have been in contract talks with the former Liverpool man since September 2020, the report claims, and have so far made no breakthrough.
Raheem Sterling looks on during Man City’s draw with Southampton(Image: Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images)
07:49GEORGE SMITH
Have your say on Alvarez’s incoming arrival
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07:05GEORGE SMITH
Haaland to ‘reject’ City transfer
Erling Haaland will reportedly reject a move to Manchester City, with the Borussia Dortmund superstar favouring a move to Spain.
Much has been made of Haaland’s future, with the striker likely to be on the move in the summer as his release clause in Germany comes into effect.
AS, as cited by Sport Witness, have claimed that Haaland ‘prefers to reject offers’ from City, PSG and United, with both the player and his family prioritising a move to Spain.
Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland.(Image: Alexander Scheuber/Getty Images.)
DANIEL MURPHY
Man City’s first-ever January transfer window flop is playing key role in Riyad Mahrez’s career
The general perception is that signing footballers in the January transfer window is risky business, and Manchester City fans know that better than most.
Although in recent times the likes of Aymeric Laporte and Gabriel Jesus have shown that mid-season arrivals can be successful, City have signed plenty of duds over the years.
Benjani, Felipe Caicedo, Wilfried Bony – the list goes on. All of these players scored the odd goal for the Blues before disappearing into obscurity, rarely to be heard of ever again. But one January signing is still playing a key role in the club’s quest for success.
Read on here.
DANIEL MURPHY
City already have a plan to cope with any late January transfer moves
Julian Alvarez may be confirmed before Monday night’s transfer deadline, but don’t expect many more Manchester City appearances on the Sky Sports News yellow ticker in the coming couple of days.
Alvarez looks to be a solid signing, but is one for the future as he will remain at River Plate for at least the end of the current season. After that, he won’t be guaranteed a regular place at City, and the club will still press ahead with plans to sign a big striker in the summer.
In terms of other transfer business this month, City have sold Ferran Torres, but Pep Guardiola made it clear a replacement won’t be coming in for now. The only City interest in deadline day could be securing loan deals for their youngsters, with a handful of players still to sort out.
Continue reading here.
DANIEL MURPHY
Man City set to loan Finley Burns to Swansea
Finley Burns is set to become the third young Manchester City central defender to go out on loan this season.
The 18-year-old, who made his senior debut in the 6-1 Carabao Cup win over Wycombe earlier this season, is about to join Swansea for the rest of the season.
His performance in that game saw him singled out for praise by Pep Guardiola, who likened the precision of his timing to a watch.
Here are all the details.
DANIEL MURPHY
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Welcome to today’s City blog.
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