All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Manchester United could sign a new international defender for just £40m this summer, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Man Utd want new defender

The Red Devils and new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe are preparing for their first summer in charge at Old Trafford, with Omar Berrada brought in as chief executive from Manchester City and Jason Wilcox as technical director from Southampton.

Newcastle United’s Dan Ashworth looks likely to be the next boardroom arrival as sporting director, with Wilcox and Ashworth planning to overhaul the “spine” of the United squad this summer.

Manager who Pep Guardiola called "creative" is "interested" in Man Utd job

There’s been contact from Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

ByCharlie Smith Apr 24, 2024

To do that, a new centre-back is required, with Harry Maguire and holding midfielder Casemiro turning out at the back in United’s FA Cup semi-final with Coventry City on the weekend.

Reports have claimed that Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite is seen as the “long-term answer” at Old Trafford and is therefore “top target” for United, with the club pushing to agree on an early summer deal with the Toffees. However, there are alternative targets to the Englishman, as claimed by Romano.

Romano makes Todibo to Man Utd claim

Speaking to The United Stand, relayed by United in Focus, Romano listed Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo, Juventus’ Gleison Bremer and Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmond Tapsoba as three options, with the former possibly available for £40m.

“I would keep mentioning Jean-Clair Todibo, a cheaper option. From what I’m hearing it could be something like £40 million. Then there is Gleison Bremer, he has a release clause active in summer 2025 but Juventus are prepared to discuss this summer in case that money comes to the table.

“I would keep an eye on other potential names for example Edmond Tapsoba is a player they have been scouting for a long time at Bayer Leverkusen, but he is going to be very expensive I think. Manchester United are working on different profiles to decide the player they really want, and the manager is going to be important.”

Todibo has been linked with United previously, with reports suggesting that talks have already been held with the 24-year-old’s representatives. Romano also claimed last year that Todibo would love to move to Old Trafford, and with Ratcliffe’s connections to Nice, a move could be relatively straightforward for the defender who has been tracked for a long time by those in Manchester.

Should a dal materialise, United could be getting a France international who has been a regular for Nice for possibly half the price of what it could cost to sign Branthwaite, with Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig calling Todibo “high quality” last year.

West Ham United chiefs think an "incredible" player is certain to follow manager David Moyes out the exit door this summer, with Julen Lopetegui widely expected to replace the Scotsman.

Lopetegui agrees to replace Moyes at West Ham

Widespread reports, including a confirmation from reliable transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, have shared that Lopetegui has already agreed terms to become the new West Ham manager after Moyes' contract expires on June 30.

West Ham manager search close to end as Steidten holds face-to-face talks

West Ham’s search to replace David Moyes appears to be almost over.

ByJosh Barker May 5, 2024

Yesterday, West Ham also announced that Moyes won't be in charge next season, putting an end to the speculation surrounding his position and allowing supporters to give him a proper send-off after a few memorable seasons.

During his tenure, Moyes has transformed the Irons from a relegation-threatened side into European contenders, with West Ham also winning the Europa Conference League last year – putting an end to around 40 years without major silverware.

However, concerns have surrounded the 60-year-old's suitability moving forward, with a large section of supporters expressing disdain for West Ham's style of play under Moyes over the season.

Chelsea 5-0 West Ham

West Ham 0-6 Arsenal

Liverpool 5-1 West Ham

Fulham 5-0 West Ham

Crystal Palace 5-2 West Ham

Their fragility at the back is evident. Only Luton Town, Burnley and Sheffield United – the Premier League's bottom three sides – have conceded more goals than West Ham this season. They only need to concede one more league goal to surpass the 70 they leaked under Avram Grant in 2010/2011, a season which saw them finish 20th and relegated.

The departure of Moyes may bring mixed feelings, and his last game will undoubtedly be an emotional occasion, taking into account the overwhelming positives of his overall tenure. West Ham will soon be in the midst of what will be a crucial first summer without Moyes, as many new signings could be needed in key areas, with players ageing, out of contract and Lopetegui set for a few key decisions.

Star midfielder Lucas Paqueta, who West Ham signed for a club-record £51 million in 2022, is one of the big names linked with a high-profile departure.

West Ham think Paqueta is certain to leave with Moyes this summer

According to GiveMeSport, the Hammers are anticipating the loss of their pivotal Brazilian amid continued interest from Man City.

Indeed, it is believed West Ham chiefs think Paqueta will be joining Moyes out the exit door this summer, with Pep Guardiola's side maintaining their fondness for him after cancelling a bid last year.

The former Lyon star's contract includes a seismic release clause, so his sale could boost Lopetegui's funds in a bid to freshen the squad, but his quality would undoubtedly be a major loss.

“He’s incredible, honestly, he’s absolutely incredible,” Declan Rice said on Paqueta in 2023.

“It’s obviously taken him a while to settle into the Premier League and into the training ground, moving his family over. I think now you’re seeing the real Lucas. Some of the stuff he does, even in training, it’s just mind-boggling how good he is.”

With the Championship title and subsequent promotion sealed, Leicester City have reportedly turned their attention towards bolstering Enzo Maresca's squad ahead their return to the Premier League.

Leicester transfer news

The Foxes, despite promotion, find themselves in a difficult spot following their Financial Fair Play troubles with the Premier League. Whilst the decision did not damage their Championship season, they could be handed a points deduction next season to hand them the worst possible start to their instant top-flight return. What's more, the charge has also left them walking a finer line with the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules.

That said, the pending departures of Jamie Vardy and Kelechi Iheanacho (as things stand) means that those at the King Power will need to find reinforcements for Maresca's attack one way or another. The former will particularly be a difficult player to replace if he goes, given the legacy that he leaves behind as one of the best players to ever play for the club. His potential replacement knows exactly how to find the back of the net, however.

Maresca made early Leicester mistake by losing a big Justin upgrade

Enzo Maresca will want this cast aside Foxes man back in his first team plans soon.

ByKelan Sarson Mar 7, 2024

According to GiveMeSport, Leicester City are preparing their first offer to sign Sammie Szmodics from Blackburn Rovers this summer to hand the Championship's most recent Golden Boot winner a deserved step into the Premier League.

An attacking midfielder who can also turn out at centre-forward, he set the Championship alight this season despite playing for a side battling relegation until the final day of the campaign. And at 28 years old, now represents the perfect time to complete a move to the Premier League if Leicester can navigate FFP rules to get a deal done this summer.

Signing a player of Szmodics' quality would certainly go a long way in helping the Foxes to avoid an instant return to the Championship next season.

"Great" Szmodics is Premier League-ready

Some may be quick to point out the difference in quality between the Championship and the very top leagues, but former Coventry star Viktor Gyokeres proved that true out-and-out goalscorers are more than capable of making the step after becoming one of the best strikers in Europe at Sporting CP this season.

Now, Szmodics could follow suit with Leicester, should the Foxes make a successful move. When looking for an heir to Vardy's golden boots, they should certainly look no further than the Blackburn man.

Goals

27

18

Assists

4

2

Expected goals

22.3

17.1

Key Passes

49

16

It's no surprise after such excellent form that Szmodics received praise throughout the season, including from former Blackburn boss Jon Dahl Tomasson: "After Christmas last season, I think he’s been really good for Rovers and after the summer holiday, he’s been extremely good. He’s also added those goals.

“We always know he can score goals but he’s not used to playing a lot of games at this level first of all, he played with Peterborough but not a lot. The way he’s scoring goals, the confidence he’s playing with and the role he takes as one of the senior players is quite incredible.”

Tottenham have been offered the chance to sign a £17 million midfielder who former boss Mauricio Pochettino wanted to bring to North London in 2019.

Spurs planning to sign new midfielder for Postecoglou

Manager Ange Postecoglou and Spurs recruitment chiefs are reportedly planning to bring in a new central midfield ace, with uncertainty surrounding the futures of some squad members in that position.

Tottenham have now reached agreement to sign attacking starlet for Ange

They’ve beat “multiple” Premier League sides in the race for his signature.

ByEmilio Galantini May 16, 2024

Despite his fine form at the start of 2023/2024, it is believed Spurs are now open to suitable offers for Yves Bissouma, while the out-of-favour Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is looking pretty likely to quit Tottenham and has been for quite a while.

Concerns have surrounded the former's inconsistency lately, while the latter is entering the final 12 months of his contract – giving chairman Daniel Levy precious little time to make money back off his signing in 2020.

Brighton 4-2 Tottenham

7.27

Tottenham 2-0 Fulham

7.06

Tottenham 3-1 Nottingham Forest

6.92

Tottenham 1-4 Chelsea

6.90

Tottenham 3-1 Bournemouth

6.77

Postecoglou's midfield could look very different by the beginning of 2024/2025, and they've got a few key targets to potentially replace the likes of Bissouma and Hojbjerg.

Indeed, Chelsea star Conor Gallagher is still being eyed up by Spurs, so much so that an offer is expected in the coming weeks as the north Londoners believe they could strike a deal for as little as £35 million (TEAMtalk).

They do have alternatives to the Englishman, though, in case their intense rivalry with Chelsea becomes too much of a stumbling block in any proposed deal. Abroad, Atalanta star Ederson has been in excellent form under Gian Piero Gasperini throughout 23/24.

This has turned heads at N17, with Spurs thought to be targeting Ederson as another option to reinforce Postecoglou's midfield ahead of next season. However, it is believed Atalanta are seeking a minimum of £43 million to sell the Brazilian, with Spurs looking to bolster other areas of the squad as well.

Levy and the recruitment team will have to be clever in the way they navigate this summer window, as Postecoglou needs backing across the board.

Tottenham offered Carlos Soler deal

According to HITC, £17 million Paris-Saint Germain midfielder Carlos Soler has emerged as a potential opportunity.

The outlet claims Tottenham have been offered the chance to sign Soler this summer, with the Lilywhites now made aware of his availability. The Spaniard, who's been likened to Man City legend David Silva, has struggled for consistent starting places under Luis Enrique this season – meaning he could depart the Parc des Princes.

Soler is a player who they are familiar with, as ESPN once shared that Pochettino and Spurs were planning an approach to sign Soler in 2019.

“He is the complete midfielder and can act as a (number) six, eight or 10,” former Valencia star Cuco Torres told AS (via HITC). “He has power, arrives in the box and can score.”

A significant Liverpool transfer claim has emerged regarding the club's summer business, courtesy of Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

Liverpool in need of summer signings

The Reds focused solely on rebuilding their midfield last summer, with Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch all brought in. Now, with Jurgen Klopp moving on and being replaced by Arne Slot, the Dutchman will want to focus on his own targets, looking to bring in players who fit his plans and system while rebuilding other areas of the squad.

Liverpool certainly don't appear to be waiting around since the arrival of Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes, with endless players being linked with moves to Anfield already, including Benfica centre-back Antonio Silva. The Reds are reportedly looking to hijack Manchester United's efforts to sign the highly-rated young defender as they seek a replacement for Joel Matip.

Leeds United winger Crysencio Summerville also continues to stand out as a big target for the Reds in the summer, having helped the Whites reach the Championship playoff final against Southampton later this month. He also won the Player of the Season award in the second tier.

Liverpool are believed to have sent scouts to watch Federico Chiesa in action for Juventus recently too, seeing him face off against another rumoured transfer target in Teun Koopmeiners, who has stood out as a star man for Atalanta this season, scoring 12 goals and registering five assists in Serie A.

Dharmesh Sheth makes Liverpool transfer claim

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Sheth claimed that Liverpool will prioritise a new centre-back signing in the summer transfer window, with Michael Edwards seeing it as a key position to address.

This is great to hear from a Liverpool perspective, with failure to bring at least one new centre-back this summer bordering on negligence by the club. Matip is leaving on a free transfer after eight years at Anfield, immediately weakening the defensive depth at Slot's disposal, and Ibrahima Konate's injuries continue to be an issue, with the Frenchman struggling to stay fit for lengthy periods.

Meanwhile, Virgil van Dijk turns 33 this summer and isn't going to be at the top of his game forever, while Jarell Quansah is still a maturing player who isn't yet ready to start every week for a club of Liverpool's stature.

“Sensational” £150k-a-week Liverpool ace could leave alongside Salah

What a massive blow this would be.

ByHenry Jackson May 18, 2024

Someone like Benfica star Silva would be ideal, with the 20-year-old starting 29 Primeira Liga games for Benfica this season, coming in as a great option from the off, but also a long-term acquisition. Similarly, Sporting CP ace Goncalo Inacio could be a brilliant addition, proving to be a key man in his side's league title win in 2023/24 and enjoying an 89.3% pass completion rate, suggesting he would suit Slot's style of play.

Tottenham could table a bid for one £30 million forward before the end of this month, after claims that Ange Postecoglou thinks he's "perfect".

Spurs set to target more attackers after Timo Werner

After sealing a one-year extension on Timo Werner's loan deal, Spurs are very much still in the market for new attackers as Postecoglou, Johan Lange and the wider Lilywhites recruitment team anticipate a busy summer transfer window.

Tottenham planning £40 million swap deal bid including Emerson Royal

The north Londoners could kill two birds with one stone.

ByEmilio Galantini May 29, 2024

Fabrizio Romano has tipped the north Londoners for a hectic few months ahead when it comes to incomings and outgoings, telling GiveMeSport that it will be an "important" summer.

"I think it will be an important summer for Tottenham in terms of midfield," said Romano.

"And then [there will be] an offensive player, at least one offensive player. We will see if it's going to be more a kind of winger or more a kind of number nine. But they are exploring the offensive players market and I think they will do something also in that position. So I think it will be a busy summer at Tottenham."

Reliable football.london correspondent Alasdair Gold has also shared that more attacking signings will come at Spurs after the Werner deal, coming after Postecoglou admitted that his side need more numbers going forward.

Tottenham are reportedly planning to bring in a new striker to replace Harry Kane, and potentially Richarlison, with the Brazilian coming as one of the many players linked to leaving N17 before the end of this summer window.

Son Heung-min

17

Richarlison

12

Dejan Kulusevski

8

Brennan Johnson

5

Cristian Romero

5

Another winger also hasn't been ruled out, with former Chelsea starlet Callum Hudson-Odoi mentioned as a target in recent weeks. The Nottingham Forest forward, who signed for Nuno Espirito Santo's side for just £5 million last summer, has seen his value skyrocket to £30 million after a brilliant season at the City Ground.

Forest may have to sell key players before June 30 to avoid more PSR sanctions, and it is believed Postecoglou sees Hudson-Odoi as the "perfect" fit for his Spurs attack.

Tottenham may table Hudson-Odoi bid before June 30

As per Football Insider, Tottenham could launch a bid to sign Hudson-Odoi before June 30, as the club look to add a young forward with the added benefit of being homegrown.

The 23-year-old is apparently one of several players who the club are looking at to bolster their forward line, and it is believed they've held a long-term interest in Hudson-Odoi as well.

The Englishman bagged eight goals and an assist in 29 league appearances last term, and his top-flight experience could be another attraction.

Leeds United have made their stance clear amid reports that Spurs could launch a player-plus-cash offer for Daniel Farke's £50 million star.

Leeds facing player exodus after failed promotion bid

Losing the Championship play-off final to Southampton could have dire consequences for the West Yorkshire side, who faltered in their bid to seal promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

£15 million Leeds United star now ready to quit as Dortmund eye deal

He wants to jump ship after promotion failure.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 8, 2024

A succession of first-team stars from last campaign could pack their bags and leave Elland Road. Leeds are looking to raise cash for their own transfer activity, while also dealing with the fact players will want to be playing top flight football for the sake of their own careers.

Crysencio Summerville is attracting interest from big Premier League sides as the transfer window opens for business, and it is believed that midfielder Ilia Gruev is ready to quit Leeds as Borussia Dortmund eye a move.

Joe Rodon is also returning to Tottenham following the expiry of his loan deal, and it is unclear as to whether Leeds will be able to bring the Welshman back for next season. Wilfried Gnonto, in similar fashion to last year, is also being linked with a move away yet again.

There is also the matter of highly rated Leeds starlet Archie Gray, who enjoyed an absolutely terrific Championship campaign last season. The teenager made 52 appearances in all competitions as a mainstay of Farke's backline, with reports suggesting he is valued as high as £50 million.

Appearances

52

Goals

1

Assists

2

Minutes played

4,268

There have been rumours that Tottenham are interested, and they could even instigate a player-plus-cash bid for Gray including Oliver Skipp.

Leeds stance made clear as Spurs swap deal bid mooted for Gray

This latest claim come courtesy of TEAMtalk, which also reveals Leeds' stance on selling Gray this summer.

The outlet claims that Gray is happy at Leeds and the club do not want to do business over him, dealing a blow to Ange Postecoglou's side, who now look unlikely to do a deal for the 18-year-old.

This will come as music to the ears of supporters, who wish to hold on to one of England's most exciting talents.

"Archie's had a fantastic season for Leeds," said pundit Carlton Palmer to Football League World last campaign.

"Gray's only 18, but he's doing well under Daniel Farke by playing regularly, so shouldn't be in any rush to leave. But Leeds want to protect themselves, for sure, by tying him down to a longer-term contract, and I'm sure there would be a massive release clause in there.

"Leeds would probably be looking for £70-80 million for him. Obviously, Archie Gray should be sensible enough to know that if Leeds United are promoted – and I think they will be – that he has the chance to play in the Premier League. Whilst Leeds themselves will know that if he performs well, then his value skyrockets."

Despite previously struggling with financial sanctions, Everton look set to open their chequebook this summer and reward Sean Dyche with a slew of fresh faces this summer.

Toffees want reinforcements in midfield

The latest rumours out of Merseyside suggest that the Toffees view improvements in the middle of the park as their top priority during the transfer window. Recent news has seen Everton linked with a move for Aston Villa's Tim Iroegbunam, who could be available for as little as £10 million this summer.

Everton now "most likely destination" for "really good" £50k-p/w midfielder

He has 22 caps for Brazil.

ByJosh Barker Jun 18, 2024

Joining Iroegbunam on the Toffees' shopping list is French duo Matteo Guendouzi and Khephren Thuram. Whilst Guendouzi will be a familiar name among English fans owing to his time at Arsenal, Thuram is something of an unknown entity to much of the Goodison faithful having spent his whole career to date in France.

Whichever midfielder arrives at Everton is likely to replace Amadou Onana. The Belgian has long been linked with a move away from Merseyside with the most recent developments suggesting a race between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal for his signature. The Toffees are reportedly asking for a fee in the region of £50 million for Onana's services, meaning that they won't be short of funds to buy a replacement.

With this in mind, it now appears that Everton are looking to take advantage of a player's contract situation in order to sign a highly rated player for a cut-rate price.

Everton have an eye on Belgian midfielder

As first reported by Sport Witness, the Belgian press are stating that Everton are just one of many clubs keeping an eye on VFL Wolfsburg midfielder Aster Vranckx.

The outlet goes on to report that Wolfsburg have been unsuccessful in extending the Belgian's contract which is due to expire in the summer of 2025. Because of this, it’s said that the Bundesliga side 'can’t be greedy' about the sale and should look to get a fee for Vranckx rather than letting him leave for free at the end of next season.

With Wolfsburg clearly eager to sell, the Toffees look set to face stiff competition to secure the services of the midfielder. The report cites Italian sides Napoli and Fiorentina as interested in agreeing a deal, meaning that Everton will have to move quickly if they are to get the signing over the line.

The 21-year-old featured 26 times for Wolfsburg last season, however struggled with injury during the latter half of the campaign. Despite this, the midfielder has proven his quality on multiple occasions, earning himself a call up to Belgium's Euro 2024 squad.

His time in Germany has also seen him earn praise from his former coach Florian Kohfeldt, who said that the player is "unexcited, courageous, allows himself to be played to in pressure situations" and "plays like a 25-year-old”.

If Everton are to ramp up their pursuit of Vranckx, they would likely get themselves a bargain owing to Wolfsburg's clear need to sell this summer. Alongside this, the Toffees would need to cover the Belgian's wages with the midfielder currently earning a reported £45,000 per week.

With Onana likely to depart this summer and the need for fresh faces clear, Everton could do a lot worse than signing a highly rated talent that could go on to look like one of the bargains of the transfer window.

West Ham United have reportedly made contact to sign an international left-back ahead of Premier League rivals Aston Villa.

Defenders wanted at West Ham

New manager Julen Lopetegui has promised to put his own stamp on things at the London Stadium, saying after being announced as David Moyes’ successor last month: “I feel very happy, first of all, to be able to be part of the future of this big Club. We will try to put our stamp on the Club.

"I feel that we have a fantastic platform. I think the last few years have been very good years to have this base, of course, but my ambition as a coach is always to be better and better, to achieve more and bigger aims and to encourage and improve the players, the team, and to compete because football is about this – to compete. We are very ambitious about this.”

In the transfer market, the Hammers officially made Luis Guilherme their first summer signing, with the Brazilian costing a total of €30m. Guilherme looks set to be the first of many through the door at the London Stadium, with the Hammers and technical director Tim Steidten also agreeing a deal to sign goalkeeper Wes Foderingham for free when his Sheffield United contract officially expires at the end of the month.

£21m striker is now open to signing for West Ham

Julen Lopetegui is keen on a move.

ByCharlie Smith Jun 25, 2024

In defence, a new centre-back and left-back also appear to be high on Lopetegui’s wishlist. Centrally, Wolves’ Max Kilman appears to be the top target, with the Hammers already having two proposals turned down and are now preparing a third offer.

Meanwhile, at left-back, contact has been made for Ryan Sessegnon, who is available on a free transfer after leaving Tottenham. Another mooted target is Jayden Oosterwolde from Fenerbahce, with the Irons holding talks with the player’s representatives and are reportedly preparing an offer.

Now, a new name has emerged when it comes to Lopetegui bringing in a left-back to provide competition for Emerson Palmieri.

West Ham keen on Luca Pellegrini

According to reports in Italy, relayed by Sport Witness, both West Ham and Aston Villa have carried out surveys, and by extension, made contact with Lazio over left-back Luca Pellegrini.

The Italy international isn’t with his country at Euro 2024, and at club level, he’s currently on a two-year loan at Lazio from Juventus and have an obligation to buy him in 2025.

However, it looks as if both the Irons and Villa have made their first move to cut Pellegrini’s stay with Lazio short, although the Serie A side have sent those requests back and want to keep the 25-year-old, who cost Juventus £20m from Roma back in 2019.

Pellegrini, who can play further forward as a left midfielder if needed, made 34 appearances for Lazio last season, and by the looks of things, he’ll continue to represent the Biancocelesti during the 2024/25 campaign and beyond.

That could leave West Ham focusing more on Sessegnon or Oosterwolde over the coming weeks, making the Hammers’ left-back search one to watch ahead of Lopetegui’s first season in charge.

With Kevin de Bruyne's Manchester City future recently thrown into doubt, the Blues could now join a fierce race to sign a £105m star ahead of rivals Manchester United this summer.

Man City transfer news

Following a fourth consecutive Premier League title in a season that also followed winning the treble, it seems as though certain Manchester City stars have been left pondering their future, perhaps wondering whether their work in England is now complete. Among those stars are Ederson and De Bruyne.

Reports suggest that the City duo have both been targeted by clubs in the Saudi Pro League in what could deal Pep Guardiola a major blow, with the Brazilian shot-stopper even offered a massive £500,000 per week deal to move.

Man City want to beat Man Utd to signing of "incredible" 16 y/o this summer

He is shining at academy level for club and country.

ByHenry Jackson Jul 6, 2024

According to Rudy Galetti for TeamTalk, De Bruyne has even agreed personal terms with Al-Nassr, who must now negotiate with Manchester City in order to get a deal over the line this summer. The Premier League champions would reportedly rather cash in on their star midfielder this summer than lose him for free upon the expiry of his current deal this time next year.

With a potential exit on the cards, those at the Etihad have reportedly drawn up a plan of their own, however. As per Galetti and TeamTalk, Manchester City will join a "fierce" race to sign Joao Neves if De Bruyne leaves this summer.

The Benfica star reportedly has a £105m release clause, so while not a direct replacement for the Belgian in terms of style, the funds raised from De Bruyne's sale would aid in getting a deal done without pushing the limits of PSR. He has also attracted interest from Manchester United.

Still just 19 years old, Neves is certainly one for the future and a player who could complete the near-impossible task of replacing De Bruyne's influence at Manchester City eventually, even if not providing the same attacking output.

The Cityzens rarely miss in the transfer market and the Portugal international is another player who would likely join Guardiola's long list of success stories in an illustrious career.

Neves and Foden can fill De Bruyne void

Whilst replacing De Bruyne will be no easy task, Neves has shown more than enough potential at Benfica to prove that he's capable of filling the potential void left behind by the Belgian. Given that Phil Foden finally became the main man at Manchester City last season too, the teenager would be able to ease himself into such a role, as Guardiola looks to replace his Belgian superstar by committee.

Minutes

2,311

1,221

Goals

3

4

Assists

1

10

Ball Recoveries per 90

8.25

3.97

A player who is naturally more active off the ball at 19 years old compared to 32-year-old De Bruyne, Neves would offer Guardiola a different type of midfielder in place of his current star, whilst turning to Foden when it comes to directly replacing the final third output next season.

What's more, City would be getting one over on rivals Manchester United by landing a deal for a player who Bruno Fernandes has previously praised. The Red Devils captain said via 90Min: "I don't know if United rumours are true, but I know he is ready for that big jump. He is an excellent player, he's with the national team, that's also why the big clubs are after him."