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Arsenal hold 'internal discussions' over second Crystal Palace transfer after Eberechi Eze Tottenham hijack

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Hijack number two? Arsenal hold 'internal discussions' over - Sports Mole
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Arsenal have apparently held internal discussions over a move for another Crystal Palace star, but a deal is unlikely to happen in the summer transfer window.

The Gunners unveiled Eberechi Eze as their seventh summer signing ahead of Saturday's 5-0 Premier League victory over Leeds United, having hijacked Tottenham Hotspur's proposed move for the England international.

Palace and Spurs had shaken hands on a fee for Eze, but the 27-year-old's priority was always to return to boyhood club Arsenal, who rapidly secured his signing in the wake of Kai Havertz's knee injury.

Eze was in the stands as Arsenal's defenders stole the show on Saturday, as Jurrien Timber bagged two goals and an assist, while Riccardo Calafiori set up two of his side's five strikes against the Whites.

In between the two full-backs, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes kept their second clean sheet in two Premier League matches this season, while new signing Cristhian Mosquera came on for the dying embers of the clash.

Arsenal hold 'internal discussions' over Marc Guehi transfer

With Mosquera in the ranks, Jakub Kiwior has slipped down the pecking order, and the Poland international is being tipped to leave the Emirates Stadium before the transfer deadline on September 1.

According to HandofArsenal, the Gunners recently discussed a deal for Marc Guehi behind closed doors ahead of Kiwior's potential departure, but a shock swoop for the former Chelsea man is not expected to materialise in the coming days.

Guehi is reportedly prioritising regular minutes at this stage of his career, and he recognises that his chances of displacing either Saliba or Gabriel in Mikel Arteta's backline are incredibly slim.

Meanwhile, Kiwior is said to be prioritising a move to another Premier League club if he is to call time on his career with Arsenal, who are already said to have rebuffed one offer from Portuguese giants Porto for the former Spezia centre-back.

Kiwior was an unused substitute in Saturday's pummelling of Leeds and has played 68 times for the Gunners since joining midway through the 2022-23 season, coming up with three goals and five assists.

Is Guehi to Liverpool realistic amid Arsenal transfer links?

Having already pipped Spurs to the Eze post, Arsenal could pull off a sensational second hijack by bringing Guehi to the club, as Liverpool have long been regarded as the favourites for the Palace centre-back.

Guehi's contract at Selhurst Park expires at the end of the current season, and chairman Steve Parish has hinted that the Eagles may have to consider selling their skipper this summer to avoid the risk of losing him for nothing in 2026.

Liverpool's interest - while firm and serious - is yet to translate into a successful offer, but the Reds are still believed to be attentive to the situation while they also monitor the latest Alexander Isak developments at Newcastle United.

However, Guehi may also find it tough to displace Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk, so he could alternatively wait until next year and join the Reds for nothing if Konate departs for Real Madrid.

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0 Manchester City: Thomas Frank's side set Premier League record as Champions League optimism grows

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Spurs set record in City win as Champions League hopes under - Sports Mole
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Tottenham Hotspur became the first side to ever score the first goal in five consecutive Premier League away outings at the Etihad when they beat Manchester City 2-0 on Saturday afternoon.

Spurs travelled to the Etihad on the weekend and once again beat Pep Guardiola's City side, with goals from Brennan Johnson and Joao Palhinha enough to secure all three points.

The victory left the club in second place prior to Sunday's fixtures with six points, and the team only totalled four points after four matchweeks in 2024-25.

Boss Thomas Frank has enjoyed a positive start to life as Tottenham head coach, with the Danish manager continuing Spurs' impressive form against City, helping the side win for the fourth time in five matches against the Citizens.

Frank's short but impressive time in the dugout has fuelled optimism that he can guide the Londoners to the Champions League via league placement despite fierce competition from the likes of Newcastle United and Aston Villa.

What has Thomas Frank improved so far at Tottenham?

Tottenham's win against City saw them keep their second clean sheet in two league games, whereas it took them nine matches to keep their opponents at bay twice in the top flight last season.

Spurs faced 13.66 shots and 4.66 shots on target per 90 in the Premier League in 2024-25, but they have so far faced 12 shots and four shots on target per 90 this league campaign.

Under previous boss Ange Postecoglou, the Londoners often struggled to prevent counter-attacks leading to dangerous chances, but midfielder Pape Sarr has excelled so far under Frank, and he has helped limit the damage opponents have been able to cause when possession has been lost.

The current Tottenham manager has also helped platform attacker Richarlison, who struggled to impact games last season but has so far scored two goals and registered one Premier League assist in two matches.

Can Tottenham qualify for the Champions League?

Tottenham will be participating in the 2025-26 edition of the Champions League thanks to their Europa League triumph in 2024-25, but their only pathway to the competition next term will almost certainly be through the Premier League.

The club finished 17th last campaign, but the team's performances have been strong so far this season, with Frank's side posing European champions Paris Saint-Germain a number of challenges before losing on penalties in the UEFA Super Cup final on August 13.

Spurs will face more difficult domestic tests in the coming months, and Frank's pedigree as a manager will be tested further, but the signs are positive.

Newcastle finished fifth and claimed the division's final Champions League spot last season, but they will likely be without talisman Alexander Isak for some time, while Aston Villa have struggled in the opening two games of the 2025-26 campaign.

If Spurs can carry their positive momentum forward into the next weeks and months, then they will have a strong chance of qualifying for Europe.

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Tottenham Hotspur could 'possibly' return for £61m attacker after missing out on Eberechi Eze

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Tottenham Hotspur could 'possibly' return for £61m attacker after missing out on Eberechi Eze - Sports Mole
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Tottenham Hotspur could reportedly reignite their interest in signing Como attacker Nico Paz in the summer transfer window.Â

Spurs have been looking to sign a new attacking midfielder this summer following the ACL injury to James Maddison, but they have failed to lure some of their top targets.Â

The north London club were in talks to sign Eberechi Eze, but the England midfielder chose to join Arsenal instead.Â

Likewise, Thomas Frank's side have been linked with a move for Southampton attacker Tyler Dibling, but he is now on his way to join Everton.Â

Spurs reignite interest in Paz?Â

At the start of this month, Tottenham made an offer in the region of €40m (£34.6m) for Paz, but it was rejected immediately.Â

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Spurs are keen to return to the table with an improved offer for the former Real Madrid starlet, who is valued at around £61m.Â

The north London club could reportedly face a strong challenge from Premier League rivals Manchester United, who are preparing an offer to sign the midfielder.Â

The Red Devils have bolstered their forward areas by signing Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo, but Ruben Amorim is still looking to add more quality players.Â

Will Paz be a good signing for Spurs?Â

The 20-year-old came through the youth ranks at Real Madrid and made eight senior appearances for Los Blancos during the 2023-24 campaign.

Paz joined Como in August 2024 for a reported €6m (£5.2m), with Real Madrid having a 50% sell-on clause. The La Liga giants also have the first option to match any offers for the youngster over the next two years.Â

The highly-rated youngster scored six times and registered nine assists in 35 appearances for Como last season and has already made three appearances for the Argentina national team.Â

Spurs can provide him a strong platform to show his quality in the Champions League, and a strong 2025-26 season would place him in a good position to get picked for the 2026 World Cup squad for his country.Â

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Liverpool 'finalising talks' to sell £40m attacker amid Tottenham Hotspur interest

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Liverpool 'finalising talks' to sell £40m attacker amid Tottenham Hotspur interest - Sports Mole
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Liverpool are reportedly 'finalising talks' with RB Leipzig to sell Harvey Elliott before the end of the summer transfer window.Â

Elliott scored seven goals in 2024-25, but most of his appearances came from the bench under Arne Slot.Â

The left-footed winger scored 15 goals in 148 games for Liverpool since joining from Fulham, but he understands that he may need to move away to get regular game time.Â

The Reds are reportedly willing to keep him, but would reluctantly sanction the player's exit at the right price.Â

Elliott close to Leipzig move?Â

The 22-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Leipzig, and according to Football Insider, the German club are finalising talks with the Reds to sign him.Â

Leipzig are likely to sell Xavi Simons to Chelsea, and the Bundesliga club see Elliott as a perfect replacement for the Dutch attacker.Â

The report claims that Tottenham Hotspur are also in the race to sign the former Fulham winger, who is valued at around £40m.Â

Spurs are in the market to sign a new attacking midfielder after missing out on Eberechi Eze, and the north London club could look to hijack Leipzig's deal.Â

Liverpool would prefer to sell Elliott to LeipzigÂ

The Reds are short of options in their attacking areas after selling Ben Doak, Luis Diaz, and Darwin Nunez and the tragic demise of Diogo Jota, and it comes as a big surprise that they are willing to let Elliott leave.

The exciting winger managed only six minutes of action in the Community Shield against Crystal Palace, and was an unused substitute against AFC Bournemouth in the previous match, which shows where his position lies in Slot's pecking order.Â

Spurs can lure Elliott with the offer of Champions League football, and the chance to stay in the Premier League, but whether they would be willing to match Liverpool's asking price is a big question.Â

The Reds would rather sell him to a German club than to one of their rivals. Liverpool have already sold Jarell Quansah and Diaz to Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich this summer, and Elliott could become the next Reds player to move to the Bundesliga.Â

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Nouri forced off early in Premier League clash with Tottenham

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Concern for Pep: Man City summer signing suffers injury blow - Sports Mole
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Manchester City have suffered an early injury blow to left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri in this afternoon’s Premier League clash at home to Tottenham Hotspur.

The 24-year-old summer signing from Wolverhampton Wanderers was handed his first start at the Etihad Stadium after making his full debut against his former club in the Citizens’ 4-0 opening win at Molineux last weekend.

However, Ait-Nouri was forced off in the 23rd minute against Spurs after jarring his left ankle just under 10 minutes earlier when closing down Mohammed Kudus.

The Algeria international attempted to carry on after receiving treatment, but he was not moving freely when he returned to the pitch and it became clear that an enforced change was required from manager Pep Guardiola.

Ait-Nouri looked in some discomfort as he gingerly walked off, with Nathan Ake brought on as his replacement at left-back to feature in his first Premier League game for City since February 23.

Man City will hope that Ait-Nouri has not sustained a serious injury, with Guardiola expected to deliver some form of update on the defender’s condition in his post-match press conference.

The Citizens travel to Brighton & Hove Albion for their final Premier League fixture in August before preparing for the latest instalment of the Manchester derby at home to Manchester United on September 14 after the international break.

More to follow...

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Man City vs. Tottenham confirmed lineups: Cherki, Ederson, Marmoush, Bentancur, Palhinha decisions made for Premier League clash

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Rayan Cherki will make his full Premier League debut for Manchester City in this afternoon’s Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad Stadium.

The 21-year-old summer signing from Lyon announced himself to English football with a goal in City’s statement 4-0 opening win at Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend less than 10 minutes after coming on as a substitute.

Cherki has been rewarded this afternoon with his first league start for the Citizens in their first home match of the new season, while Omar Marmoush also starts as manager Pep Guardiola makes just two changes to his first XI.

Bernardo Silva and Jeremy Doku make way for attacking duo Cherki and Marmoush, who will link up with Oscar Bobb in behind central striker Erling Haaland, who scored a brace against Wolves last weekend and is eyeing up a couple of PL goalscoring records.

Tijjani Reijnders grabbed the headlines with his goal and assist in a man-of-them-match debut display against Wolves and he continues in midfield, though the introduction of Cherki in the No.10 role may see the Dutchman operate slightly deeper against Spurs alongside Nico Gonzalez.

Fresh from signing a new long-term contract at Man City, Ruben Dias will wear the captain’s armband in an unchanged back four including John Stones, Rico Lewis and Rayan Ait-Nouri, while James Trafford retains his spot in goal despite the return of Ederson from illness, with the Galatasaray-linked shot-stopper beginning as a substitute.

Meanwhile, Rodri and Phil Foden have been included in City’s matchday squad and will also begin this match on the bench after making progress in their recoveries from injury.

Palhinha handed first Spurs start, Bentancur also returns

As for Tottenham, new head coach Thomas Frank has also made two changes to his starting lineup following last weekend’s 3-0 home victory over newly-promoted Burnley.

Rodrigo Bentancur returns to play alongside summer signing Joao Palhinha who is handed his first start for Spurs in midfield, with Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall dropping down to the substitutes’ bench.

Frank has opted to stick with a back four instead of switching to a five-man defence, so Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Djed Spence all retain their starting spots in the backline, protecting Guglielmo Vicario between the sticks.

In the absence of injured playmaker James Maddison, who scored twice for Spurs in a 4-0 win at the Etihad last season, Pape Sarr looks set to continue operating in an advanced midfield position in front of Bentancur and Palhinha, while Mohammed Kudus and Brennan Johnson start out wide.

After scoring a brace against Burnley last weekend, Richarlison will start again as Frank’s central striker, with Dominic Solanke and Mathys Tel having to settle for a place on the substitutes’ bench.

Manchester City starting lineup: Trafford; Lewis, Stones, Dias, Ait-Nouri; Gonzalez, Reijnders; Bobb, Cherki, Marmoush; Haaland

Subs: Ederson, Ake, Doku, Rodri, Bernardo, Nunes, O'Reilly, Khusanov, Foden

Tottenham Hotspur starting lineup: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Bentancur, Palhinha; Kudus, Sarr, Johnson; Richarlison

Subs: Kinsky, Danso, Tel, Gray, Bergvall, Vuskovic, Solanke, Odobert, Davies

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Savinho to Tottenham latest: Spurs to 'submit improved' bid for Man City attacker after Premier League clash

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Spurs to submit 'improved bid' for PL attacker after Man - Sports Mole
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Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly prepared to submit a fresh bid for Manchester City attacker Savinho after Saturday's Premier League game between the two sides.Â

Spurs are desperate to bolster their attacking ranks, with James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski out with long-term injuries.

Tottenham hoped to add Eberechi Eze to Thomas Frank's squad, but they have lost out to North London rivals Arsenal in the race for the Crystal Palace star.

As a result, Tottenham are looking at alternative targets before the summer transfer window closes for business on September 1.

Tottenham preparing fresh Savinho bid

Man City's Savinho is one of the names on Tottenham's radar, although they have already failed with at least one bid for the Brazilian.Â

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Man City have blocked all of Tottenham's approaches for Savinho over the past 10 days.

However, Spurs are willing to make one last effort to sign the winger before they look elsewhere in their search for attacking reinforcements.

Tottenham are ready to table an 'improved bid' worth over €70m (£60.7m) after the two clubs face off in Saturday's lunchtime kickoff at the Etihad Stadium.Â

Man City boss Pep Guardiola has already confirmed that Savinho will miss the Premier League fixture through injury.Â

Could Rodrygo hold the key to Savinho switch?

The Citizens are reluctant to part ways with Savinho just a year after signing him from their sister club Troyes.Â

They are certainly under no pressure to sanction his departure, with the Brazil international under contract until the summer of 2029.

As a result, it would surely take Savinho to push for the move for Man City to consider changing their stance in the latter stages of the window.

However, the Citizens would likely want to find a replacement, which could bring Real Madrid's Rodrygo into the equation.

Man City have already been linked with a potential move for the forward, who has fallen down the pecking order at the Santiago Bernabeu.

If Rodrygo were to join Man City, it would pave the way for his compatriot to head to North London.Â

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Man City vs. Tottenham: Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki out to break Premier League scoring records in Etihad clash

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Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki could etch their names into the Manchester City history books when Pep Guardiola’s side play host to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Saturday lunchtime.

Both players have joined the Citizens in the summer transfer window, with box-to-box midfielder Reijnders completing a £46m move from AC Milan and playmaker Cherki arriving from Lyon for £34m.

Reijnders grabbed the headlines on his Premier League debut last weekend as he produced a man-of-the-match performance to inspire Man City to an impressive 4-0 opening victory away against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The 27-year-old scored and assisted at Molineux to become the first Man City player since club legend Sergio Aguero back in 2011 to both score and assist on his Premier League debut.

Reijnders has made scoring goals a habit, as he also netted twice in City’s 3-0 pre-season win over Palermo, having previously scored 15 goals across all competitions for Milan where he was named Serie A Midfielder of the Year in 2024-25.

The Netherlands international is expected to retain his starting spot in Man City’s midfield this weekend and he will attempt to become the first player in the club’s history to both score and assist in his first two appearances in the Premier League.

Either Cherki or Reijnders could break 16-year Man City scoring record

Cherki was also on the scoresheet against Wolves and drilled home his first Premier League goal less than 10 minutes after coming on as a substitute for his debut in English football.

The 21-year-old Frenchman scored his first competitive goal for Man City in similar fashion as a substitute at the FIFA Club World Cup earlier this summer, firing a low shot into the bottom corner to seal a 6-0 group-stage win over Al-Ain in June.

Described as a “mercurial” talent who could be a “cheat code” for Guardiola this season, Cherki has arrived at Man City after excelling at boyhood club Lyon where he recorded 12 goals and 22 assists in 44 appearances for the French giants across all tournaments last term.

Cherki, who has been handed the No.10 shirt at City, is in contention to make his first appearance at the Etihad Stadium this weekend and is set to battle with the likes of Phil Foden, Oscar Bobb, Jeremy Doku and Omar Marmoush for a start in attack.

Whether Cherki starts or comes on as a substitute against Spurs, he or teammate Reijnders could become the first Man City player since Emmanuel Adebayor back in August 2009 to score in their first two Premier League games for the club.

Reijnders and Cherki are not the only Citizens stars chasing records this weekend, as prolific striker Erling Haaland is looking to add a couple more Premier League goalscoring records to his ever-growing collection.

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Erling Haaland bidding to break and equal Premier League scoring records in Man City’s clash with Tottenham

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Shearer and Cole in his sights: Haaland can break and equal - Sports Mole
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Erling Haaland will be looking to add a couple more goalscoring records to his ever-growing collection in the Premier League when Manchester City welcome Tottenham Hotspur to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday lunchtime.

The Norwegian came up short in his quest to claim a third consecutive Premier League Golden Boot last season, finishing seven strikes behind winner Mohamed Salah despite netting a respectable 22 goals of his own.

Man City’s No.9 has since made a prolific start to the 2025-26 campaign after scoring twice to help Pep Guardiola’s men secure a statement 4-0 opening victory away against Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend.

Haaland, who joined City in the summer of 2022, has now scored in each of his four matchday one appearances in the Premier League, with only Liverpool’s Salah having enjoyed a longer run in the competition’s history (six successive seasons between 2017-18 and 2022-23)

He has also scored more Premier League goals than any other Man City player under Guardiola, with his double at Wolves increasing his goal tally to 87 in 98 games and moving him two clear of Raheem Sterling in second place (85 goals in 194 games) - Sergio Aguero completes the top three with 82 goals in 125 games.

At the age of 25, Haaland has already broken a plethora of scoring records for Man City and he will have two more in his sights heading into Saturday’s encounter with Spurs.

Haaland looking to surpass Cole, equal Shearer PL scoring feats

Haaland’s brace against Wolves has moved the talismanic striker onto 21 Premier League goals in August, despite only playing 12 games in the month since joining Man City.

The only two players in Premier League history who have scored more goals in August are Andrew Cole (25 in 44 games) and Les Ferdinand (22 in 47 games).

Haaland needs to score just one goal to match Ferdinand’s record and will need to find the net at least four times across fixtures against Spurs and away against Brighton & Hove Albion on August 31 if he wishes to draw himself level with Cole - five goals scored across these two matches would see the Norwegian break the record outright.

Forty-eight of Haaland’s 87 Premier League goals have remarkably been netted in as many home matches for City, and the only player in PL history to hit 50 home goals in fewer than 50 appearances is the division’s all-time leading scorer Alan Shearer, who scored his 50th home goal in his 47th game.

Haaland will need to score at least twice at home to Tottenham this weekend if he wishes to become only the second Premier League player to reach the 50-goal mark in fewer than 50 home matches.

City’s leading marksman will back himself to make the net ripple against Spurs, as he has scored four goals in his previous six encounters with the North Londoners, netting the only goal in a narrow 1-0 away victory in February of last season.

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Man City injury news: Foden, Rodri, Savinho, Ederson, Gvardiol, Kovacic latest updates from Pep Guardiola before Tottenham clash

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Pep Guardiola has provided the latest update on the fitness of his Manchester City squad ahead of Saturday lunchtime’s Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad Stadium.

The Citizens kick-started the 2025-26 campaign with a statement 4-0 victory away against Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend despite the absence of a few key players.

Phil Foden and Rodri both travelled to Wolves, but they were not selected in City's matchday squad as they were not deemed fully fit to feature.

Foden has been nursing a knock to his ankle, but he has taken part in team training throughout this week along with Rodri, who continues to recover from a “big injury” sustained at the FIFA Club World Cup.

Guardiola has confirmed that both Foden and Rodri are “ready” for this weekend’s game against Tottenham, but Mateo Kovacic, Josko Gvardiol, Marcus Bettinelli and Savinho - who continues to be linked with a move to Spurs - all remain sidelined with injuries.

Guardiola delivers fresh injury update with Rodri, Foden “ready” for Spurs test

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Guardiola said: “Rodri and Phil were out of the last game, but for just the reason why was lack of training and rhythm and they didn’t travel to Palermo (for a pre-season friendly).

“They were not ready for 90 minutes against Wolves, but they are ready for tomorrow.

"[Mateo] Kovacic, Josko [Gvardiol], Savinho and [Bettinelli] are the only ones that are out.”

On Rodri, Guardiola added: "I just want a consistent Rodri, that's all. I don't have any doubts about his potential, quality - still, so far, he's the best player in the world.

“In a few months, a new [Ballon d’Or winner] will be elected, but still he is. I don't have any doubts, just consistency; training, weeks, training, weeks, games, minutes, and after everything will be fine."

Ederson available to battle Trafford for No.1 spot

Guardiola has also confirmed that goalkeeper Ederson is fit and available for selection after missing City’s win at Wolves due to illness.

The 32-year-old returned to first-team training earlier this week and although he continues to be linked with a summer exit amid reported interest from Galatasaray, the Brazilian will battle with new signing James Trafford - who kept a clean sheet on his debut against Wolves - for a start between the sticks against Spurs.

“We will decide tomorrow or tonight after dinner,” said Guardiola when asked who will start in goal. “Happy we know the new player (Trafford) brings new energy. It’s tough to change.

“New ideas and players are the same and James brings youth and desire to play at the club he was born and grow with.

“Happy for the performance, but it’s just the first game. Be consistent, play and be better against Spurs.”

Meanwhile, defensive duo Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake are also available for selection despite recent reporting linking them with Galatasaray and Everton respectively.

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