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Manchester City could make a late move for a Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur transfer target before the window closes

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Pep Guardiola is confident his Manchester City will improve after they slumped to a 2-0 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday afternoon.

The North London side have had an impressive record against Guardiola’s side in recent years as City were unable to build on their 4-0 opening-day win over Wolves.

“It’s just the second game. Last game v Wolves, everyone said it’s fine and I said it’s jut one game. I know how we are working and what the players are doing. Many good things but we have to improve,” said Guardiola.

“Step by step we will improve and make more connections.”

City are likely to complete some further transfer business this week before the transfer window shuts on September 1. They have reportedly agreed personal terms with Gianluigi Donnarumma over his proposed transfer from Paris Saint-Germain in the final week of trading. City are interested in a move for the 26-year-old as they look to overhaul their goalkeeper options before deadline day.

James Trafford was guilty of a mistake for Spurs’ second goal on Saturday while Ederson is linked with a move to Turkey.

Man City interest in Marc Guehi

Donnarumma may not be the only addition, either. According to the Daily Star, City are considering entering the race for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi.

The England international is a target for both Liverpool and Tottenham, per the report, but City will only make their move if Guardiola can shift some of his current defensive options in Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake.

Akanji has been linked with Turkish side Galatasaray with a fee reportedly agreed between the clubs while Ake has been the subject of interest from Everton, who have already signed Jack Grealish on loan this summer.

The report read: “Daily Star Sunday can reveal that the England defender, 25, is being discussed at The Etihad as a potential £35million target, if Pep Guardiola, who saw his team lose 2-0 at home to Spurs, loses Akanji and Ake from his squad.”

Marc Guehi transfer situation

Guehi has been the subject of Liverpool for much of the window with personal terms said to have been agreed for the player around two weeks ago. Palace are looking to make as much money as they can from the player’s potential exit.

However, he has just one year left on his contract at Selhurst and does not plan to pen a new deal at the club. It means the Eagles are keen to sell him. Guehi appears in no major rush to exit the club, as he eyes a spot at the World Cup.

The centre-back knows that game-time will be crucial to his chances of playing for the Three Lions in Canada, the USA and Mexico next summer. At Liverpool, Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate are the first-choice pairing.

If Akanji and Ake depart, it still leaves John Stones and Ruben Dias to compete with. Dias recently signed a new four-year deal at City, keeping him at the club until 2029. Stones, however, is in the final year of his contract and there has been little talk of a new deal.

Tottenham Hotspur are prepared to make a second offer to sign Manchester City midfielder Savinho

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Pep Guardiola and his Manchester City side suffered their first defeat of the Premier League campaign as Tottenham Hotspur claimed a 2-0 win at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Spurs, despite several changes of manager over the years, have had a decent record against Guardiola’s side and spoiled the party for City’s home opener with two first-half goals from Brennan Johnson and Joao Palhinha.

The two sides went into the game with Tottenham showing an interest in City forward Savinho. The Brazilian missed the clash against Tottenham due to an injury.

Spurs had agreed a deal to sign Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace this week but despite having the transfer in place, they were hijacked by North London rivals Arsenal - who confirmed the arrival of Eze on Saturday night.

It means Tottenham are back in the market for another forward and Fabrizio Romano claims they are prepared to pay over £60m to sign Savinho, after having an initial bid rejected.

Man City club bosses blocking Savinho exit as Spurs prepared to bid more then £60m

Giving an update on his YouTube channel, Romano said of Spurs’ pursuit of Savniho: “Tottenham message is that they will be prepared to improve their bid for Savinho, so they are prepared to go over 70 million euros.

“Let's see if this is going to be enough to convince Manchester City or not. Man City rejected first 50 million euros, then Tottenham improved the bid verbally, not with an official proposal, and City said no, let's not even send an official bid because we don't want to sell the player, we want Savinho to stay.

“So as I told you in the recent days, Man City have been blocking the deal, the hierarchy of Manchester City saying no to that opportunity, but let's follow the situation of Savinho until the end of the window, because at the moment it's still a no from Manchester City, but Tottenham want to go over 70 million euros.”

It was claimed earlier this week, Tottenham had identified a cheaper alternative to the Man City winger. According to a report by the Independent, Spurs have targeted Monaco winger Maghnes Akliouche as an alternative winger option.

Pep Guardiola reacts to Man City defeat

Guardiola admitted his side “missed the simple things” in their defeat to Spurs. The North London club have won their opening two games while Saturday also saw title rival Arsenal beat Leeds United at home.

Liverpool make the trip to Newcastle United on Monday but City are now playing catch up after just two games.

Guardiola reflected: “The game against Spurs this season was a lot of build up and man marking like against Brentford in the past.

“You have to play in a different way. We spoke about that.

“We missed the simple things. I never asked them to play exceptional things. The first was about effort to run and that was extraordinary like it has been for many years.

“I don’t have doubts. Last season, we didn’t achieve but in the training we were really good.

“In the pressure, we missed simple things and then we create enough chances but it’s happened, it’s football.

“It’s just the second game. Last game against Wolves, everyone said everything it’s fine and I said it’s just one game and a lot is going to happen.

“I know how we are working and what the players are doing. There are many good things but we have to improve.

“Step by step we will improve and make more connections.”

Manchester City will hope to build upon their opening day victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers when they host Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League this weekend.

Pep Guardiola's side showcased their early title credentials with a sumptuous away win on the opening weekend, but face a much tougher test at home to arguably their greatest bogey side in recent years. Tottenham Hotspur also got off to a winning start under new head coach Thomas Frank and will look to make a statement with an impressive performance against City.

Rodri and Phil Foden both missed the opening day win due to injury, while Ederson was left out amid uncertainty over his future at the club. Mateo Kovacic, Savinho and Claudio Echeverri were also absent from the win at Wolves.

Here is how we think City should line up when they host Spurs on Saturday evening.

Former Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur striker Peter Crouch has been speaking about the strikers to watch in the Premier League this season

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Former Former Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur striker Peter Crouch believes Benjamin Sesko will not have any problem settling in at Manchester United this season.

The ex-RB Leipzig man joined the Red Devils in a deal worth up to £73.5m after serious interest from Newcastle United. The Magpies offered a total package of £78m for Sesko but the striker’s preference was to move to Old Trafford as he took a lower salary offer to secure his move to the Red Devils.

Crouch has also addressed Viktor Gyokeres’ move to the Premier League, with the Sweden international leaving Sporting CP for Arsenal. He was previously the subject of interest from United but opted for a move to North London. The Gunners make the trip to Old Trafford on Sunday, where Sesko and Gyokeres could both line-up against each other.

Out of the two players, Crouch believes Sesko is the man more likely to hit the ground running and believes the Slovenian has the potential to go on a “mad run”.

Peter Crouch on golden boot race, Sesko and Gyokeres

“The favourites for the Golden Boot will be Alexander Isak, if he gets his situation sorted out, Erling Haaland and Mo Salah, the same old faces,” Crouch told MirrorFootball.

“But out of the new faces, Sesko is the one that I like watching. I’m excited by him. There’s still the fact that he hasn’t played in the Premier League and that is something that you have to look at. Can he settle straight away? But he’s the player that excites me the most out of the new signings.”

On Gyokeres, Crouch added: “Obviously he’s a proven goal scorer. I know someone who worked with him when he was in England previously.

“It was strange that he was let go. He went out to Sporting and banged in loads of goals and I’m sure he can do the same for Arsenal. But how quickly will he settle?

“It strikes me that Sesko is the man to hit the ground running. You just never know. If he gets a couple of goals then he’ll be full of confidence, he could go on a mad run because he’s more than capable of it.”

Will Benjamin Sesko play for Man Utd v Arsenal on Sunday

United boss Ruben Amorim addressed the media ahead of Sunday’s season opener at Old Trafford.

Asked if Sesko is ready to start, Amorim said: “Of course. We didn't have a lot of time but he's ready. First of all, physically, he's ready. That is a big component in our league.

"Then, he's really smart. Every detail he asks, he's a guy that is always thinking. He spends all afternoon here working on his fitness, so he's ready to play, we will see if he's going to start."

United’s final friendly was a 1-1 draw with Fiorentina last weekend. They had only just completed a deal for Sesko, so it was too early for the striker to feature but he was presented to the crowd.

Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha made their Old Trafford bows and both summer signings are in line to make their competitive debuts against Arsenal.

Manchester City may still lose players before the end of the window

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Manchester City are heading into the new Premier League season with an expectation from fans and the media alike that they can only improve.

Last season’s third-place finish did not tell the full story in truth, as a remarkable stretch of defeats during the winter period left the winners of the previous four league titles essentially out of the title race by the new year. A late run of form ensured that they kept up their record of having finished in the top four for 15 years in a row.

The Cityzens have certainly improved over the summer, with the likes of Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki joining in addition to the return of Rodri from his ACL injury. When the Ballon d’Or winner returns to full fitness in September he will essentially be a new signing himself. But City may need to contend with a key departure from the squad before then.

Savinho’s agents jet into Europe to push for Tottenham move

The agents of City and Brazil winger Savinho have reportedly flown in from his home country in order to secure a move to Tottenham Hotspur, according to reports by Mail Sport. They view the move as a good one for Savinho’s career, as the 21-year-old is likely to be a rotation option for City this season and wants to force his way into the Brazil squad for the 2026 World Cup. Talks between the clubs were reportedly opened in recent days.

The report continues that City have demanded £67million for the talented young winger, who signed for less than half that fee from Troyes in a £30.8m deal last summer. The club’s demands reflect the fact that they have no need to sell, but their stance could change if the player himself pushes for a move.

It is believed that Savinho is open to the move, which ‘appeals’ to him due to his World Cup ambitions. With Spurs having sold Son Heung-min this summer, the former Girona star could become the Lilywhites’ starting left-winger under Thomas Frank, with Champions League football also on the horizon.

Should City allow Savinho to depart?

Considering City’s recent reputation for selling off young players who then become superstars elsewhere, this is a complicated situation for Pep Guardiola and club chiefs to resolve.

The difference between Savinho and the likes of Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers is that he is already an established first-team player. However, there were suggestions that he was not quite ready to start at times for Guardiola’s side last season.

He only scored one Premier League goal but reached double figures in assists and struck up an understanding with Erling Haaland, showing that he evidently does have a future at City.

But with the likes of Rodrygo on the market for not too much higher a price than that which City are demanding for Savinho, could the club be tempted to cash in if the right offer arrives? It will be impossible to strike up any kind of buy-back clause with Spurs, so if the young winger departs then the Cityzens must accept that he could become a top player in north London.

For a price north of £60m, many at the club may argue that it could be worth taking that risk.

Manchester City are in talks with Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur over a surprise move for Savinho

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Tottenham Hotspur have opened talks with Manchester City over a deal for winger Savinho, in a shock move that could see the Brazilian leave the Etihad Stadium.

The 21-year-old joined Pep Guardiola’s side last summer and is under contract until the summer of 2029. He made 48 appearances in all competitions - with 29 of those coming in the Premier League as he started 21 games.

He started in seven of the club’s 10 Champions League games and was also involved in the Club World Cup, playing three games in the United States. He can play on the left and right wing and scored three goals while providing 13 assists last season.

However, in a very surprising development he could be on the move to Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur before the September 1 transfer deadline. That is according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano - who reported the interest from Spurs late on Sunday night.

Tottenham open talks with Man City for Savinho

Reporting on X, Romano said: “Tottenham open club to club talks to sign Savinho from Man City!

“Negotiations ongoing between Spurs and City, also understand Savinho’s open to the move if the clubs can agree on fee. THFC boss Thomas Frank indicated Savinho as ideal player.”

Spurs have already signed Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United this summer. Both Savinho and Kudus play on the right wing but the Brazilian was used on the left wing by Guardiola on 12 occasions last season.

This summer, Rayan Cherki has joined City. The ex-Lyon man plays on the right wing but is also able to play on the left and in attacking midfield. The Frenchman’s arrival means City now appear open to selling Savinho after just one season in Manchester.

Savinho has ‘something special’

After being involved in three goals in a 4-1 win over West Ham back in January, City boss Pep Guardiola was full of praise for Savinho. The winger forced an own goal from Vladimir Coufal and then provided two assists for Erling Haaland.

“I think he’s clean in his mind,” said Guardiola.

“He doesn’t think too much in his head. When you are many years here, players think they deserve something special for what they have done.

“That is a big mistake. You have to prove it again and again. Savinho has everything to win and prove.

“Having old fashioned football with left foot on the left and right on the right, these kinds of crosses help the kind of striker we have.

“The second goal at Leicester and the second goal today. He has a lot to improve, he is not aggressive enough without the ball, but right now he has something special to help the team.

“His goal was lucky, but the two assists were brilliant. I am so happy for him, and he deserves to play.”

READ NEXT - Man City icon undecided over future amid Real Madrid links as Everton believe 39-time international is keen to join

Manchester United are keen to add a couple more players to their ranks before the transfer deadline

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Manchester United are hoping to add more players to their squad before the transfer deadline but they will need to agree player exits to build the funds to re-enter the market.

The Red Devils have signed Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo this summer and also completed a £7m deal for young defender Diego Leon. Favourable payment structures have been agreed for their three big signings.

It has allowed United to significantly bolster their attack despite a lack of European football and limited transfer funds. They have been linked with a new midfielder and goalkeeper, with Brighton and Hove Albion star Carlos Baleba and Paris Saint-Germain ace Gianluigi Donnarumma two names who could potential make the switch to Old Trafford.

Baleba would cost a huge transfer fee and a deal is unlikely this summer unless major funds can be generated from player exits. Meanwhile, Donnarumma is deemed available by PSG as they have yet to agree a new contract with the player.

Man Utd preparing offer for Serie A star

While those two players have been linked, reports in Spain say the Red Devils “are preparing an offer of around €70m (£60.5m)” for Como star Nico Paz.

That comes from Spanish outlet Fichajes, who note Real Madrid hold an interest in their former player. Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea have been previously linked while Spurs have even seen a bid of £35m rejected.

Como’s valuation of the player is around £60m, so if a Red Devils offer in that region was officially submitted - it could be enough to get a deal moving.

The 19-year-old has earned top praise from Como manager Cesc Fàbregas who said: "He has a bright future; he can play for any top team in Europe.”

United are said to see Paz as an option to add further creativity to their midfield. Real Madrid have a matching rights agreement and retain a 50 per cent sell-on clause too, so the Spanish giants will be watching with interest.

Ruben Amorim feels Man Utd have competition for places again

United finalised their pre-season preparations on Saturday with a 1-1 draw against Fiorentina at Old Trafford. They open their 2025-26 Premier League campaign at home to Arsenal, who have finished second for the last three seasons.

Amorim now believes he has a selection headache ahead of next weekend. He said: “That [a selection headache] is a good thing, it is supposed to be like that, not like last season that we have to struggle to put 11 players on the pitch.

“This is the normal thing so I need to think and they [the players] need to fight during the week, so they can change my mind, I have an idea but they will change my mind during the week.

“It is going to be tough because we try to arrange a full week of training, so we will have two really strong sessions with time to work and then we are going to break a little bit and then two days to really think about the strategy for the game and we will be ready.”

Paz would certainly add further competition to Amorim’s squad but a deal currently feels a long way from being done but there is plenty of time left in the window for it to progress.

Man United are looking to sign a striker next season to help replace Rasmus Hojlund up front.

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Man United’s striker woes continue this summer as they lost out to Arsenal on Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, who chose a move to the Emirates, rather than reuniting with Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford.

United have been linked to Ollie Watkins, but the Aston Villa striker is expected to command a fee of around £60m, which could be tough to afford, especially with a current lack of player sales so far this summer.

Because of this, Amorim may have to consider cheaper alternative targets this summer in order to add more goals, but without breaking the bank, and they have been linked to a former Premier League star.

Manchester United should sign Aleksandar Mitrovic

One name that has emerged as a potential striker option for the Red Devils, is former Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, who, according to Caught Offside, is a target for Man United, Newcastle and Tottenham Hotspur. He is currently playing for Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, after joining the Saudi-based side in August 2023. Since then, the 30-year-old has scored 68 goals in 79 games, continuing his form from Fulham, where he spent the previous five years.

Mitrovic has proven Premier League experience, netting 38 goals in the top division, he knows how to score and plays the role of target man striker better than most. The 30-year-old isn’t expected to cost much either, as he has a market value of just £15.6m. It would provide Amorim with an experienced striker, who his attackers can target through the air. He can also hold up the ball for the likes of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo to run on to.

Spurs are looking to sign the Serbian too, alongside Newcastle, where Mitrovic previously played, as the Magpies are looking for a replacement for Alexander Isak after the Swedish international told the club he wants to leave this summer.

Why would Aleksandar Mitrovic be a good signing for United?

Amorim’s transfer strategy this summer has been to sign proven Premier League players, and not risky signings that rely on development and potential. Mitrovic would certainly fit that mould. He wouldn’t be the most exciting option to bring in up front, but he would definitely provide goals for Man United, and he is adept at making sure he’s in the right place at the right time, something that Hojlund failed to show this past year.

Furthermore, Mitrovic would be a much cheaper alternative to the likes of Watkins at Villa, but he’s only one year older and has shown that he’s more than capable of scoring 20 goals in a season, much like Watkins. It would be a smart signing for United to make, and Mitrovic would potentially be able to mentor Hojlund, and help the Danish international become the striker that United thought they were getting when they first signed him from Atalanta in 2023.

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Man United have been linked to signing Sporting CP midfielder Morten Hjulmand this summer.

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Manchester United have addressed their glaring needs in attack by signing Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, but Ruben Amorim also wants to sure up his side to ensure they concede less goals next season.

One of the ways Amorim intends to do this is by adding a holding midfielder who can help protect the back three, something that is vitally important when playing three at the back, due to the lack of defensive full-backs.

United have been linked with Sporting CP midfielder Morten Hjulmand alongside Man City, with reports suggesting that the 26-year-old could re-unite with Amorim at Old Trafford; he is expected to command a fee of £69m, which is his release clause at Sporting.

Man United should sign Palhinha instead of Hjulmand

Hjulmand is a very physical defensive midfielder, he’s good in the air, and likes to win the ball in physical battles, however, his lack of Premier League experience could be an issue, especially considering that £69m is a lot of money for any club to fork out, especially Man United with their current financial situation.

Instead, United should go after Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha, who is reportedly a target of Spurs this summer. According to Florian Plettenberg on X, Tottenham are monitoring the 30-year-old amid reports that Bayern are open to selling him this summer.

Palhinha has Premier League experience with Fulham, as he played for the Cottagers between 2022 and 2024, before moving to the Bundesliga for £44m last summer. It has not worked out for the Portuguese midfielder, as he’s made just 25 appearances in all competitions for Vincent Kompany’s side.

He would be a much cheaper option than Hjulmand, as Palhinha’s current market value is estimated to be around £26m, a deal that would be more financially viable for United; he would also be less of a risk compared to Hjulmand. And given Bayern are open to selling him, a deal could also be easier to do.

Man United could get Palhinha and Martinez for less than Hjulmand

There are several areas of the pitch that United need to improve, but alongside defensive midfield, the goalkeeper position needs addressing too after a poor season from Andre Onana last year at the back.

If United decided to sign Palhinha rather than Hjulmand, they would save roughly £40m in transfer value, something that Amorim could spend on a new stopper. Reports have said that Aston Villa could ask for up to £40m for Emiliano Martinez, a keeper that United have been heavily linked with in recent weeks.

United could sign Martinez and Palhinha rather than just Hjulmand, and they’d be getting two experienced Premier League players, who aren’t risky, but would no doubt help to improve Amorim’s squad at a relatively low cost.

Martinez reportedly wants a move to Man United, and the Red Devils recently approached him about a potential loan deal, but it was rejected by Villa, who want a permanent sale for the 32-year-old.