Manchester City plot swoop for £80 million-rated Manchester United target as club statement deleted over player farewell | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola could yet become the driving force behind a staggering move for one of rivals Manchester United’s primary summer transfer targets.

Reports following the latest day of media activity have highlighted the admiration from the Manchester City manager over one of the Premier League’s stand-out central defenders, with the club still yet to make their first move of the market.

There were also twists and turns seen on the outgoings front as Barcelona were swift to both post and delete a club statement surrounding the future of outcast Manchester City man Joao Cancelo this weekend. Insight on the matter has since been provided.

Contract talk has been the order of the day when it comes to Academy talents within the Etihad Campus, as Fabrizio Romano offered an update on one of the club’s highly-rated attacking prospects amid widespread interest.

Here is your daily and comprehensive round-up of the latest Manchester City transfer news and information following the completion of day 17 of the ongoing summer market!

Arrivals

Pep Guardiola could ruin Manchester United’s hopes of signing Everton’s £80 million-rated centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, with the Manchester City manager understood to be impressed by his ability to play out from the back and his defensive qualities. Guardiola is thought to be pondering a move. (The Sun)

Bruno Guimaraes remains a target for Manchester City in this window, and there is a growing feeling around some at the club that a figure of £85 million could still seal an agreement. (Tolmie’s Hairdoo)

Manchester City have people who ‘drill down into the finances’ of rival clubs, while Etihad officials are aware where ‘bargains and opportunities may be had’. (Tolmie’s Hairdoo)

Departures

Only Saudi Arabia are offering Joao Cancelo ‘anything concrete’. (Tolmie’s Hairdoo)

Barcelona deleted a club statement saying farewell to João Cancelo as they still hope to re-sign the Portugal international from Manchester City. Barça hierarchy remain in constant contact with agent, Jorge Mendes pending clarity on their financial situation this summer. Ideally, they would re-sign the player on loan. (Sam Marsden, Moises Llorens – ESPN)

Kevin De Bruyne on his future: “I’ll have a quiet summer. I’ll enjoy my holidays and will return to City afterwards. I assume there will be talks with City in the upcoming months…” (Kristof Terreur)

Contract Renewals

Manchester City are working to get new contract done for Christian Dunbar-McDonald. Negotiations are underway over new deal for the 16-year-old winger, with the Premier League champions keen on keeping him at the club. (Fabrizio Romano)

Confirmed Deals

Taylor Harwood-Bellis to Southampton (£20M obligation to buy)

Stefan Ortega has signed a one-year contract extension at Manchester City until the end of the 2025/26 season.

Scott Carson has signed a one-year contract extension at Manchester City until the end of the 2024/2025 season.