Time to catch up on today’s news – here’s your City Summary:
I’m not even sure if we can class this as news anymore, but the press insist on reporting it, so we will too. BILD report that progress has been made in City’s pursuit of Leroy Sané.
Schalke still want their €50m asking price, but are willing to make it installment-based with performance-related bonuses. [BILD]
— City Watch (@City_Watch) July 25, 2016
English outlets, such as The Guardian and The Telegraph, have endorsed this claim, whilst also suggesting that City are also very close to the signings of South American wonderkids, Marlos Moreno and Gabriel Jesus.
Multiple publications have reported that Sané, Moreno and Gabriel Jesus are close which may suggest a media brief has been issued by City.
— City Watch (@City_Watch) July 26, 2016
In other news, the Pablo Zabaleta transfer saga may yet take another twist as Roma, who looked to have withdrawn from talks with the Argentinian, could return with another offer.
Roma are said to be monitoring City's interest in Hector Bellerín and may yet return with an offer for Pablo Zabaleta. [Il Messaggero]
— City Watch (@City_Watch) July 26, 2016
According to Tuttosport, one move which looks to be dead in the water is City’s pursuit of Leonardo Bonucci. They claim that the Italian has unfortunately chosen to stay at Juventus.
Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci (29) has decided his future: he will remain in Turin despite Pep Guardiola's interest. [Tuttosport]
— City Watch (@City_Watch) July 26, 2016
Meanwhile, James Cooper of Sky Sports News offers an update on the progress of the current crop of players, under Pep Guardiola.
James Cooper (Sky) on Pep: "He's anxious to cut the number of injuries that City suffered last season."
— City Watch (@City_Watch) July 26, 2016
Club legend, Mike Summerbee, appears to be very impressed with our new manager.
Mike Summerbee: "He does it the right way. When someone does something good he always says 'well done'. He's very personal with people"
— City Watch (@City_Watch) July 26, 2016
Summerbee may also have been making a reference to Guardiola’s desire to get the player’s fitness up to optimum level, something which Manuel Pellegrini struggled with.
City players considered overweight have been placed on special conditioning programmes to bring them into line. [Telegraph]
— City Watch (@City_Watch) July 26, 2016
Gael Clichy, having already praised Guardiola in the press last week, has given the fans an indication of what Pep is demanding from his new players.
Clichy: "The goalkeeper needs to be better with their feet, the centre-backs are improving and the full-backs are important."
— City Watch (@City_Watch) July 26, 2016
Clichy: "And the strikers are going to score a lot of goals because we’re going to create a lot of chances."
— City Watch (@City_Watch) July 26, 2016
Clichy: "The goalkeeper needs to be better with their feet, the centre-backs are improving and the full-backs are important."
— City Watch (@City_Watch) July 26, 2016
Ending today’s ‘City Summary’ on a positive note, it appears that Thursday’s friendly with Borussia Dortmund is likely to go ahead, despite warnings of bad weather.
Don't see any issues on this for @ManCity and @BVB on Thursday. pic.twitter.com/rUfcMnel05
— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) July 26, 2016
That’s it for today. Keep your eyes peeled on @City_Watch and the site, day and night, as we work to deliver the latest City news, views, and other high-quality content.
