Manchester City identify possible Josko Gvardiol alternative while Pep Guardiola braces for showdown talks

A new week has brought about a new name in the world of Manchester City transfer rumours, with the Premier League champions keeping an eye on a possible Josko Guardiol alternative.

While Etihad Stadium bosses remain cautiously optimistic over their hopes of signing the 21-year-old Croatia international this summer, the club are seemingly preparing themselves for a worst case alternative.

It has also shown to be a busy opening day of the week when it comes to departures, as manager Pep Guardiola and Manchester City officials brace themselves for face-to-face talks with a number of first-team stars including Kyle Walker and Bernardo Silva.

Here is your comprehensive round-up of transfer news, rumours, and gossip from day 33 of the summer market!

Arrivals

Manchester City are now stepping up plans to sign a winger as Riyad Mahrez edges closer to a £30 million move to Al-Ahli. (Sam Lee, The Athletic)

Manchester City have been aware of the possibility of losing Riyad Mahrez this summer and have been drawing up plans to replace him with a new winger in case he were to approve the transfer. City are ready to accept the bid from Al-Ahli. (Sam Lee, The Athletic)

Bernardo Silva is seen as the ideal candidate to slot into the Manchester City midfield without having to enter the transfer market. By losing Riyad Mahrez, though, City appreciate the need to bring in a new face to replace him. (Sam Lee, The Athletic)

Manchester City remain determined to sign main defensive target Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig, but are also casting an eagle eye over Lyon’s Abdoulaye Ndiaye. City are planning for the future and feel the 21-year-old has great promise. (Simon Jones, MailSport)

Departures

Brighton are leading the race to sign Cole Palmer on loan from Manchester City, while Burnley and Leicester are also among the many clubs interested as well as interest from overseas. Pep Guardiola and Txiki Begiristain are admirers of Roberto De Zerbi’s style of play and believe Brighton would be a good fit for Palmer if he was to leave. City are unwilling to sell but are open to him spending the next season out on loan. (James Ducker, The Telegraph)

Kyle Walker and Riyad Mahrez are set to hold talks with Manchester City over the next 24 hours regarding their respective moves to Bayern Munich and Al Ahli. (Simon Jones, MailSport)

Manchester City have doubled down on attempts to keep Bernardo Silva. Having seen Declan Rice move to Arsenal for £100 million plus £5 million, City have used that fee as a bench mark for Bernardo, and have made it clear to the player just how important he is to their plans. (Sam Lee, The Athletic)

James Trafford will complete his £19 million move from Manchester City to Burnley on Wednesday. (Simon Jones, MailSport)

Riyad Mahrez has been offered ‘lots of extra earning opportunities’ as part of the Al-Ahli deal, including ‘UAE-based propositions’. (Ben Jacobs)

Contract Renewals

No reports

Confirmed Deals

Mateo Kovacic: Chelsea to Manchester City, (£25 million plus £5 million in add-ons)

Spike Brits: AFC Wimbledon to Manchester City, (Unknown terms)

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Shea Charles: Manchester City to Southampton, (£10.5M, Permanent)

Ilkay Gundogan: Manchester City to FC Barcelona, (Free transfer)

Enzo Maresca: Manchester City to Leicester City, (Unknown terms)

Rodolfo Borrell: Manchester City to Austin FC, (Unknown terms)

Callum Doyle: Manchester City to Leicester City, (Season-long loan, £500,000)

Yan Couto: Manchester City to Girona, (Season-long loan)

Liam Delap: Manchester City to Hull City, (Season-long loan)

Kian Breckin: Manchester City to Wycombe Wanderers, (Season-long loan)

Morgan Rogers: Manchester City to Middlesbrough, (Unknown terms, Permanent)

Josh McNamara: Manchester City to Southampton, (Unknown terms, Permanent)

Cieran Slicker: Manchester City to Ipswich Town, (Unknown terms, Permanent)

Yangel Herrera: Manchester City to Girona, (Unknown terms, Permanent)

Herbie James: Manchester City to Tottenham Hotspur (Pre-Agreement, Permanent)

Terrell Agyemang: Released

Rowan McDonald: Released

Benjamin Mendy: Released

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