‘We were not consistent enough’ – Guardiola on Premier League title race
Video credit: SNTV
City set to land Hjulmand
Manchester City are already working on their summer transfer moves, according to a report in Portugal.
Morten Hjulmand, the Sporting CP midfielder previously linked with Manchester United, is said to be nearing a switch to the Etihad.
”Bernardo Silva is set to exit ahead of next season, while Rodri’s future [remains] up in the air amid interest from Real Madrid. As per A Bola, City have already made informal contact with Sporting over Hjulmand, having been left impressed by the Danish international’s performances.
”The former Lecce star also fits the profile that City are looking for when it comes to tactical awareness and physicality. The Premier League side are reportedly keen to seal his services ahead of next season, with Sporting seemingly open to a deal.”
Spurs still favourites to land Robertson
After missing out on Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson in the winter transfer window, Tottenham Hotspur are favourites to sign him at the end of the season.
The 32-year-old defender is out of contract at the end of the season and would consider a switch to the Londoners if they can remain in the Premier League.
”Liverpool announced on Thursday evening that Robertson, 32, would be leaving the club when his contract expires at the end of the season after nine glittering years at Anfield.
”The Athletic reported in January that Spurs had held talks over recruiting the Scotland international but Liverpool were ultimately unwilling to sanction a mid-season departure.
”Robertson’s professionalism and commitment to Liverpool were never in question, so a switch would only have materialised if it suited all parties.
”His focus on Liverpool means nothing is finalised and there remains strong interest from elsewhere in Europe, but the groundwork undertaken by Tottenham in the winter market and the appeal of the opportunity to Robertson leaves the north London side poised to complete a deal if they avoid relegation.”
Liverpool draw up shortlist to replace Salah
Mohamed Salah’s exit from Liverpool in the summer is already being prepared for as the club look for replacements.
Seven players are mentioned in a report from the Evening Standard, including RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande.
”RB Leipzig talent Yan Diomande is thought to be their top choice. Just two years [Rio] Ngumoha’s senior, the Ivorian is the envy of various European heavyweights, including Chelsea, Arsenal and Bayern Munich, but could reportedly cost €100million (£87.3m) after racking up 19 goal involvements this season.
”But they are also considering options within the Premier League, with Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh in the running.
“Anthony Gordon might be a controversial choice among fans given his history as an Everton player, but he could be available for a bargain fee as Newcastle look to offload players and dodge a PSR breach.
”Elsewhere on the shortlist is Hoffenheim playmaker Bazoumana Toure, who has caught the eye after tallying 11 Bundesliga assists this season. Francisco Conceicao of Juventus is also considered an option and has been monitored by Liverpool scouts.
”Completing the lineup of options are Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola and Real Madrid’s Rodrygo.”
Howe prepared to leave Newcastle
The Telegraph reports that Eddie Howe will not stay on at Newcastle United if he feels he is not wanted.
After winning the Carabao Cup last season, the manager is under pressure because of an underwhelming campaign in the Premier League and Champions League.
”With seven games left to play this season, Newcastle are a club with a clear vision of where they want to be – regularly competing for silverware in England and Europe by 2030 – but without a convincing argument about how they will get there.
”They are 12th in the Premier League, with an under-fire and criticised manager, who less than a year ago led a parade through the city to celebrate winning Newcastle’s first domestic trophy for 70 years like a triumphant Roman general.
”Those close to the 48-year-old have always maintained Howe will not stay if he no longer feels wanted. If the unity that has powered Newcastle’s transformation, like a nuclear reactor, begins to fracture and a full-scale meltdown looks inevitable, Howe will walk away.”