Erling Haaland remained tight lipped about all things Manchester City when quizzed ahead of Norway’s Nations League clash with Serbia on Thursday.
But while the striker would not open up about a deal that is already done, there are plenty happy to talk about potential new signings at the Etihad. Mohamed Salah has been a thorn in City's side during their epic battles with Liverpool of late, but the Egyptian star can leave Anfield on a free in summer 2023 - and could reportedly be tempted to remain in the Premier League. Does the Etihad beckon?
Elsewhere, Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount is another big name linked with City, with agents making best use of the Premier League champions' stated intention to add two more names to their roster to hasten new contracts. With the summer transfer window set to open soon, Mirror Sport has a selection of the best stories, rumours and gossip surrounding City today...
Salah an option for 2023?
Mo Salah and his representatives have put Manchester City on alert after reportedly indicating he would be open to a move to another Premier League side. The Egypt international, 29, has no intention of moving from Anfield until the end of next season, insisting last week he is committed to staying for the duration of the 2022-23 season.
But The Athletic reports that unless there is significant movement on contract talks with wages and length of contract creating an impasse, a switch to an English rival could be in the offing. City would not normally be in the market for a forward of his age but would relish the chance to grab a crown jewel from their one major rival, and wages would certainly not be a problem.
Salah is reportedly willing to sign a new two-year deal at Liverpool if the terms were right, but wants wages which reflect his status in the world game.
Mount enquiries begin
Chelsea's protracted takeover has not only cost them potential new signings; it has damaged talks with their existing players. Antonio Rudiger is off this summer, with Andreas Christensen following and Cesar Azpilicueta potentially leaving as well.
Mason Mount's contract runs until summer 2024, but talks with the club stalled following embargos against then-owner Roman Abramovich. The England midfielder's future remains uncertain, and The Sun reports that Manchester United are considering a bid, with City and Liverpool also said to have made 'discreet enquiries' about the 23-year-old.
City are also looking to bolster their home-grown squad numbers, so Mount would be a ready-made option who can play Pep Guardiola's high-tempo passing-and-pressing game.
Leao another option for City?
Talks are ongoing between AC Milan and Manchester City over signing Rafael Leao amid uncertainty over his future, according to Foot Mercato. The Premier League champions look to be well-stocked in forward positions and with the player predominately a left winger-striker a deal taking him to the Etihad might seem unlikely.
But given his representative is super-agent Jorge Mendes, a man in regular contact with City’s high-ups, you never know. Several clubs are said to be interested’ in the Portuguese attacker, ‘including Man City’, who apparently ‘started talks a few weeks ago’ say the report. Mendes' other clients include Ruben Dias, Bernardo Silva, Joao Cancelo and Ederson so it might not be the wildest rumour out there.
Trio on their way out?
The futures of Gabriel Jesus, Raheem Sterling and Oleksandr Zinchenko have been the subject of much speculation over the course of the last few weeks. And while no one seems quite sure where they will end up, remaining at the Etihad does not seem likely.
As things stand Jesus seems the most likely to leave the club according to the Manchester Evening News, given that in recent weeks his representatives have held talks with Arsenal sporting director Edu about a potential move to the London club. The likes of Juventus and Tottenham are also reported to be interested, but Jesus is believed to favour staying in the UK.
Zinchenko is on Ukraine duty tonight at Hampden Park and could be facing a make or break play off decider against Wales on Sunday if his side make it out of Scotland with a win. But Newcastle, Everton and Arsenal are all monitoring his availability with decisions likely next week.
Trio to be immortalised at the Etihad
City have clearly got a buy one get one free deal on statues at the moment as they have announced they are to commemorate another three of their club legends. Statues of Vincent Kompany, David Silva and Sergio Aguero – a monument critics suggested looked more like Toni Kroos than their striker – already sit outside the Etihad.
And now City will set Colin Bell, Mike Summerbee and Francis Lee on plinths as well. Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak announced that work has been commissioned to represent the trio, stars of the successful side of the late 1960s and early 1970s.
“There are other very successful eras and I think remembering Colin Bell, Francis Lee and Mike Summerbee is very important,” he said. “This club has a great history. These are players that have contributed immensely to this club, and have earned the right to be appreciated forever, eternally, with statues. I won’t say too much right now until it’s done but what I will say is, these three legends will be properly respected and represented with a work of art that all the fans of this club will be able to see.”
