Man City’s battle with Chelsea looks set to be closer in the transfer window than it might be on the pitch this season.
But there is resignation at the Etihad that the deal to take Marc Cucurella away from Brighton is only going to end one way. The likelihood is that Chelsea will win that battle but it could mean City having to turn their attention elsewhere with two more names thrown into the mix yesterday.
Elsewhere highly rated teenager James McAtee could be on the verge of a switch to Championship hopefuls Sheffield United.
Mirror Sport brings you the best of the online City news here…
BLADES LEADING RACE FOR LOAN STAR McATEE
Sheffield United are rushing through the signature of highly rated City midfielder James McAtee.
According to various sources including the Daily Mail, the playmaker is set to join the Blades on a season long loan. Paul Heckinbottom’s Championship side will beat off competition from Bournemouth, Rangers Leeds and Nottingham Forest who were interested in taking him for a year.
The Championship club have pencilled in a medical for the 19-year old today, which should secure his move from the Etihad. It is expected that McAtee, who has already broken into the England U21 set-up, will become a regular starter for the team under Heckingbottom.
The player made his first team debut for Man City at 18-years old in a League Cup tie against Wycombe Wanderers. His first Premier League appearance came last November in a 3-0 victory over Everton.
GOMEZ LATEST TO BE LINKED AT LEFT BACK
The collapse of the long-running pursuit for Marc Cucurella has put City on alert for alternatives.
And Anderlecht left back Sergio Gomez is the latest player linked. According to Belgium newspaper Nieuwsblad talks between the two clubs are already underway with a fee of around £10million being floated.
Interestingly, the young Spaniard is represented by Pep Guardiola’s brother’s Netherlands-based agency.
GUARDIOLA IN FOR GVARDIOL
German news outlet Bild is reporting that City have put a bid in for highly-rated RB Leipzig central defender Josko Gvardiol.
The Croatia international, 20, has been a target for Chelsea who look in need of defensive replacement in the middle. But Bild insist City have opened the bidding with a £67million offer.
The report may raise eyebrows given City need cover at full back not centre half but the report suggests the offer has been rejected anyway.
