Tuesday gossip

MEN: City step up De Bruyne chase?


31 March 2015 07:58
Posted by @porter_mcfc


Gossip, rumour and speculation – it’s all here in today’s media round-up.

An international break and the rapidly approaching summer window make for a perfect melting pot and the column inches are packed with the latest transfer twists and turns.

First up, a familiar name returns in the shape of Kevin de Bruyne. Linked with a host of clubs, the Manchester Evening News now believe City have stepped up the chase with a series of meetings and are now considering a £40m bid for the former Chelsea man.

Stuart Brennan writes: “The Blues believe their squad needs an overhaul and the £40million-rated attacking midfielder is high on their list.

“Reports in Belgium claim that City football director Txiki Begiristain has now twice met with representatives of the Belgian, who has flourished in the Bundesliga since being sold for £18million by Chelsea last year.

“The Blues want an injection of young blood, and of pace, to reinvigorate the team, and this summer is expected to see several familiar faces leave and two or three big signings come in.

“De Bruyne has been on international duty alongside City skipper Vincent Kompany and 19-year-old defender Jason Denayer, who could also be included in the summer plans after a successful season’s loan at Celtic.

“The 23-year-old has 23 full caps and has scored seven goals for his country, but it is with his club that he has really impressed watching City scouts – he has scored 17 and made 30 assists in 56 games."

Not bad, I suppose…

Next up and we head to Spain for the first of two stories, neither of which involve Real Madrid or Barcelona.

While you’re digesting that shock, do remember it wouldn’t be a transfer rumour without several Premier League clubs being mentioned so don’t think we’ve diverted fully off course here.

Anyway, City, Arsenal and Liverpool have all been handed the traditional “transfer boost" as Mario Suarez’s agent has admitted his client’s future is undecided – according to a report in the Daily Star.

The Atletico Madrid midfielder is being tracked by a variety of clubs but as yet no leader has emerged in the chase.

Reports the paper’s Jamie Anderson: “Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City have been handed an early boost in their quest to sign Atletico Madrid midfielder Mario Suarez.

“According his agent Manuel Garcia Quilon, Suarez is wanted by a host of European giants - but his future is very much undecided.

“And the news that no front-runner has yet emerged will encourage potential suitors this summer.

“The Premier League trio admire Suarez for his strength, composure and having a game changing touch of class that elevates him from the norm."

Finally, we’re off to Malaga where City are set to battle it out with Liverpool and Chelsea for one of the club’s most promising young starlets – if the Daily Mail is to be believed.

Known as Kuki to his friends (and newspaper subeditors), the forward has already made his first team debut in a friendly match and his £4.4m release clause is set to double if he comes on in a competitive match.

That should accelerate matters then!

Simon Jones scribes: “Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City are monitoring Malaga's latest starlet Jose Luis Zalazar, known as Kuki.

“The 16-year-old is the son of former Uruguay international Jose Luis Zalazar but plays for Spain at U17 level where he is regarded as the star turn. Liverpool have been on his trail for over a year.

“He is a left-footed striker who can play across the front line and has already played for Malaga's first team in friendlies.

“Kuki signed his first professional contract at Malaga last summer and his release clause fee is set at £4.4million but that doubles should he make his first team debut."

Of course, mcfc.co.uk will be first with any confirmed transfer deals this summer.

That’s about it for today but we’ll be back tomorrow with more of the same. Happy Tuesday!