Friday gossip

Media Watch
MEDIA WATCH: SANE CHAT COULD BE PIVOTAL
Fri 23 Jun 2017, 7:56 AM
GOSSIP: It's time for your daily dose of media news and speculation.
GOSSIP: It's time for your daily dose of media news and speculation.
It’s time for your daily roundup of Manchester City news from across the media and, as ever, there’s plenty of transfer speculation surrounding the Blues.
But first let’s start with an article in local newspaper the Manchester Evening News, which says Leroy Sane’s recent meeting with a dedicated Blues supporter could be just what the youngster needs to follow in Pablo Zabaleta’s footsteps and become a fans’ favourite.

Sane was involved in the Club’s #NothingWithoutYou campaign that saw the Blues squad visit a number of fans at the end of the season in order to thank them for their incredible support.

Along with Ilkay Gundogan, the winger visited Sean Riley, who has missed just one match in the last 28 years and is widely regarded as one of the Club’s most devoted supporters.

And Stuart Brennan at the MEN believes it’s that kind of interaction that could help Sane understand the Club to its fans.

“Sane was like any young footballer on the way to the visit, fiddling with his phone and not sure what it was all about," Brennan writes.

“But when the City TV crew took Gundogan into the kitchen for an interview, leaving Sane on the sofa with Riley, something happened that will have Pep Guardiola's stamp of approval.

“Riley talked to the youngster about his passion for the club, and for seventies hero Dennis Tueart in particular.



Features
In focus: Leroy Sane
Friday, June 16, 2017 9:36 AM
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“On the way back to the CFA, Sane was clearly energised by the visit, and that link with the support.

“’It was really nice to meet a proper City fan – it was the first time I had met a real, proper fan,’ said the flying winger.

“’He has missed only one game in 28 years and that's really impressive. He was a very good guy, a funny guy, and it was a pleasure to meet him.’"

Meanwhile, the Mirror believe City are ready to step up their interest in Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez.

The Chilean star is currently on international duty in Russia at the Confederations Cup where he has impressed.

He has just one year left on his current deal at the Emirates and it’s understood City could be ready to test Arsenal’s resolve as soon as the tournament is concluded.

“Manchester City's belief is growing that they can land Alexis Sanchez in a deal potentially worth worth up to £50million," writes David McDonnell.

“The Blues are ready to test Arsenal’s resolve to keep striker Sanchez – who has just one year left on his contract – with an official bid for the 28-year-old, who is currently on Confederations Cup duty in Russia with Chile.



Features
Man City's 2016/17 Premier League goals
Friday, June 16, 2017 2:07 PM
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“Arsenal have offered Sanchez - who bagged 30 goals last season – a new deal and insisted they have no intention of letting him leave this summer.

“But City boss Pep Guardiola has made Sanchez his top transfer target and Etihad chiefs are convinced they can clinch a deal for the in-demand star, who is also wanted by Chelsea and Bayern Munich."

And, finally, the Sun believe Tottenham’s valuation of Kyle Walker could scupper a deal between the two Clubs – but say a move for Juventus right-back Dani Alves remains on.

“Tottenham may have priced Kyle Walker out of a move to the Etihad," writes Neil Custis.

“Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is in need of an experienced right-back having released Bacary Sagna and sold Pablo Zabaleta to West Ham.

“Guardiola wants the England man but not at the asking price of £50m. City value him at £35m.

“He is also set to be re-united with Dani Alves, who he brought to Barcelona, after Juventus agreed to release the Brazilian after just one year."

That’s all for today, Blues. Join us again tomorrow for more news, views and transfer speculation