Thursday Gossip

by MCFC Editorial

Media Watch: City to step up Saul pursuit?

Transfer gossip, an injury scare for Leroy Sane, Gabriel Jesus, a focus on one of City’s exciting young loan stars and a blast from the Blues’ past all feature in today’s busy media round-up.

City, of course, are having a welcome break from action ahead of a hectic last six weeks of the campaign with the focus instead trained on the international scene.
Both Sane and Ilkay Gundogan featured for a new-look, youthful Germany last night as they drew 1-1 with Serbia in a friendly clash.
However, Sky Sports reports how there was a late scare for Sane who was the subject of a controversial challenge in injury time.
Sky reports: “Germany boss Joachim Low said Leroy Sane "got away with not getting hurt" after a dangerous tackle from Milan Pavkov in Germany's 1-1 draw with Serbia on Wednesday night.

“Sane was taken off following Pavkov's challenge in injury time, which earned the Serbia player a red card - but Low confirmed the Manchester City winger would be fit for Germany's next game, against the Netherlands on Sunday.
“The Germany coach told reporters: "It was a vicious foul. Sane was lucky and got away with not getting hurt but such fouls can break bones."

“Luka Jovic gave Serbia a surprise lead in the first half with a close-range header before substitute Leon Goretzka scored an equaliser, while visiting goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic made several saves to deny Germany a second goal.
Meanwhile, there is more transfer speculation involving the Blues via ESPN who claim the champions are poised to step up our reported interest in Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez.
ESPN’s Mark Ogden and Moises Llorens assert: “City are closing in on a summer deal for Saul Niguez after moving ahead of Barcelona in the race to sign the Atletico Madrid midfielder, sources have told ESPN FC.

“City manager Pep Guardiola has identified Saul, 24, as a long term replacement for Fernandinho.
“Despite capturing the highly-rated Netherlands international, Barcelona have also tracked Saul as they attempt to reduce the average age of Ernesto Valverde's squad. “But sources have told ESPN FC that Barca have been made aware of City already making firm steps to seal a deal for the Spain midfielder.
“Saul's representatives have been in contact with Barcelona for the last few months. "He can't stay at Atletico anymore, everything's complicated for him there," a source told ESPN..
“Now, 10 points behind the leaders in La Liga and out of the Champions League and Copa del Rey, the midfielder doesn't see a future at the Wanda Metropolitano."

Back on the international scene and The Daily Star carries a piece with the Blues’ Brazilian star Gabriel Jesus, currently away on international duty, who talks about the help and advice he has received from team-mate Sergio Aguero – and his determination to become a regular starter at club level..
Writes the Star’s chief soccer writer Jeremy Cross: “The Brazilian international admits it will be a tough task going head-to-head with in-form rival Sergio Aguero.
“Jesus, who has 18 goals from 38 games for City this season, has had to be patient following his £27m switch from Palmeiras in 2017.
“Aguero remains Pep Guardiola's No.1 forward after setting club records that might never be broken.
“But Jesus, preparing for Brazil's international games against Panama and the Czech Republic, said he is determined to prove his long-term worth to Guardiola and reclaim his starting place.
He said: "I've been talking a lot with my family and friends about it.
"I had a very good moment in my career and life when I had a meteoric rise.

“I achieved a lot of things quickly, but it's normal, as I'm still 21-years-old. There's no reason for any rush," said Jesus.
"I am, indeed, staying on the Manchester City bench at the moment, but I'm fighting to get my place back in the starting line-up.
"But I'm fighting with the top scorer in the club's history. Sergio has been helping me very much, and I'm working hard to try to get my place back."