Doku could miss World Cup games for fatherhood
Jeremy Doku might sit out Belgium's World Cup matches around early July. His partner is expecting a child, and the timing could pull him away from the tournament. (1) (2) A blow for Belgium, but for City fans this matters too, if he misses international minutes, he arrives fresher for Maresca's first preseason. The winger is coming off a strong campaign and is close to signing a new deal at the Etihad.
Gvardiol extends, Madrid move off the table
Josko Gvardiol has signed a contract extension with City. Real Madrid were circling, but the deal keeps him at the Etihad long term. (4) (5) Madrid have since moved for Marc Cucurella instead, though they remain in the market for another centre-back with Ruben Dias linked. Gvardiol staying is a statement, the defence keeps one of its pillars.
City eye Branthwaite as Stones replacement
Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite is on City's radar. The club are looking at the 23-year-old as a successor to John Stones, who is set to leave. Everton want £70m. (3) That price puts City in competition with Manchester United and Bayern Munich, though Marc Guehi remains an alternative. With Nathan Ake, Ruben Dias, Abdukhodir Khusanov, and now Gvardiol locked in, adding Branthwaite would give Maresca serious depth.
Fan reactions
The Gvardiol renewal has City fans breathing easier, while Madrid supporters on Reddit seem to accept that ship has sailed, several note the Cucurella signing as the direct pivot once Gvardiol was off the table. More noise is coming from the Elliot Anderson rumour: a £100m-plus fee has rival fans worried about what it does to the market, with Morgan Rogers' valuation now part of the conversation. Read the thread
