Real Madrid candidate: "I will sign Haaland and Rodri"
Enrique Riquelme, running for Real Madrid president, has doubled down on his promise to bring Erling Haaland and Rodri to the Bernabéu. He went as far as saying he will pay members' fees if he fails to deliver them (1) (3). It is bluster from a candidate who may not win, but having your two best players namechecked so publicly is never welcome.
Gvardiol: I'm happy here
Josko Gvardiol has moved to shut down talk of a Real Madrid move. "I'm happy at City, I have everything I need," he said, adding that he played almost every minute until his injury. After the World Cup, he says, "we'll see what and how to move forward" (2). Not a cast-iron commitment, but the tone is reassuring.
Norway boss brushes off Haaland noise
Norway manager Ståle Solbakken dismissed questions about the Haaland-Real Madrid links entirely. "I have more important things to think about," he said when pressed on the rumors (11). Reading between the lines: nothing has reached the national team camp to suggest this is serious.
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City targeting Tonali as Anderson alternative
Fabrizio Romano reports City remain in talks for Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, but the £100m+ asking price is a problem. Sandro Tonali has now emerged as a strong alternative, with City "considering the possibility of going all in" on the Newcastle midfielder (4) (5) (6) (7) (9). Tonali would bring steel and Premier League experience, a genuine option if Forest refuse to budge.
Nypan explains his City choice
Young Norwegian midfielder Sverre Nypan has revealed why he chose City this summer. The Rosenborg prospect had interest from multiple clubs but opted for the Etihad (8). One to watch in pre-season.
Rico Lewis weighing up his future
After a season of just 12 starts, Rico Lewis is considering his options this summer. The homegrown full-back has seen his path to regular minutes blocked and could push for a move (10). A tough one for fans who have followed him through the academy.
Fan-reaktioner
Plenty of anxiety on the City subreddit about players not shutting down exit talk firmly enough, with one fan noting frustration that certain players won't deny rumors the way Haaland has. Elsewhere, supporters are tracking a potential battle with Chelsea for 18-year-old winger Zadok Yohanna. Join the discussion.
