A squad in flux

Thursday was one of those days at the Etihad where the in-tray never seemed to empty. With the transfer window approaching its final stretch, movement arrived in both directions, and by the evening City's squad looked a little different to how it had started the day.

The headline noise surrounded Iliman Ndiaye. The Everton attacker began Thursday as a name on City's radar, but by the afternoon reports had shifted from vague interest to something more concrete. TalkSPORT's Alex Crook first flagged the Blues' pursuit of the Senegal international, who Everton value at around £80million. Fabrizio Romano then suggested City had put a possible deal to the Merseyside club, with Ben Jacobs subsequently reporting City were working on a move.

None of this is done yet. No agreement has been reported, and there's nothing to establish this as a straight swap — even if the timing feels significant.

Grealish and the Everton link

The reason for that is Jack Grealish. The 30-year-old spent last season on loan at Goodison Park and is keen to return, which would see him head back to Everton if an agreement is found. Whether that ends up being part of a wider negotiation involving Ndiaye remains to be seen, but the two threads are clearly connected.

Meanwhile, Omar Marmoush is heading to Tottenham. City have agreed terms for the forward to join on loan with a £60million obligation to buy, and he'll follow Savinho to north London. That further reshapes Maresca's attacking options — and opens up space for another forward to arrive.

Gonzalez departs

Nico Gonzalez's time at City is over. The midfielder has completed a permanent move to Newcastle after 18 months at the club, leaving with 59 appearances and four goals to his name. Neither club disclosed the fee, though Sky Sports reports the deal could reach £50million including add-ons, potentially allowing City to recover what they paid Porto in February 2025.

Gonzalez said his desire to play more regularly was a factor in leaving. It's hard to argue with that logic.

Maresca's captaincy wish

Friday brings a trip to Selhurst Park, and Maresca faced the media beforehand. He said he'd like another "one or two captains" alongside Rúben Dias and Erling Haaland. The Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández knows Maresca well from their time together at Stamford Bridge and has been one of City's major targets this window.

On the team news front: Jérémy Doku is out, still sidelined by the calf problem he suffered in the Community Shield, which also kept him out of Sunday's 2-1 win over Bournemouth. Elliot Anderson is available after his issue against the Cherries proved to be cramp, while Matheus Nunes is fit enough to be considered despite not being at 100 per cent.

Ayyoub Bouaddi could make his debut. The 18-year-old joined from Lille this week, and Maresca confirmed he arrives match-fit after training normally with his former club. "He is ready, he was working with his former club so he is fit," the City boss said. City will give him time to settle, but nothing prevents him being involved against Palace.

Maresca must also decide whether Rayan Cherki's two assists from the bench last weekend earn him a start.

Draws and dates

Elsewhere, City discovered their first Carabao Cup opponents: a home tie against Norwich City, who earned their place in the third round by beating MK Dons and Cardiff. City enter at this stage due to their European commitments. The tie is scheduled for the week commencing 14 September, with the exact date and kick-off time still to be confirmed.

City are also in Pot 1 for Thursday's Champions League draw. Each club will face two teams from each of the four pots, giving City eight different opponents and four home fixtures. Under the current format, they can even draw clubs from their own pot.

Friday's match at Crystal Palace kicks off at 8pm BST. City opened with a 2-1 win over Bournemouth, needing two late goals to take the points. Palace were beaten 2-0 at Everton.