Enzo Maresca is prepared to give Tijjani Reijnders a chance to prove himself at Manchester City this summer, despite persistent speculation linking the midfielder with an exit.

Sources have told Football Insider that the new City manager wants to assess the 27-year-old during pre-season before making any final decisions on his future.

Reijnders arrived from AC Milan for £46million last summer but struggled to hold down a regular place in Pep Guardiola's starting eleven. He registered 14 goal contributions in 50 appearances across all competitions, though started only three of the club's final 12 games of the campaign.

That drop-off prompted rumours linking him with Galatasaray, Juventus and Milan. But according to the Transfer Insider podcast, those clubs may have to wait.

“Reijnders has got a big pre-season ahead of him as he tries to impress the new Man City manager,” the podcast noted. “He started really well last season, but then lost his place under Pep Guardiola. It's a clean slate for him and everybody at City under Maresca.”

The Dutch international turned out for the Netherlands at the World Cup recently and caught the eye, despite their round of 16 exit to Morocco.

Maresca faces the considerable task of succeeding Guardiola and is evaluating every senior player in his squad this summer. Reijnders will have the chance to earn a spot before any decision is made.

Jack Grealish, fresh from a loan spell at Everton, is also set to be assessed by Maresca this summer. The 30-year-old impressed at Goodison Park before a serious foot injury in January cut his season short. Everton remain keen on a permanent deal, but Maresca could yet keep him in his plans if pre-season goes well.

Ferran Soriano sat down with Lille president Olivier Létang at the end of June for direct talks over Ayyoub Bouaddi, according to new reports. The Manchester City CEO's involvement signals just how seriously the club are taking this one.

The meeting took place as the summer window entered a more active phase, with Soriano and other City representatives engaging directly with Létang over the 18-year-old midfielder's situation. Soriano's presence at the table is a clear indication that this pursuit has been fully sanctioned at the highest level of the club's executive hierarchy.

Bouaddi has been one of the most compelling young midfielders to emerge from French football in recent seasons. His performances for Lille and for Morocco at the World Cup have drawn attention from several of Europe's leading clubs throughout this window.

City's interest in the Morocco international has been well-established over multiple months of reporting. The club view him as a long-term investment in their midfield rather than an immediate first-team solution.

The core disagreement between the clubs centres on timing. Lille want Bouaddi to stay for at least one more season of development, while City are pushing to complete his signing this summer and structure his immediate future around a loan arrangement back to the French club. That position aligns with earlier reporting that City's preferred plan was to sign him now before loaning him back to Lille for the 2026-27 season.

Lille's asking price, previously reported by French sources at between £67 million and £84 million, remains a further factor. No agreement is in place yet despite the high-level meeting.

Director of football Hugo Viana has already committed significant resource to the midfield this summer through the Anderson deal, but the Bouaddi pursuit confirms that City's ambitions in that area extend beyond what has already been confirmed.

Whether the gap between Lille's preference for retention and City's desire to conclude a deal this summer can be bridged — and whether a loan-back structure ultimately provides the compromise both parties can agree on — is now the central question.

Manchester City are expected to sell Savinho to Tottenham for £65m, according to reports. The Daily Mail suggest Enzo Maresca’s side are already scouting replacements, with the Brazilian closing in on a move to north London.

The fee has prompted a strong reaction from supporters on X, with many praising Director of Football Hugo Viana for the deal. One fan described it as a “Viana masterclass again,” while another acknowledged the departure with mixed feelings: “Good fee but sad to see him go.”

If completed, the transfer would represent a significant outlay for Spurs and a tidy piece of business for City, who appear to have plans in motion to fill the gap.

AC Milan are keeping tabs on the Nicolò Zaniolo situation at Udinese, but they've also got Phil Foden on their radar, according to TuttoSport.

The Zaniolo affair rumbles on. Udinese thought they'd sorted things with a new contract, but the player wasn't happy with certain terms — the bonuses in particular. He's stayed away from pre-season training, submitting a medical certificate to explain his absence while the rest of the squad got back to work. The Friulani will try again to resolve it, but they might not wait much longer before deciding to move him on.

If that happens, Milan are ready to offer €15-20m for the 27-year-old. His agent, Claudio Vigorelli, was spotted at their headquarters recently. More Serie A clubs would likely join the chase if Zaniolo forces an exit. Udinese coach Ruben Amorim wants a left-footed attacker to give him more options.

Foden fits that description too. He could be available for €50-60m if Manchester City bring in some high-end attackers. The England international is coming off a so-so season — 10 goals and 7 assists in 50 appearances — but faded badly in the final months.

Milan are also trailing Borussia Dortmund and Atalanta for Konstantinos Karetsas and Kerim Alajbegovic respectively. Karetsas is only worth a punt for a small fee — his strong season looks like an outlier, and attitude and consistency problems could resurface if he's not handled carefully.

Foden is the ambitious target. Whether Milan actually move before sorting the Rafael Leao situation remains to be seen.

The 23-year-old England goalkeeper is understood to be open to leaving the Etihad this summer if new boss Enzo Maresca cannot offer him a clear route to regular first-team football. Trafford returned to City from Burnley last summer with designs on challenging for the number one spot, only to find himself playing second fiddle to Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Newcastle have emerged at the front of a queue that also includes Tottenham, Brighton, Aston Villa and Juventus. Of that group, the Magpies' pursuit is the most advanced, with Trafford said to have a genuine fondness for the project at St James' Park — a preference that has held firm even without the lure of European football next season.

According to Mail Sport's Simon Jones, discussions between Newcastle and City officials are ongoing. Sporting director Hugo Viana will be central to any decision on Trafford's future, with the goalkeeper's potential departure shaping up as one of the more significant calls of a summer already defined by considerable movement in and out of the Etihad.

Maresca has identified the goalkeeping position as an area requiring careful assessment. Should Trafford leave, the club would need to decide whether to invest in a replacement or promote from within a squad whose depth in that department is being actively managed as part of a broader rebuild.

The interest from Tottenham adds competitive urgency to Newcastle's discussions. Spurs have already accelerated their own summer recruitment in areas that overlap with City's playing staff, and the two clubs could now find themselves competing to conclude a deal before the window's decisive period begins.

Trafford is currently preparing to fly back to England after Argentina knocked England out of the World Cup at the semi-final stage. What happens next should become clearer in the days ahead as talks between the clubs continue to develop.

The Catalan's exit in May ended a nine-year reign at the Etihad Stadium that produced six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, five Carabao Cups and the club's first Champions League triumph in 2023. Speculation had swirled for months about the circumstances surrounding his decision, with reports suggesting he had considered extending beyond the 2025-26 campaign before eventually deciding the time had come to step away.

Enzo Maresca has since taken over, with the Italian receiving a personal message from former City assistant coach Pepijn Lijnders upon his arrival — a gesture that underlined the goodwill with which the outgoing management team passed the baton.

Honest admission

Speaking in a new interview with OKX, Guardiola confirmed for the first time that a contractual pathway to staying was available to him and that the decision to leave was entirely his own.

“I had one more year contract so I could've stayed. But I had the feeling that I didn't have the energy that is required to be at the top, or be demanding for games every three days.”

The admission that his energy reserves were no longer sufficient for the demands of top-level management is remarkably candid from a man whose standards at the Etihad were extraordinary. His reference to “every three days” is telling — it was the relentless volume and pace of the fixture calendar, not any single aspect of the job, that ultimately persuaded him the moment to step away had arrived.

The confirmation that Guardiola could have remained for another season but chose not to dispels any lingering ambiguity about his exit. His own words make clear that City's transition to Maresca was a choice rather than a necessity driven by the manager's reading of his own capacity to sustain the standards he demanded of himself and those around him.

That distinction matters in the context of how Maresca's appointment has been framed. Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak and CEO Ferran Soriano have spoken publicly about the thoughtful, structured process behind the succession — language that now feels even more deliberate given Guardiola's confirmation that the door was open to him staying longer.

For Maresca, inheriting the club knowing his predecessor departed on his own terms with his legacy intact, rather than at a point of exhaustion or failure, represents an ideal set of circumstances. Director of football Hugo Viana and the wider club structure have had the benefit of planning a measured, considered transition rather than a reactive one.

Whether Guardiola returns to management at some point in the future remains his own business to determine in his own time. But the clarity and honesty with which he has described his departure leaves no room for doubt that the decision, when it came, was made from genuine conviction rather than fatigue or defeat.

Tottenham Hotspur are set to accelerate their pursuit of Manchester City winger Savinho, with the north London club having identified the Brazilian as their chosen target for the wide attacking position this summer, according to reports.

The 21-year-old's future at the Etihad has been one of the most closely watched situations of the window. Enzo Maresca has so far left Savinho's long-term role deliberately undefined as he continues his assessment of the squad he inherited.

Tottenham's interest has been a persistent thread throughout the summer. What was previously described as ongoing interest has now taken on a materially different character, with Spurs moving beyond passive monitoring and into active acceleration of the pursuit.

The language used in the reporting is significant — Savinho is described explicitly as the chosen target, phrasing that suggests clarity of intent from within the club. This moves the situation well beyond the speculative interest that has defined coverage up to this point.

Spurs have reportedly narrowed their wide attacking search to Savinho alone, and the coming days are likely to see concrete discussions over a potential deal with City.

Decision time for Viana

Director of football Hugo Viana now faces a decision over whether to sanction a sale for a player whose qualities Maresca is clearly aware of from his time in the Premier League. Savinho's versatility — capable of playing across the front line and delivering in one-versus-one situations — makes him a genuinely difficult asset to replace in the same window.

The Brazilian's profile as a direct, explosive winger who can dribble and carry the ball forward at pace maps closely onto the type of wide attacker Maresca has been identified as wanting at the Etihad. That raises the question of whether City would look to retain him as part of the solution to their own winger search, or whether the financial return from a sale would be reinvested into an alternative target.

Any incoming fee from a Savinho sale would provide Viana with meaningful additional funds to address the remaining positions on his recruitment list.

The timing of Tottenham's move is notable given that both clubs are navigating active and overlapping transfer strategies in the same positions, creating a direct competitive dynamic in the market. Whether City choose to engage with Spurs' interest or hold firm on Savinho's availability will now be among the most consequential decisions of the remainder of the summer window.

Manchester City have informed Ayyoub Bouaddi that they want him straight into first-team contention under Enzo Maresca, according to reports.

The 18-year-old Lille midfielder, valued at £85 million, impressed at the 2026 World Cup before Morocco exited at the quarter-final stage. He played in every game of the tournament bar the group match against Haiti, where he was an unused substitute.

Bouaddi has 63 senior appearances for Lille. City's pursuit has accelerated following the £116 million signing of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest.

The club's interest comes amid uncertainty over Rodri's contract renewal and the possibility that both Tijjani Reijnders and Mateo Kovacic could leave before the window closes. City had previously explored moves for Sandro Tonali — who joined Tottenham for £100 million — and Bruno Guimaraes, though Newcastle's valuation of the Brazilian was deemed too high.

But the situation appears clearer for Bouaddi. According to TEAMtalk, discussions between sporting director Hugo Viana and Maresca have led to City informing Bouaddi's representatives they want him at the Etihad immediately. The club believe he can compete for first-team football this season rather than being loaned back to Ligue 1 — a pathway City Football Group have used with young players in the past.

Arsenal remain in the race. Sporting director Andrea Berta has held frequent talks with Mikel Arteta, and the Gunners would be prepared to either let Bouaddi spend another season at Lille or integrate him straight away. But City are said to be clearer on what they want from the player.

Liverpool and Manchester United have also been alerted by City's push for a quick deal, though it is unlikely either would meet the £85 million asking price.

Rodri will play in a World Cup final. The City midfielder's involvement in the showpiece match adds another major occasion to an already decorated career.

Midfield Prospect Fast-Tracked

City moved to fast-track a midfield prospect on Thursday. The club's push to accelerate the youngster's development suggests plans are already in motion for the coming season.

Winger Search Widens

Two fresh names emerged in the winger search. The club's recruitment team continues to explore options as they look to strengthen wide areas ahead of the new campaign.

Thursday also brought the fallout from England's exit in Atlanta, where three City players saw their World Cup campaigns end in disappointment.

The list of available centre-forwards this summer is a curious one. Fewer names than the wingers ranking, and a noticeably lower standard overall. When Taty Castellanos and Christian Kofane are among the honourable mentions, you know the pool is shallow.

Still, there are some interesting options out there. Here's a rundown of the ten best strikers reportedly on the market.

Dusan Vlahovic

Vlahovic's time at Juventus didn't go to plan. A major disappointment, really. But he's available on a free transfer, which makes him worth a look. Where he ends up is anyone's guess — Manchester United, Newcastle or Leeds have been mentioned, though Saudi Arabia feels the most likely destination for the Serbian.

Nicolas Jackson

Back at Chelsea after a season on loan at Bayern Munich, Jackson has avoided the club's latest bomb squad — for now. Some fans turn their noses up at him, but he's not that bad. Crystal Palace or PSG could be his next stop. Wherever he goes, he'll do a job.

Jean-Philippe Mateta

Mateta fell out with Palace fans after pushing for a January move that was blocked by a knee injury. He won them back by doing what strikers do: scoring goals. None bigger than the winner in the Europa Conference League final. If he leaves this summer, he goes with their blessing. If he stays, even better. But it feels like he fancies a fresh challenge.

Omar Marmoush

Marmoush hasn't played much under City's new manager — fewer than 700 Premier League minutes last season. A fresh start after Guardiola's departure might appeal. Barcelona and Aston Villa have been linked. He'd be a smart signing for the Europa League winners, offering something different as they look to push on.

Endrick

The teenager impressed on loan at Lyon in the second half of last season after struggling for game time under Ancelotti at Real Madrid. Whether that helps him break into Madrid's first team or prompts a sale remains to be seen. Either way, he's destined for greatness. Madrid will sell for the right price.

Marcus Thuram

Serie A doesn't get the attention it once did, and Thuram is a player many only see during international tournaments. He scored 18 goals and provided nine assists in 44 games for Inter last season. With two years left on his contract, this summer might be the time to cash in. Arsenal have been linked in the past. His €50m Transfermarkt valuation feels fair.

Serhou Guirassy

At 30, Guirassy's age might put off some elite clubs. If they can look past it, they'll find a certified goal-scorer. Since joining Stuttgart in 2022, he's scored for fun, earning a move to Dortmund two years later. Only Dortmund believed enough to trigger his £15m release clause. He's since scored 60 goals in 96 games for them.

Eli Junior Kroupi

A genuine wonderkid. Kroupi broke the record for most goals by a teenager in their debut Premier League season, netting a crucial goal against City to help Arsenal win the title for the first time in 22 years. He's someone Arsenal should be targeting — a young French striker in the mould of Thierry Henry. With Gabriel Jesus set to leave and Viktor Gyokeres yet to set the world alight, a new striker wouldn't go amiss. Kroupi offers immediate impact and the potential to become a world-beater. Bournemouth will do well to keep him, though another year at the Vitality might be best for his development.

Victor Osimhen

Every summer, the same question: Why is nobody taking a punt on Osimhen?

Leeds United are still in the race to sign Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford, with the Premier League side reportedly able to meet City's £40 million asking price. But the England international's wage demands and a crowded field of suitors continue to complicate the pursuit, according to a new report.

Trafford has been one of the most talked-about goalkeepers on the market this summer. City's openness to letting him leave has sparked interest from several Premier League clubs looking to take advantage of a situation that has become clearer as the window has progressed.

The 22-year-old's future at the Etihad was thrown into doubt after Enzo Maresca took over as manager. The new head coach is yet to confirm Trafford as part of his first-team plans, and the goalkeeper is understood to be open to a move that would guarantee him regular football — something his development demands.

Leeds have been linked with Trafford since at least February. Their interest has resurfaced at a time when the club are in the middle of an ambitious summer rebuild under the 49ers Enterprises ownership, having already spent significant money on Tarik Muharemovic from Sassuolo.

The need for a new goalkeeper at Elland Road became pressing after Karl Darlow joined Manchester United and Illan Meslier moved to Arsenal. That leaves Leeds with only two senior options between the posts ahead of a Premier League season in which they'll look to improve on last season's 14th-place finish.

According to TEAMtalk's James Marshment, Leeds remain keen on Trafford and have been boosted by confirmation that City are indeed open to selling. Director of football Hugo Viana and Maresca have privately communicated that to interested parties throughout the window.

The report says Leeds could match the £40m asking price, but Trafford's wages are a significant obstacle. His salary expectations have already complicated discussions with at least one interested party this summer.

Competition is another issue. Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Tottenham are all understood to retain interest, though the report carries an encouraging note for Leeds: Newcastle have made no real progress toward securing his signature, potentially opening the door for the Yorkshire club to accelerate their own pursuit.

Whether TEAMtalk's reported £40m valuation matches what City will ultimately accept — or whether a fee negotiation is still to be had once a preferred buyer emerges — remains an open question. But the clarity of City's willingness to sell gives all interested parties a firm foundation from which to start formal discussions.

The breadth of interest in Trafford across the Premier League reflects the reputation he has built over the past two seasons. His performances at the Etihad and on loan have established him as one of the most coveted young keepers in English football, despite limited opportunities at the very highest level.

For Maresca and Viana, sanctioning a £40m sale would inject meaningful funds into a summer rebuild that has already committed a British record £116m to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest. The proceeds from Trafford's potential departure would likely be reinvested across other areas of the squad still to be addressed before the window closes.

The outcome of Trafford's conversation with Maresca — understood to be pending as the manager works through his assessment of each squad member — is likely to be the moment that determines whether Leeds, Newcastle or another club gets the clearest run at a deal. The goalkeeper's own preference carries considerable weight in a situation where multiple clubs are positioned and willing to act.

Whether Leeds can navigate the wage gap and competition from clubs with greater financial firepower to secure Trafford's signature remains far from certain. But their long-standing interest and the reported absence of progress from Newcastle gives them a realistic foothold in a race that is now building toward a conclusion.

Tottenham have reached an agreement with Manchester City to sign winger Savinho in a deal worth around £60m, according to City Source.

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The fee includes approximately £10m in add-ons, with the Brazil international having already agreed a five-year contract with Spurs.

Discussions are ongoing over the option of a further 12 months.

Manchester City are ready to formalise their interest in Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, with a bid expected in the coming days.

Journalist Nicolo Schira reported via his X account that the Moroccan international has indicated a desire to join Enzo Maresca's side. The Gazzetta Dello Sport correspondent stated an “official bid” is set to be submitted.

The move comes as City look to strengthen their midfield options ahead of the new campaign.