On the search for their Kevin de Bruyne replacement, Manchester City are now reportedly set to “advance” their move to sign a talented midfielder who should have no issues over personal terms.
Man City pushing for top finish to the season
In a season that once looked on course to end without Champions League qualification, Manchester City could yet end the current campaign as high as second. Even though their crown has been snatched from them for the first time in four seasons by a dominant Liverpool side, the Citizens – in the context of their struggles – could have plenty to celebrate.
Without Rodri for the majority of the campaign, without a recognised back four at various stages and with an ageing midfield to fall back on, Pep Guardiola has dragged his side into a seven-game unbeaten run to move within touching distance of Champions League qualification. Also in the FA Cup final, a second-place finish with a trophy to celebrate would represent a fairly routine campaign on paper compared to how chaotic things have truly been at times.
Guardiola took time to particularly heap praise on De Bruyne after his goal ensured that City took their unbeaten run to seven games against Wolves, telling reporters: “His contribution is massive. There are players like Sergio [Aguero]like him, like Vinnie [Kompany] in the heart of the people.
“It’s not just titles and numbers, it’s affection and love and passion. All of us have been one decade here, helping us to win absolutely everything and still he’s here.”
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They have been working on a deal since January.
Replacing the Belgian at the end of his current contract will likely prove to be a near-impossible task for all involved at The Etihad, but that hasn’t stopped the Citizens from lining up one particular option.
Man City set to “advance” move for £100m Gibbs-White
According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City are now set to advance in their deal to sign Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest this summer, who have reportedly placed a staggering £100m price-tag on their midfielder.
In what could be one of the biggest deals of the summer, personal terms between Gibbs-White and City are not expected to be a problem with the Manchester club now tasked with negotiating with those at the City Ground in the coming months.
A central part of Forest’s recent rise, which is likely to end in some form of European football, Gibbs-White has earned plenty of praise from manager Nuno Espirito Santo during his time in charge.
The Forest boss told reporters last season: “Morgan is a very special player for us. Very important, talented, the work rate on the pitch, but to allow Morgan to have these moments a lot of things happen behind, hard work by the boys and this is very important.”
