Manchester City are in advanced talks with Lille for 18-year-old Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, who has also attracted interest from Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Bayern Munich. (Talksport), external
Meanwhile, City are eyeing Marseille and Argentina goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli, 34, as a replacement for James Trafford. (ESPN), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked for your views on who should be Manchester City's captain for the 2026-27 season.
Here are some of your comments:
Adam: I'm not a fan of goalkeepers or attackers being captains. Sometimes they're too far out of the action and their roles require singular focus. It's got to be a central defender or midfielder with a broader overview of the game. Ruben Dias or Rodri (if he stays).
Freddie: First choice has to be Rodri if he stays. Second is Dias as he's always had that leadership quality and stands in whenever he has to. Third would be Erling Haaland - I can see real potential in him as our captain as he does possess the key characteristics. If Enzo Maresca picks none of these, I don't know who! Knowing him, he'll go for Max Alleyne!
Paddy: Dias has played at the club for a while and has lots of experience. I can see him as a captain because he controls the defence with ease and can easily captain a full squad.
Andrew: Rodri - if he stays. Behind that a leadership group of Haaland, Dias and Gianluigi Donnarumma. That's more or less four top international captains, balanced between sectors of the pitch.
Joe: Dias because he's a great leader of the backline and gives speeches to the team to hype them up.
Harry: Dias, Haaland or Phil Foden would be my choices for the captaincy. Admittedly, I'm unsure how many starts Dias and Foden will get, but I trust them both and it has to be someone with a few years at the club who takes the mantle.
Shamoon Hafez
Manchester City reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesThe stock of Kalvin Phillips, who is set to join Sheffield United again this summer, was at its highest when he was named England's player of the year at the end of the 2020-21 campaign.
He continued that form with Leeds United before Manchester City decided to pay £45m to sign the player the following summer, but his Blues career never took off.
He played only one Premier League game before the 2022 World Cup, where he made just two substitute appearances for England.
Phillips returned that December to find himself out of City's squad for their first game back against Liverpool. Guardiola publicly accused him of being "overweight" and not fit enough to train or play.
He never really recovered from that.
The midfielder attempted to reignite his career but endured unsuccessful spells at West Ham and Ipswich over the next two seasons.
There was a brief return in a City shirt last September when he featured for the final seven minutes of a Carabao Cup tie victory at Huddersfield, but it proved to be a false dawn.
A return to Sheffield United again this summer is Phillips' latest attempt to revive his career.
Keifer MacDonald
BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty ImagesWhen Elliot Anderson completed his £116m move from Nottingham Forest to Manchester City last week, there was a sense of deja vu.
It is not the first time City has signed one of the most sought-after midfielders in the Premier League fresh from an impressive first international tournament with England.
A similar story unfolded in 2022 when Kalvin Phillips left his boyhood club, Leeds United, to join City on a six-year deal.
It would be easy to view Phillips' Manchester City career as a story of wasted talent and unfulfilled potential.
With the benefit of hindsight, the circumstances surrounding his £45m move in 2022 paint a more complicated picture.
Anderson is unlikely to face the same challenges during his debut season at City next term.
The club are set to enter a period of transition following Pep Guardiola's departure at the end of last season, with Enzo Maresca appointed as his successor.
It comes alongside the departures of several long-serving players, including John Stones and Bernardo Silva. There is also uncertainty surrounding the future of Rodri, with reports in Spain linking the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner with a potential move to Real Madrid.
In 2022, City were fresh from back-to-back Premier League titles and Phillips was expected to compete for a place in midfield with Rodri, who was establishing himself as one of the best players in the world in that position.
However, Anderson faces a different challenge.
As the second most expensive British player of all time, his move to the Etihad has attracted significant attention.
The 23-year-old will be aware of the scrutiny he will face and can use Phillips' struggles as a reminder of the demands that come with playing for one of the biggest clubs in the Premier League.
For Anderson, the next step is adapting quickly to life at City and showing he can become an important part of the club's new era.
Image source, Getty ImagesFormer Manchester City winger Mark Kennedy believes Erling Haaland is the perfect candidate to take on the captaincy role.
City have jetted off for their pre-season tour of Hong Kong and Seoul, but Enzo Maresca is yet to name the new club captain.
Speaking to BBC Radio Manchester, Kennedy said: "Every time I watch City I see a leader [in Erling Haaland].
"I see someone driving the team forward and someone not giving up. Every time I watch City, he catches my eye in terms of his leadership qualities."
During the 2024-25 campaign, Haaland captained Guardiola's side on occasions, but was not named the outright skipper for his side.
During Guardiola's 10-year reign, Vincent Kompany, David Silva, Fernandinho, Ilkay Gundogan, Kyle Walker and Bernardo Silva all had spells wearing the armband.
Although Kennedy supports the Norwegian being named as captain, his role as a forward affects his chances.
He added: "When you're attacking in the final third, as a defender and a goalkeeper, you're still organising your back four, whereas when you're a forward and there are things going on at the opposite end, you're not actually doing much.
"As a defender and a midfielder, you're never not involved in the game."
Who should be Man City's next captain? Tell us
Real Madrid are confident of signing 30-year-old Spain midfielder Rodri - who has one year left on his contract with Manchester City - for 40-50m euros (£34m-£43m) and a deal could be finalised after a meeting on Thursday. (AS - in Spanish), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked for your views on Jack Grealish's future at Etihad Stadium and if he could play for the club again, after the winger returned to pre-season training but missed out on a squad place for Manchester City's pre-season tour of Hong Kong and Seoul.
Here are some of your thoughts:
June: No! City played better without him last season, so why have him back in a City shirt? He spent too much time on the grass instead of playing. So, to my mind, he is not worth having back.
Roger: I'd love to get him back playing a part in the team for this coming season. I was saddened to see John Stones leave, particularly when his heart is with the club. The same could be said for Kevin de Bruyne. These players, albeit at the end of their careers and with injury baggage, would and could have a significant impact on keeping the team spirit alive. We may have pipped Arsenal if they had still been a part of the team. Letting James Trafford go is also going to be a huge error.
Paul: We should get rid. Jack Grealish is City's worst signing since Lee Bradbury. He is a legend in his own head and he brings nothing. He wears the number 10 shirt, but he couldn't hit a barn door.
Keith: Dear Jack, put your partying on hold if you haven't already and show everyone the player we have seen and we love. Make your career blossom again, please!
Image source, Getty ImagesSpanish football journalist Lucas Navarrete says the Real Madrid board "have decided to go all in" to achieve the signing of Rodri.
Since lifting the World Cup and being named as Player of the Tournament, Rodri has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid.
The 30-year-old midfielder has a year left on his contract and is currently having rehabilitation for back surgery. Manchester City have not confirmed a timeline for his return.
Navarrete said Spanish media "100%" expect Jose Mourinho's side to sign Rodri once they have completed the signing of Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig.
He explained: "It is true that most of the headlines are focused on Yan Diomande, the winger from RB Leipzig.
"It seems that Real Madrid are going to get their hands full with negotiating with Manchester City after completing that signing."
During this summer window, Madrid have signed Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konate, Bernardo Silva and Denzel Dumfries.
Since joining City in 2019, Rodri has been crowned the Ballon d'Or winner, won 13 club trophies as well as the European Championship and World Cup with Spain.
Listen below or on BBC Sounds
Spanish media confident that Rodri move is on
Image source, Getty ImagesManchester City returned to pre-season training last week and midfielder Jack Grealish was spotted among the players who had reported for duty.
But any immediate hopes of seeing the 30-year-old donning a City shirt once more were dashed on Tuesday night when he missed out on a seat on the plane for the club's tour of Hong Kong and Seoul over the next 11 days.
Sources have said Grealish continues to recuperate from a season-ending foot injury sustained in January during a loan spell at Everton, where he was starting to recapture his best form, and it is too early to speculate what the future might hold.
The injury ended not only his time at Hill Dickinson Stadium but an outside shout at playing at the World Cup for England too.
Having seemingly been discarded by former boss Pep Guardiola, Grealish now finds himself back at City as he enters the final 12 months of his contract with little sign of being offered new terms on his reported £300,000-a-week wages.
The former Aston Villa captain turns 31 in September and the key question is whether new boss Enzo Maresca will reintegrate him into the first-team set-up or be happy to sanction a move which will end his time at Etihad Stadium.
The Italian left the door open last week, saying: "At the moment, he is here. He is a Manchester City player. I always said the same. In any club I join, I like to know if there are players that belong to the club.
"It's my duty to try to coach them. Jack is here. I have a good relationship with Jack since I left. Also, we keep in touch, and the reason why is because he has a big heart and he is a very good guy. So this is the reason why and then we see what happens."
How do you feel about Grealish's future at the club? Would you like to see him back on the pitch in a City shirt?
Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips is finalising a loan to Championship side Sheffield United after being left out of the club's squad list for their pre-season tour. (Mail), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column
Image source, Getty ImagesVideo assistant referees should only be used to change "blatantly incorrect" decisions and clear missed incidents, say European refereeing officials.
Chief refereeing officers from all 55 European national football associations met last week with Uefa refereeing officials and a representative from the International Football Association Board (Ifab) to address recent changes to the game's laws.
Attendees said "lengthy, microscoping reviews" indicate VAR has gone beyond its original scope.
When VAR was added to the laws of the game in 2018 by football's rulemakers Ifab, its "philosophy" was "minimum interference - maximum benefit", with the intention of reducing "unfairness caused by clear and obvious errors or serious missed incidents" relating to goals, penalties, direct red cards and mistaken identity.
Uefa said that at its recent meeting that refereeing bosses agreed a return to those original aims is needed.
"It was reiterated that, in accordance with protocol, VAR must only intervene in situations of 'clear and obvious' error, ie. when a referee decision is blatantly incorrect or when the referee has missed a clear incident," Uefa said in a statement.
"VAR is not meant to re-referee the game, it is an essential support to the referees, who must remain at the centre of all decision-making.
"Lengthy, microscoping reviews are often a symptom revealing that the decision on the field was not clearly and obviously incorrect, and should therefore be limited."
Manchester City winger Savinho is open to leaving the club with a view to exploring a move to Tottenham.
The Brazil international is a key target for Spurs head coach Roberto de Zerbi and City are aware of the interest in the 22-year-old.
It is understood Savinho is keen to leave during this transfer window, with the machinations towards his potential move to London now under way.
The attacker joined City from sister club Troyes for £30.8m in July 2024, having spent the previous season on loan at Spanish side Girona.
Image source, Getty ImagesManchester City defender Josko Gvardiol has officially signed a new five-year contract to extend his stay at Etihad Stadium.
The 24-year-old, who joined the club from RB Leipzig in August 2023, has since made 122 appearances and won six trophies under previous manager Pep Guardiola.
Gvardiol contributed two goals and five assists across 25 appearances last season, while also representing Croatia at his second World Cup this summer.
He also played a pivotal role as Manchester City became the first team in English football to secure four consecutive top-flight titles in 2023-24.
"As soon as I knew City wanted to renew my contract, I felt straight away that it was what I wanted," Gvardiol said. "The fans have been unbelievable with me from day one and the club provides absolutely everything for its players.
"It is the best club in the world to be at. I have felt so much love and respect during my three years here, and I don't take that for granted.
"The players we have here are amazing. This is a world-class squad that is young and full of potential.
"I truly believe we will have a lot of success in the coming years."
Director of football Hugo Viana added: "He epitomises what we want in our defenders. He can play in multiple positions, he is quick and strong, and when he attacks he does it superbly.
"He is exceptional, but the way he conducts himself is also very impressive. This young man is determined to be the best he can be - an approach totally aligned with our overall vision."
Image source, Getty ImagesManchester City midfielder Rodri will be sidelined for a "short period of rehabilitation" following back surgery.
New manager Enzo Maresca said on Friday that Rodri would have an operation on Monday, and that he "needs a holiday, he needs to rest and recover and then he will be back with us".
No timeline has been set for his return.
City face Arsenal in the Community Shield on 16 August before their Premier League opener against Bournemouth on 23 August.
City said Rodri had been "feeling discomfort for some time but has now undergone a procedure to address the issue".
Rodri, who has a year left on his contract, has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid after guiding Spain to World Cup glory this month. He was named player of the tournament.
His past two seasons have been heavily disrupted by injury, and he missed most of City's 2024-25 campaign with a torn anterior cruciate ligament.
Former Manchester City midfielder Izzy Christiansen says she is excited for "a new era" under Enzo Maresca, but believes patience will be key as the Italian adjusts to his new job at Etihad Stadium.
Maresca left his role as Pep Guardiola's assistant manager over three years ago, in favour of becoming Leicester City manager.
"The signing of Elliot Anderson is absolutely terrific," Christiansen told BBC Radio Manchester. "Having watched him play at Nottingham Forest last season, and recently at the World Cup, he is unbelievable.
"His energy in midfield and his forward passes will be important. Him and Rodri are going to be pretty bulletproof in the centre of the park.
"It is a really exciting dawn for Manchester City. After 10 years of Pep Guardiola, football moves on and it is time for a new era.
"The club are clearly fond of Enzo Maresca. I'm really excited to see what he does with this team. I do think we will have to be patient with him though. Despite being at the club before, a head coach role is a completely different landscape.
"Phil Foden signing a new contract is absolutely brilliant news as well. I just hope that we see him in his best form next season. I reckon he is going to bounce back and thrive under the new manager.
"I do really hope there is a title push as well, because that is what the club demands. This club is all about winning."
Listen to the full conversation above or listen on BBC Sounds
Paris St-Germain have no plans to pursue a move for Manchester City midfielder Rodri. (Sky Sports), external
However, City are bracing themselves for a bid from Spanish giants Real Madrid for Rodri, but remain hopeful he will sign a new contract. (Guardian), external
Meanwhile, PSG and Senegal forward Ibrahim Mbaye has been offered to both City and Liverpool after his agents made it clear the 18-year-old will not be joining Aston Villa this summer. (Teamtalk), external
Leeds United are set to agree a £40m deal to sign City goalkeeper James Trafford. (Athletic - subscription required), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column
Image source, Getty ImagesEnglish football is set to implement a trial to try to eradicate the goalkeeper tactical timeout this season, BBC Sport can reveal.
The Football Association, Premier League, English Football League, National League and Women's Super League have agreed on the measure, pending permission from the International Football Association Board (Ifab).
Earlier this year, Ifab decided against changing the law and invited leagues to volunteer for trials.
Pro Ref, led by chief refereeing officer Howard Webb, has been in discussions with the leagues to determine how to tackle the issue. It settled on a team having to remove an outfield player from the field.
If a referee signals that the physio can come on to treat a goalkeeper, the coach will have 10 seconds to nominate another player to leave the pitch for one minute, telling the fourth official of their choice.
If no player has been selected within 10 seconds, the captain must leave the field.
