06 Jun 2024 21:32:39
Ed002 are we interested in olise

{Ed002's Note - Michael Olise (RW/AM) PSG and Manchester City want him as cover although the departure of Mahrez last summer will mean more opportunities now, but the RW position is effectively Foden's. If de Bruyne were to depart, he becomes an option again - and I expect him to move this summer. Crystal Palace has no real interest in selling but know that Chelsea want to take Olise back to Stamford Bridge and Olise has made clear that one day he wants to be playing alongside his brother. Certainly near the top of the list of AM players Chelsea want and they will again perhaps push for him as he is achievable. His representative has said no other clubs have made any formal approach for Olise although Arsenal and Manchester United have also regularly sent scouts and he may end up first choice for Manchester United. Liverpool can be discounted. Will be available in the summer when a significant release clause will need to be met.}

05 Jun 2024 12:11:26
United fan coming in considered peace.

I work with a couple of City fans who have avoided any discussion regarding the club seeking legal action against the PL.

As this online resource is far less confronting, I would like an articulate opinion of this situation and that of the 115 charges.

I am very keen to hear a decent opinion or two because, after years of hearing United getting trashed by you guys for some of the favourable treatment you all insist we had, I'd like to know what value you might think those opinions have now?

I accept that most would avoid responding because this short-term legal impasse highlights an uncomfortable, itchy-teeth level, feeling for the club amongst the fans who have the class and intelligence to understand just how profound this situation is.

Personally, I think the way City have handled this entire situation is an absolute disgrace and an embarrassment to the sport.
A clear reflection of just how arrogant and entitled the very, very wealthy are.

I know that's no reflection of you fans and I understand the desire to defend the club because they're your club, but come on now, they're taking the p***, no?

{Ed002's Note - As I have explained, the proposed action against the Premier League is a completely separate issue to the case of the 115 charges whick will be heard in the autumn. Their objection is in respect to the sponsorship rules, more specifically the "associated party transaction" rules which deal with restricting the amount of sponsorship clubs can be given by businesses that are associated with their owners. They want the rules scrapped - which won't happen - and they want compensation for lost sponsorship - which won't happen. What may happen is an independent review of the rules given they were amended after the take over of Newcastle - perhaps without full consideration.

They have also made a separate claim regarding the voting rules whereby 70% of clubs should vote for any proposal to amend rules. I say "should" rather than "must as there have been exceptions. For example, when the proposal asked for the change to five substitutes to be endorsed, there were only nine of the required 14 in favour of it. The objections were based on many sides having a far stronger depth of squad it would be giving them an advantage. Yet it got through.

As for the charges, Manchester City have a date for the hearing. The commission is independent of the Premier League who are not responsible for the setting of a date or for the membership.

As for the charges, there is a huge amount of noise cluttering up the matter. A lot of the charges could either be dropped or batched to a sigle charge and easily dealt with. But sitting in the 115, there are three or four very serious matters the Manchester City will contest.

In terms of potential punishments, there will be no consideration to "title stripping" but if found guilty the potential punishments are slapped wrist (they need to clear out the charges which are simply noise and that may deal with those), fine (that could be negotiated to avoid any appeal - an option Nottingham Forest were looking to, but they were harshly treated), transfer ban (unlikely given a previous transfer ban for another club went horribly wrong for the authorities - but it is something that Everton may yet see if it looks like a third charge is likely), points deduction (if found guilty of some of the serious issues) and in theory relegation by expelling them from the Premier League if found guilty of multiple serious charges (could potentially happen but it would cause a huge problem with the EFL and the EFL clubs) or having their license cancelled completely (it has happened to Bury, Anzhi Makachkala and others over the years - but won't happen to Manchester City).}

04 Jun 2024 17:19:19
Based on what’s reported City are describing 14/20 vote threshold as tyranny of the majority, questioning the fair market valuation methodology and complaining that there’s discrimination against Gulf owned clubs. They are also complaining about the unfairness of the Premier League allowing unfettered growth in the past and drawing attention to Premier League’s conflicts of interest.

It all sounds a bit desperate to me if the reports are true. Not the actions of a club that thinks it’s clear of wrongdoing.

12 May 2024 10:22:32
Ed002 any chance of a list of targets, thanks

{Ed002's Note - Potential departures:
Kyle Walker (RB) Manchester City have a replacement in mind and Walker may be attracted to the Middle East.
Joao Cancelo (LB) Loan to permanent at Barcelona is problemmatic without sales so Barcelona will ask for another loan. Al Hilal have enquired via Michael Emanalo.
Kalvin Phillips (DM/CM) Could end up back at Leeds if they gain promotion. Fulham offer an option as a Palhinho replacement if he departs.
Bernardo Silva (CM) PSG are keen. Barcelona interest has gone.
Alex Robertson (AM/CM) Has had a very good season on loan at Portsmouth and have a tentative agreement to keep him for another season at Fratton Park. Everton and Celtic have sent scouts to watch him but a move is unlikely.
Kevin de Bruyne (AM) Decision time. Will be 34 when his contract expites in 2025 and Manchester City may opt to upgrade this coming sommer and have a player in mind. Middle East with Al-Qadsiah and Al-Ittihad will offer KdB options, but perhaps the MLS might be more attractive to the player.
Jack Grealish (LW) May be surplus to requirements - may be tough to find a buyer in Europe.
Julian Alvarez (F) Manchester City have told Bayern Munich and Barcelona he is not available.
Erling Haaland (S) Team Raiola are open to negotiating with Manchester City to remove a termination clause from his contract that would allow him to leave for €200M in the summer of 2024 and move it to 2025. Real Madrid were intending to meet the clause in 2024 but will have difficulty in justifying the wages in addition to Mbappe - so it is more likely to be one for 2025 - which should suit the player. The player will likely want Real Madrid who are looking to clear wages still.

Players known to have been of interest:
Daniel Lukjanciks (G) Everton kiddie who Manchester City have identified as an excellent prospect.
Nahuel Molina (RB) Manchester City will look to adding the Atletico Madrid player but he needs to prove his fitness.
Pedro Lima (RB) Not one for the first team but discussed with Chelsea and scouted on several occasions by Manchester City after both sides watched him at the U17 World Cup. Bayern Munich and Real Madrid offer options. Plays for Sport Club do Recife in Serie B in Brazil.
Alphonso Davies (LWB) Bayern Munich have told Real Madrid and Chelsea he is not for sale but a discussion over an exchange involving Aurelien Tchouameni has happened. PSG and Manchester City will offer options but it will go nowhere. Bayern Munich will look to extend his contract.
Miguel Gutierrez (LWB) Moved to Girona from Real Madrid who retain a nominal 50% of his rights and can buy him back for a fixed fee of double what they sold him for - so €8M total. Bayern Munich fear losing Alphonso Davies and have Gutierrez as their first choice replacement if that happens. Chelsea have spoken to Girona about the player and Manchester City have sent scouts.
Ben Chilwell (LB) Wanted by Manchester City bfore injury hit him. Chelsea will resist a sale unless the player pushes. Seems unlikely.
Federico Dimarco (LWB) Wanted by Chelsea who have declared an interest as they are well stocked with youngsters whilst the experienced players are struggling. Manchester City have also been scouting the player.
Odilon Kossounou (CB/RB) With Tapsoba, Tah and Hincapie all attracting attention Bayer Leverkusen will not want to lose Kossounou as well. Versatility to play at both CB and RB as attacted scouts from both Manchester sides and Real Sociedad who may be forced to replace Robin Le Normand.
Leny Yoro (CB) Lille kiddie who already has PSG, Chelsea and Real Madrid declaring an interest. Manchester City and Manchester United have sent scouts. May have been noticed by Liverpool when scouting another player against Nantes, but no declared interest. Lille will resist a sale. I would discount Manchester City and suspect Real Madrid will win out.
Ousmane Diomande (CB) Manchester City have sent scouts to watch him but can be discounted.
Giorgio Scalvini (CB/DM) Chelsea, Manchester City, Inter, Spurs, Juventus and Southampton have shown an interest in the young centre back who has also covered for Koopmeiners as a DM. Southampton can be discounted, and probably Spurs with the Italian management gone. Napoli and Atletico offer wildcard options. Manchester City will push.
Max Kilman (CB) Agent has told several clubs, including Manchester City, West Ham, Leeds and Liverpool that he could be made available by Wolves - but I am sure they are not looking to sell.
Antonio Silva (CB) Benfica say that "many scouts" have been to watch the player - perhaps they are looking for someone to pay his €100M buy out clause - a move at that price seems unlikely but PSG and Manchester United are keen. Juventus and Napoli would want a reduction in the asking price to make any move viable. Looked at by Spurs and Manchester City. For Liverpool perhaps a Konate replacement but very unlikely. Discussed with Chelsea during a conversation about another player and perhaps number two or three on their lengthy list of options.
Joshua Kimmich (DM) Bayern Munich will now make him available, a signifificant fee would be sought - well beyond what interested sides Barcelona or Manchester City would pay for a 28 year old on €400k per week although Manchester City may well look to find a solution that suits everybody.
Alan Varela (DM) Barcelona may offer a profit to Porto and a player in exchange. PSG has a declared interest. An option for Manchester City to replace Phillips, but not first choice although they have spoken with Porto. Liverpool may provide an option having sent scouts but there is no declared interest. Dortmund will not match his buy out clause. Porto has no interest in selling the player who only joined them in the summer of 2023 unless someone offered his buy out clause in a single payment, then the player will be consulted.
Joao Neves (DM/CM) Discussed with Chelsea when meeting over another player as they were seeking a replacement for Loftus-Cheek. Potential Casemiro replacement for Manchester United. Huge buy out clause and Benfica will not look to sell but recognise there will be growing interest. Seen as an option for Manchester City to replace Phillips, but I suspect he is heading elsewhere. Versatile but falls over easily.
Joao Palhinha (DM/CM) Only moved 18 months ago and Fulham will not look to sell unless a huge offer is made and the player asks for a move. All interest except that of Bayern Munich, Arsenal and possibly Newcastle will have gone with the signing of a new contract although Manchester United and Liverpool have had a will respected ex PL and high-end independent scout watch the player on their behalf - although both have other targets. Agent has spoken with Manchester City and Chelsea, and Manchester City may offer an option. Fulham will still look to replacements as they fear the player could have his head turned by Bayern Munich or Arsenal, who see him as an option to Trindade, who Fulham are also keen on.
Bruno Guimaraes (DM) Real Madrid and Barcelona maintain an interest but he is not top of the list for either although Barcelona may switch their attention to him but would want to offer players in any deal. Chelsea interest has likely gone but Manchester City may still be keen. Probably one for the summer as Newcastle need to avoided FFP issues. Long-term Arsenal interest went with the signing of Rice yet they could look to him to partner Rice. PSG may offer a good summer option.
Matheus Nunes (CM/DM) Liverpool have looked at the Wolves player but deem him too expensive at £50M. Do not rule out Manchester City letting Kalvin Phillips go and replacing him with Nunes.
Lucas Paqueta (AM/CM) He may depart in the summer with Manchester City still trying to strike a deal knowing Bernardo Silva may leave.
Luis Guilherme (AM) Manchester City, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Chelsea and Barcelona have shown an interest in the player for next summer. However, a new contract and a €60M release clause will prove to be an issue for most clubs but Chelsea may push.
Xavi Simons (CM/AM) PSG will talk to the player and assure him of game time and tell him he is not for sale. Barcelona would like him back but would need to persuade PSG to take players in exchange. Manchester City see him as another potential de Bruyne replacement. Agent has spoken with Chelsea but the asking price is likely to be €100M. RBL would like another loan.
Oscar Gloukh (AM) Only joined RBS in January 2023 but has impressed scouts from Spurs and Manchester City.
Estevao Willian (RW/F) Another kiddie scouted by Manchester City and Arsenal. Chelsea have made a proposal to take him in 2025 when he turns 18. Real Madrid will likely do the same. I expect an agreement with Chelsea.
Jamal Musiala (AM/LW) Bayern Munich will have no interest in selling the player back to Chelsea but the player is asking to be a guaranteed starter and right now that is delaying a new contract. Real Madrid has a declared interest. Manchester City have asked Bayern Munich for talks over the player as a de Bruyne replacement, but they will resist.
Kaoru Mitoma (LW) Fortunate to get a Work Permit initially and Brighton has no interest in selling him but Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United see him as an option.
Takefusa Kubo (RW/LW) Move has worked out well for him. Real Madrid may look to invoke their buy-back option which is about half his buy out clause. This season is going well for him and I doubt he would want to return to RM. Manchester City, Liverpool and Manchester United have sent scouts.
Claudio Echeverri (F) Manchester City, Barcelona, Chelsea, PSG and Real Madrid were keen on the kiddie. Other youngsters could become part of a deal to take him to England with both English sides looking at Agustin Ruberto and even the 16 year-old winger Ian Subiabre. Some sort of deal has been agreed with Manchetser City that includes him being loaned back until he is 18 but he cannot then go on loan to Girona as planned.
Artem Dovbyk (S) Joined Girona in the summer of 2023 with the City Group planning on possibly moving him to Manchester City if all goes well. Chelsea and Arsenal have had scouts watch him but both have preferred targets. Potential Broja replacement for Chelsea.
Thalys (S) Discussed with Chelsea during negotiations over another player. Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester City and Manchester United have all sent scouts with Manchester United and Benfica both declaring an interest with Palmeriras.
Savio (LW/F) In a complex transaction involving three City Football Group clubs, Savio will make his move from Troyes to Girona permanent to be sold on to Manchester City in the summer. Youngster is getting a very good reviews.
Francesco Camarda (S) Milan kiddie that Chelsea and Manchester City would like to take and move to Strasbourg and Girona in a couple of years. Only 15 it would be a long-term investment but both clubs have shown a willingness to make such moves. Milan apparently see him as the new Zlatan Ibrahimovic and wait on the opportunity to sign a professional contract. Juventus will offer an option.

11 Jan 2024 13:54:52
Ed002 what lbs are we looking at? And who is interested in ake? Thank you

{Ed002's Note - Valentin Barco but he is heading elsewhere. MC are not looking to sell Ake at this time.}

24 Aug 2023 13:59:30
Hello there ed002, are we interested in Eze? Thank you

{Ed002's Note - My notes say: Eberechi Eze (CM/AM) Crystal Palace have no intention of selling the player who struggled until he was at QPR and is now excelling at Palace. An enquiry from Spurs and another from Newcastle were turned away. Arsenal have sent scouts on a few occasions but have preferred targets and dwindling space in the squad. Keep a watchful eye on Manchester City.

15 Aug 2023 18:56:26
Hi Ed,

Any movement on potential ins Doku and Paqueta?

thanks in advance.

{Ed002's Note - Jeremy Doku (RW) Bayern Munich turned their attention to him but have stepped back after being told an asking price by his agent that reflected Rennes paying over the odds for him - and Rennes do not consider him for sale. Aston Villa and Newcastle have a declared interest. West Ham have made clear they can give him playing time which he may not get elsewhere. Liverpool had an interest in Doku when he was at Anderlecht. It was suggested to Arsenal that he would be a good replacement if they can off-load Pepe or Manchester City to replace Mahrez but they have been looking at others aswell.

Lucas Paqueta (CM) There are issues and he may depart in the summer with Manchester City very keen. West Ham will look to exploit their interest to get the best fee possible and Manchester City are likely to go to £80M or thereabouts.}

16 Aug 2023 13:25:11
Thanks Ed

31 May 2023 10:45:24
Hi dear ed's , can you please , if you may provide us with a transfer list for mancity and the possible outgoings.
Thanks in advance

{Ed002's Note - Kyle Walker (RB) Manchester City have a replacement in mind. Milan would like talks. At the right price Aston Villa or West Ham may be interested. Player has said he will end his career back at Sheffield United, which means he could stay another season at MC.
Joao Cancelo (LB) Will return to Manchester City in the summer with Mendes seeking a new club - Barcelona may offer an option. Bayern Munich are unwilling to pay the €70M option but could seek a transfer at a lower fee. Arsenal may offer a wildcard option but the price may well be an issue.
Aymeric Laporte (CB) PSG will make an offer. Barcelona offer an option but will need to agree sales first. A wildcard would be Spurs or Chelsea if they fail to sign their first choice.
Kalvin Phillips (DM) Do not rule out Manchester City letting Kalvin Phillips go as they have a replacement in mind to upgrade him. He has been offered around and Liverpool may well be keen. Aston Villa or West Ham may provide a wildcard option.
Shea Charles (DM) Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle have registered an interest. Eintracht Frankfurth, Everton and RBL have sent scouts. I cannot see Manchester City selling this summer.
Ilkay Gundogan (CM/DM) Free Agent in the summer but the club could look to a new contract. Barcelona have added him to their list of economically viable options and have spoken with the player. The problem is he won't just want to be cover. Could be a low price addition for Juventus who are shuffling their midfield. I am not aware of any approach from Arsenal who would need the permission of Manchester City to speak with him. Depending what happens with Saul, Atletico may become interested. Bayern may look to him as cover, but again, he will want to be playing.
Bernardo Silva (AM) Barcelona and PSG are keen.
Erling Haaland (S) Team Raiola are open to negotiating with Manchester City to remove a termination clause from his contract. Real Madrid were intending to meet the clause in 2024 but may bring it forward a year knowing that PSG may look to an offer. Bayern Munich and Chelsea may still maintain an interest, but the player will likely want Real Madrid who may need decide between him and Mbappe. Affording Bellingham and one of the others in the same window could be a significant problem for Madrid who are looking to clear wages still. PSG would like to replace Messi and Neymar with Haaland.

Nahuel Molina (RB) Manchester City will look to adding the Atletico Madrid player.
Tino Livramento (RB) Conerns remain over his knee problems but Manchester City and Arsenal will be watching when he returns to play again. Chelsea have an option to buy the player back this summer but have opted to sign another already.
Kieran Tierney (LB) Newscastle have approached Arsenal to declare an interest in the player. Manchester City see him as an option to preferred target Ben Chilwell.
Ben Chilwell (LB) Wanted by Manchester City. Chelsea will resist a sale unless the player pushes. New contract to be offered.
Giorgio Scalvini (CB/DM) Chelsea, Manchester City, Inter, Spurs, Juventus and Southampton have shown an interest in the young centre back who has also covered for Koopmeiners as a DM this season. Southampton can be discounted, and probably Spurs with the Italian management gone. Napoli and Atletico offer wildcard options.
Kim Min-jae (CB) Napoli are not looking to sell and there is interest from Manchester United, Newcastle, Manchester City and possibly still Spurs. Potential Laporte replacement at Manchester City. He has a €70M release clause that could attract other clubs as well.
Max Kilman (CB) Agent has told several clubs, including Manchester City, Leeds and Liverpool that he could be made available by Wolves - but I am sure they are not looking to sell.
Axel Disasi (CB) West Ham and Spurs had a declared interest but after adding Aguerd in the summer would have ended that and Spurs to Lenglet on loan. Southamption interest will have gone. After the sale of BB Monaco will probably not be open to a sale, even though they have an obligation to buy another CB. Wildcards will be Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City.
Luka Vuskovic (CB) Kiddie who is attracting attention from Bayern Munich, Manchester City and Hamburg. From a footballing family any transfer would be complicated by his representation and his age. Clubs would need to tread carefully.
Alessandro Bastoni (CB) Can be discounted.
Josko Gvardiol (CB) Opted to join RBL to replace Konate over Leeds. Leeds, again, and Newcastle have asked after him but that interest will go nowhere. RBL do not want to sell but he is reluctant to agree a new contract, but that won't force a summer exit if he does not agree a contract extension before then. RBL want to include a significant termination clause in his new contract. Chelsea have him at the top of the list of CBs the club are still considering and tried last Summer and again in January to buy him, having a huge offer rejected - they are still talking to RBL but RBL don't want to lose two or even three players to Chelsea this summer and they have given a huge figure that would facilitate further talks and any chance of a move. One benefit that Chelsea has is RBL interest in taking a Chelsea player in the summer. Juventus, Spurs and Marseille have also sent scouts to watch the player and Spurs have asked about availability but they can all be discounted. Real Madrid have also spoken to RBL about the player and like Chelsea are very keen, but Madrid could not afford JG and Jude Bellingham. Barcelona, who had him as an option, have shifted interest to a Free Agent. Of serious interest to Manchester City and now first choice for them. A self-confessed Liverpool supporter and they are interested but have not declared any interest with his club, although they have asked after his availability. Will be scared away by the price if he comes up for sale given what they need to do in midfield. Very, very expensive. I expect Manchester City or Chelsea to win out.
Ben Chilwell (LB) Wanted by Manchester City.
Khephren Thuram (DM/CM) Interest of Manchester United has returned. Interest of Newcastle and Crystal Palace remains although I would discount Crystal Palace. RBL want him as a Laimer replacement and will push following initial discussions. Liverpool asked Nice about his availability given that they looking to add a more DM player and he could become first choice. If interest grows his price will rise and the club would sell given the emergence of Alexis Beka Beka and an impressive youngster in Reda Belahyane. Player wants PSG but they have no interest at this time. Wildcard is Manchester City and another potential upgrade on Phillips.
Ryan Gravenberch (CM/DM/AM) Versatile midfield player who only joined Bayern Munich last summer and won't be for sale. I am not aware of any approach by Liverpool to Bayern Munich and Team Mino are certainly not offering him around, but they have had enquiries from a number of clubs, including Manchester City. The player has made it clear he would like his next move to be to Manchester United. If Liverpool has gone directly to the player again they may want to start fearing the worst.
Matheus Nunes (CM/DM) Liverpool have looked at the Wolves player but deem him too expensive at £50M. Do not rule out Manchester City letting Kalvin Phillips go and replacing him with Nunes.
Alexis Mac Allister (CM/AM) Not going to happen.
Gabri Veiga (CM/AM) Attracting scouts from PL and La Liga. Real Madrid offer an option but the player wants to be a starter and he won't be there. Newcastle may make an offer. Arsenal are keen but need to make a decision about departures. For Manchester United and Liverpool, an alternative to Bellingham but both are working on others. Others interested in Bellingham could also turn to him - Manchester City even. Ironically, the goals have started flowing as he has switched to CM from AM. Celta Vigo will not look to sell unless relegated but will perhaps not refuse a very good offer matching his €40M release clause.
Mason Mount (AM) Yet to agree a new contract and could depart if he is not more reasonable in his demands - and his demands are very significant. Real Madrid and Juventus, both via a third party, have asked after him. Juventus won't match his wage demands but they have a tax advantage, but I suspect they can be discounted unless a trade for Vlahovic, possibly including another player, could be arranged. Real Madrid are looking to move on a couple of high earners in the summer so could afford him, but it depends on departures. Manchester City have declared an interest with Chelsea during discussions over another player. Barcelona have made a direct approach to Chelsea but the salary demands would be an issue. There is no declared interest from PSG or Bayern Munich, who are two other clubs who could afford him, although with a change of coach the situation with Bayern may change. Chelsea are rather miffed with him after making what they consider was a very good offer, and will sell in the summer if a new contract is not agreed. Manchester United or Liverpool may be intererested as an alternative to Bellingham but they would likely not want to match his wage demands and have not at this time spoken with Chelsea. However, change of agent leads potentially to the door of Manchester United.
Samuel Iling-Junior (LW/AM) Left Chelsea to join Juventus and is doing very well and playing for the first team although he only moved up from the NextGen squad when Juventus gave him a new contract to fend off interest from Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, RBL and Spurs. The remains interest of Chelsea being open to a return and Manchester City being keen as an option to Saka.
Bukayo Saka (W) Manchester City are keen. Arsenal have agreed a new contrtact.
Wilfried Gnonto (F) Juventus have offered McKennie on a permanent deal for Gnoto. Manchester City want him as cover.

02 Jun 2023 15:01:29
Brilliant info, thanks Ed002!

03 Jun 2023 20:36:23
Thanks for the reply ed

15 Nov 2022 01:19:21
Any potential incomings for Jan ed002? Or is pep more likely to wait til next summer? :)

{Ed002's Note - My understanding that they have no plans for January Hving accepted they will lose out on Rafael Leao. There is a young striker they will look to sign but not for the first team.}

17 Jul 2022 21:28:11
Hi Ed2,

Do you mind giving some insight on who city is looking to bring in this window?

Looks like a few more individuals linked with a potential move away (Zin, Silva Gundagan).

{Ed002's Note - I have already done this.}