Month: September 2019

Both Ajax and the player’s agent, Mino Raiola, have made positive signals to the Serie A champions, with a deal possible in the coming hours

Juventus are closing on a €70 million (£63m/$80m) transfer for Ajax captain Matthijs De Ligt, with a deal possible in the coming hours.

Sources have told Goal that the Serie A champions have received extremely positive signals from both Ajax and De Ligt’s agent, Mino Raiola, indicating a deal is close.

De Ligt is set to sign a five-year contract with Juventus, which will earn him a total salary of €12m per season in Turin made up of his base wages and bonuses.

Also included in the deal is a release clause – as requested by Raiola – that will be around €150m (£135m/$170m).

That leaves De Ligt on the cusp of joining the club whose Champions League run he brought to an end this past season, with his goal proving the difference in sending Ajax past Juve in the competition’s quarter-final stage.

Ajax would fall at the next hurdle, losing to Tottenham on away goals in stoppage time with the club just minutes away from the Champions League final – one of the few blemishes on a successful campaign that saw De Ligt captain his side to a domestic double, as well as help the Netherlands make the Nations League final.

De Ligt’s future has been the source of constant speculation for much of the season, with Ajax sporting direct Marc Overmars conceding the defender would be departing eventually for a top club in Europe.

The centre-back has been frequently linked to La Liga champions Barcelona, especially after the Catalan club signed his Ajax and Netherlands team-mate, Frenkie de Jong, earlier in 2019.

Yet, reports circulated Barca had pulled out of the running to sign De Ligt over concerns over his wages.

In addition, Manchester United reportedly jumped into the fray, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looking to improve his back line this summer, while Champions League winners Liverpool were also mentioned as a possible landing spot.

In recent days Paris Saint-Germain, behind new sporting director Leonardo, have attempted to wedge their way in between De Ligt and Juventus.

But it appears De Ligt has made his long anticipated decision in favour of Juventus, with new manager Maurizio Sarri receiving an impressive new tool to go into his defensive arsenal as he aims to guide the club to an ninth straight Serie A crown and a first Champions League title since 1996.

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Gregg Berhalter rested his starters in the USA’s Gold Cup group stage finale, but should bring back his best squad to face the Caribbean underdogs

After watching Canada topped by Haiti, and Mexico pushed to the brink by Costa Rica, it’s a safe bet that Gregg Berhalter’s U.S. national team will not be looking past underdog Curacao when the two sides face off in Sunday’s Gold Cup quarterfinal. 

El Tri needed penalty kicks on Saturday night to avoid falling in the quarterfinals, a result that would have sent shockwaves throughout Concacaf, and also spoiled the highly-anticipated potential final between Mexico and the United States. Now it is the USMNT’s turn to avoid a shock stumble by disposing of a Curacao side coming off an impressive showing in the group stage. 

Berhalter’s decision to rest his first-choice squad in Wednesday’s group stage finale against Panama is looking like a stroke of genius now as he brings a rested group to Philadelphia, but the Americans will need more than rest to try and put together their first complete 90-minute performance of the tournament. 

The USMNT has three straight wins, and hasn’t allowed a goal in the Gold Cup, but all three victories followed a similar script: a lackluster first half followed by a stronger second half courtesy of a fading opponent. Sunday will show whether the Americans are ready to take things up a notch and dominate proceedings from the start. 

That won’t be easy against a Curacao squad that is arguably the toughest team the Americans will have faced so far in the tournament, particularly given the fact the United States faced a Panama reserve team in the group finale. Curacao came through a tough group, earning a victory against Honduras and draw against Jamaica along the way. 

“I don’t ‘think’ (Curacao) could be a dangerous team, they ARE a dangerous team,” Berhalter told reporters on Saturday. “It’s a good team, a lot of flexible movements offensively. They get into high positions with their fullbacks. The wingers are tucking inside, overloading the middle of the field and they have good players.” 

PSV goalkeeper Eloy Room has been one of the standouts of the Gold Cup, while Feyenoord defender Cuco Martina anchors the backline. Cardiff City midfielder Leandro Bacuna and ADO Den Haag midfielder Elson Hooi lead the attack. 

Curacao has shown an ability to attack, but has also looked vulnerable defensively, with Room coming up with a plethora of top-notch saves to keep Curacao in matches. 

The Americans will welcome back Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie to the lineup as the lead playmakers, but Berhalter will need to make a decision on who to play as his target striker in front of them. Gyasi Zardes played well in the first two matches of the Gold Cup, but Jozy Altidore is coming off his first start and is seen as the team’s top striker and the player to lead the attack if the Americans make a deep run. 

The striker position is Berhalter’s toughest decision, but not necessarily his only decision. He must also decide between Walker Zimmerman and Matt Miazga in central defense, where one of them will partner with Aaron Long. Zimmerman was solid in the team’s first two victories, but Miazga put in a strong shift against Panama and is the better passer or the two. Miazga also has experience playing in the Netherlands and will be familiar with some of Curacao’s players and their style of play. 

Here is a look at the lineup Berhalter could deploy against Curacao: 

So why insert Miazga when the Long-Zimmerman tandem has worked well together? It is an opportunity to see the Long-Miazga pairing, which would then help Berhalter evaluate which combination would be better suited for a deep run in the tournament. 

The Altidore-or-Zardes question is a tricky one. Starting Zardes against Curacao wouldn’t necessarily preclude Berhalter from still inserting Altidore as his starter later in the tournament, but getting Altidore another start would help him build up his fitness heading into a potential run to a final. 

The rest of the lineup appears to be pretty set in stone. Jordan Morris has made a good case for a starting spot, but Paul Arriola and Tyler Boyd have looked extremely sharp in their winger roles, which should keep Morris as a lead attacking substitute option. 

Goalkeeper Zack Steffen should return to his starting role, while fullbacks Tim Ream and Nick Lima return in time to face what should be a good challenge from Curacao’s wide players. 

El Tri’s attack remains the same with the defense undergoing several changes ahead of Sunday’s match

Edson Alvarez, Andres Guardado and Raul Jimenez were all named to Mexico’s starting lineup for El Tri’s final Gold Cup group stage match.

Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino’s side will take on Martinique in Charlotte on Sunday night, having already topped Cuba and Canada in their first two matches of the group stage.

Martino’s squad feature six total changes from the team that topped Canada 3-1, with Alvarez, Jimenez, Jesus Gallardo, Uriel Antuna, and Roberto Alvarado the lone holdovers in the El Tri XI.

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Guardado returns to the starting XI, having come off the bench in the win over Canada to replace Erick Gutierrez, who could miss the rest of Mexico’s Gold Cup run after suffering an injury against Canada. Guardado stepped in and provided two goals off the bench, including the clinching goal in the 77th minute just two minutes after Puebla’s Lucas Cavallini brought Canada within a goal.

The match marks the return of Rodolfo Pizarro, who is fit for the first time since suffering an ankle knock ahead of the tournament. Hector Moreno is also fit once again, having been injured in a pre-tournament friendly against Ecuador, but the defender has not been named to the starting lineup as well.

In defense, Gallardo returns at fullback with Cesar Montes and Carlos Salcedo, the latter of which has been dealing with a knee issue recently.  Fernando Navarro is also set for his tournament debut with Jonathan Orozco spelling Guillermo Ochoa in goal for the final match of the round.

Guardado and Alvarez lead the midfield unit with Monterrey’s Carlos Rodríguez also involved. Alvarez was the lone midfielder to play all 90 minutes in the Canada victory, while Rodriguez joined Guardado in coming off the bench in that victory.

The attack remains the same, with Martino having opted for the attacking unit of Jimenez, Alvarado and Antuna through the first two matches. Antuna, on loan with the LA Galaxy from Manchester City, scored his first, second and third international goals in the opener against Cuba. Jimenez netted a brace in that win, with Alexis Vega and Diego Reyes adding the other two. Alvarado, meanwhile, scored Mexico’s first two.

Martinique appear set to respond with a 4-4-2, led by Kevin Paresemain and Kevin Fortune while midfielder Stephane Abaul will captain Mario Bocaly’s side.

Mexico XI: Orozco, Navarro, Montes, Salcedo, Gallardo, Alvarez, Rodriguez, Guardado, Antunes, Alvarado, Jimenez 

Martinique XI: Chauvet, Babin, Delem,Thimon,Camille, Marveaux, Herelle, Abaul, Bartheley, Fortune, Parsemain

The Brazil legend has defended the forwards after his former boss Louis van Gaal accused the pair of not being team players

Criticism of Lionel Messi and Neymar for not being “team players” suggests former Barcelona coach Louis van Gaal does not like players that “detract from the coach”, according to Rivaldo.

Van Gaal, who coached Rivaldo at Camp Nou, claimed Barca and Paris Saint-Germain had fallen short in the Champions League because Messi and Neymar had been playing for themselves.

The ex-Manchester United manager advised the star duo to be more like Liverpool midfielder James Milner, a European champion in 2018-19, in order to return their clubs to winning ways.

But Rivaldo appears to believe Van Gaal simply does not like outstanding individual talents, as he responded in an Instagram post, including an image of Messi, Neymar and the Dutchman.

“Messi, Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo are difference-making players and neither the team nor the coach knows how they do those otherworldly things,” the World Cup winner wrote.

“But there are many coaches who do not like these players because they detract from the coach himself, so they prefer to talk about these players as if they do not know how to play as a team and they are good only individually.

“I played football for more than 24 years and I know very well that many coaches were very average when they played and others were not players.

“Today, as coaches, they want their team to play as a team for them to have the merit of a great coach.

“If you have a player like Pele, Johan Cruyff, Rivellino, Garrincha, Messi, Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ronaldo Fenomeno, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, Zidane, Romario, Kaka, Maradona, Zico, Mbappe, Figo, Stoichkov, Hagi, etc, it is easier.

“But it does not mean you are going to be champions. If you also have a team that does not play well tactically, it can mean that you are not going to be a champion.

“I prefer difference-making players because football is joy and everyone likes something different. The team is always important, but you need to have different players who can do something more on the pitch.”

Rivaldo is clearly a fan of Neymar, and is keen to see him return to Barcelona to link up with Messi again. 

Rumours around a potential revival of the famous ‘MSN’ lineup featuring Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez have been circulating throughout the summer in response to the major transfer spree embarked upon by Real Madrid.

The Rams are preparing to begin their own search for a new boss, with their current coach set to seal an emotional return to Stamford Bridge

Derby are working “on the assumption that Frank Lampard will reach an agreement with Chelsea”, with a manager still in talks with the Blues having been excused from pre-season training.

The Rams revealed last week that they had reluctantly granted permission for their current coach to enter into discussions with the Blues.

A return to Stamford Bridge for Lampard has been mooted for some time.

With Maurizio Sarri having left a role at Chelsea to link up with Serie A champions Juventus, a familiar face has registered on the recruitment radar in west London.

Lampard spent 13 years with the Blues as a player and quickly emerged as the frontrunner to inherit their reins once a vacancy opened up.

Derby expect a deal to be done, with the Championship club preparing to begin their own search for a new boss.

A statement from the Rams on the club’s official website read: “Derby County Football Club has excused Frank Lampard from reporting back for pre-season training on Monday and Tuesday to allow his discussions regarding a potential move to Chelsea to be concluded as soon as possible.

“The first few days of pre-season training will be focused on fitness training and will continue as planned under the guidance of the fitness, medical, conditioning and sports science teams at the club’s Training Centre.

“On the assumption that Frank will reach an agreement with Chelsea to become their new manager, the club shall step up its efforts to find a replacement manager.”

Derby saw Lampard lead them to the Championship play-off final in 2018-19.

In what was his first season as a manager, the ex-England international guided the Rams to within 90 minutes of a return to the Premier League.

Aston Villa dashed those promotion dreams at Wembley, but Lampard is seemingly heading back to the top tier.

He is set to take on a job that Chelsea that will see him working under a two-window transfer embargo.

That will make life difficult for a man who is already set to be without Eden Hazard following the Belgian’s move to Real Madrid.

Lampard has, however, received plenty of backing from former Blues and is considered to be ready for an elite role despite boasting just 12 months of coaching experience.

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The Senegal defender was called from his wife’s bedside for the sake of 22 minutes of action but says the story shows everything he loves about Naples

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Kalidou Koulibaly says Maurizio Sarri dragged him from his wife’s bedside after the birth of his first son, only to put him on the Napoli bench.

Back in January 2016, the Senegal defender had been in a video analysis session ahead of a game with Sassuolo when his wife called him.

Initially reluctant to answer because of the “very intense” Sarri, he eventually took the call and was told his wife Charline was going into labour – but his coach’s need was apparently just as severe.

He told the Players’ Tribune: ““Sarri looks at me and says, “No, no, no. I need you tonight, Kouli. I really need you. You can’t go.”

“I say, “This is the birth of my son, Mister. You can do whatever you want to me. Fine me, suspend me, I don’t care. I am going.”

“Sarri looks so stressed, and he is smoking his cigarette. Smoking, smoking, thinking … then finally he says, “O.K., O.K., you can go to the clinic. But you have to be back for the match tonight. I need you, Kouli!””

Having reached the accord Koulibaly, then 24, raced across Naples in time for the birth of ‘a little Neapolitan’, his first son, Seni.

But within a couple of hours, Koulibaly’s phone was ringing again. It was Sarri, desperate for his centre-half to get back in time in time for Napoli’s pre-match build-up.

Ever the professional, the defender said he didn’t want to let his team-mates down. So, with his wife’s blessing, he returned to Stadio San Paolo to ready himself for the game.

“I am getting ready to play, and Sarri comes into the dressing room and puts up the team sheet. And I am looking… looking… looking,” he said.

“My number is not there. I said, “Mister! Are you kidding me?”

“He said, “What? It is my choice.”

“I said, “Mister! My son! My wife! I left them! You said you needed me!”

“He said, “Yes, we need you on the bench.””

One way or another, Sarri’s plans seemed to pay off. Despite going 1-0 down within three minutes of the game, Napoli eventually turned things round to win 3-1, a fitting first birthday present for the newborn.

Koulibaly did play, coming on for the final 22 minutes of the game as Sarri looked to close things out.

“Maybe you think this is a negative story,” he added.

“But for me, this story is everything that I love about Napoli. If I have to explain it, then you won’t understand. It is like trying to explain a joke.

“You just have to come to the city and then you will feel it. It is crazy, yes. But it is warm.”

The USWNT defender has joined the list of players not willing to visit the POTUS and has backed her team-mate

The war of words continues between Donald Trump and the U.S. women’s national team, with Ali Krieger having sent her support to Megan Rapinoe and joined her in saying she would not be visiting the White House.  

For those keeping count, that’s now three of the USA’s biggest female stars, with Alex Morgan having made her stance on the matter clear as well, who have publicly said they would not visit the President should they be invited.  

Trump, who has hit out at Rapinoe on multiple occasions, did so again via tweet on Wednesday, but offered an invitation to the entire team, win or lose, after the World Cup.  

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“Women’s soccer player, Megan Rapinoe, just stated that she is ‘not going to the F…ing White House if we win’,” Trump wrote on Twitter.  

“Other than the NBA, which now refuses to call owners, owners (please explain that I just got Criminal Justice Reform passed, black unemployment is at the lowest level in our country’s history, and the poverty index is also best number EVER), leagues and teams love coming to the White House. 

“I am a big fan of the American Team, and Women’s Soccer, but Megan should WIN first before she TALKS! Finish the job! 

“We haven’t yet invited Megan or the team, but I am now inviting the TEAM, win or lose. 

“Megan should never disrespect our country, the White House, or our flag, especially since so much has been done for her and the team. 

“Be proud of the flag that you wear. The USA is doing GREAT!” 

But Krieger has joined a growing list of players who say they will not be making the trip to visit Trump, and hit back at the President for his treatment of women, the LGBTQ+ community and other minority groups.  

“In regards to the “President’s” tweet today, I know women who you cannot control or grope anger you, but I stand by @mPinoe & will sit this one out as well. I don’t support this administration nor their fight against LGBTQ+ citizens, immigrants & our most vulnerable.” 

Krieger’s support of the LGBTQ+ community should come as no surprise. The defender is engaged to goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris, with the two having gone public with their relationship prior to the World Cup. 

As for Trump, it will be interesting to see if his invitation holds as the list of players unwilling to attend grows.  

The President pulled his invitation to NBA champion Steph Curry for “hesitating” to accept in 2017, prompting NBA superstar LeBron James to call him a “bum”. 

The USWNT has more pressing business to attend to for the moment, however, with a quarter-final against host nation France coming up on Friday. 

The legendary Brazilian full-back has become a free agent again this summer after leaving PSG and may be tempted to retrace his steps to Turin

Juventus have joined Manchester City and Inter in the battle to sign Dani Alves as a free agent.

Sources close to developments around the legendary Brazilian full-back have revealed to Goal that the 36-year-old’s representatives were in Turin on Monday.

Discussions have been held regarding a possible deal to take the iconic South American back to Italy after he previously spent one season with the Bianconeri in 2016-17.

The decision was taken at the end of that short spell to take on a new challenge, with Paris Saint-Germain proving to be his eventual destination.

A two-year spell in the French capital has now been brought to a close, with no fresh terms being agreed and Alves is now back on the open market, with no shortage of suitors despite seemingly approaching the end of a distinguished playing career.

Once it was revealed that he would be available this summer, leading sides across Europe were quick to register their interest.

Premier League champions City, who sought to put a deal in place prior to Alves making a move to PSG, are back on the scene.

Pep Guardiola has previously enjoyed success working with a vastly-experienced defender at Barcelona.

Inter, who are now working under the guidance of Antonio Conte, would also welcome the opportunity to bring a proven winner onto their books.

It could, however, be that Alves opts for a different destination in Serie A, one that he is already familiar with, and it is understood that a decision on his next move will be taken this week.

Juventus intend to be in the mix when a future call is made, with terms having been discussed with those advising Alves.

He is said to be looking for a contract of at least two years from one of the many interested parties, while working on a base salary of around €7 million (£6m/$8m) a year – with bonuses to be added on top.

Funding such a deal would be no issue for those involved as Alves’ value is obvious to all of those attempting to strike a deal, with the Brazilian now the most decorated player in football history.

Victory at the 2019 Copa America on home soil has taken his stunning collection of major honours to 40.

That haul includes Serie A and Coppa Italia triumphs from his time at Juve and it could be that he soon joins the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Aaron Ramsey in chasing down more silverware.

The Bianconeri are piecing together ambitious plans in the current transfer window, with Ramsey having been snapped up as a free agent from Arsenal alongside further deals for Adrien Rabiot, Luca Pellegrini, Merih Demiral and club icon Gianluigi Buffon.

A big-money agreement for highly-rated Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt is also close to completion, with the Netherlands international heading to Italy for a medical.

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The two beaten semi-finalists in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations face off looking to finish on a high in the tournament’s third-place playoff

With their dreams of glory cruelly shattered in this weekend’s semi-finals, Tunisia and Nigeria will look to close out their Africa Cup of Nations campaigns on a winning note when the pair meet in Cairo on Wednesday.

Having seen their hopes dashed in late defeats to Senegal and Algeria respectively, the Eagles of Carthage and Super Eagles will look to bounce back to finish off on a high in the tournament’s third-place play-off.

Despite their failure to achieve a fourth continental title, the latter in particular will be looking to restore some national pride, while manager Gernot Rohr looks set to remain at the helm beyond the immediate future after the Nigerian Football Federation dismissed rumours of his impending exit .

Game	Tunisia vs Nigeria
Date	Wednesday, July 17
Time	8pm BST / 3pm ET
Stream (US)	fubo TV (7-day free trial)

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In the United States (US), the game can be watched  live and on-demand with fuboTV (7-day free trial) .

New users can sign up for a free seven-day trial of the live sports streaming service, which can be accessed via iOS, Android, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Roku and Apple TV as well as on a web browser.

US TV channel	Online stream
beIN Sports	fubo TV (7-day free trial)

In the United Kingdom (UK), the game will be broadcast on Eurosport 2 and can be streamed via Eurosport Player UK.

UK TV channel	Online stream
Eurosport 2	Eurosport Player UK

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Position	Tunisia squad
Goalkeepers	Ben Mustapha, Ben Cherifia, Hassen
Defenders	Meriah, Haddadi, Bedoui, Bronn, Aouadhi, Drager, Hnid
Midfielders	Msakni, Badri, Kechrida, Sassi, Lamit, Skhiri, Srarfi, Ben Mohamed, Chaalali, Sliti
Forwards	Khazri, Khenissi, Chaouat

Tunisia XI:  Chrifia, Drager, Hnid, Meriah, Haddadi, Chaalali, Skhiri, Sassi, Badri, Khenissi, Khazri.

Nigeria XI:  Uzoho, Aina, Omeruo, Troost-Ekong, Collins, Ndidi, Etebo, Chukwueze, Iwobi, Musa, Ighalo.

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Nigeria are favourites at 11/8 to take the match with bet365 . Tunisia meanwhile can be backed at 21/10 while a draw is priced the same.

Click here to see all of bet365’s offers for the game, including goalscoring markets, correct score predictions and more .

Click here to see all of bet 365’s offers for the game, including goalscoring markets, correct score predictions and more.

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With gutting last-gasp losses bringing to an end their dreams of Africa Cup of Nations glory, Tunisia and Nigeria will hope to conclude their stay in Egypt with the honour of third place in this year’s tournament, as they meet in the penultimate match of the competition at Al-Salam Stadium in Cairo.

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Alain Giresse’s Eagles of Carthage only saw their hopes dashed in extra-time against favourites Senegal when they conceded a 101st-minute own goal from Dylan Bronn while Gernot Rohr’s Super Eagles were sunk by a 95th-minute injury-time winner from Manchester City star Riyad Mahrez for Algeria.

Both teams will have been left reeling from their narrow defeats but will now pick themselves up for one final game in the continent’s biggest tournament, with their eyes both on the prize of a bronze-medal finish.

Tunisia defender Mohamed Drager has stated that his side are certainly not short of drive or inspiration, adding that the squad hope to deliver success in their final match for their supporters who have stood with them every step of the way.

“We are professional players and each of us has to find motivation from within. I don’t think anyone has to struggle to find motivation because as professionals, we must fight to win every game,” he told the media .

“The loss to Senegal in the semi-final was tough but our fans deserve to be happy at the end, so we have to fight and win this game for them.”

Rohr, meanwhile, insisted that his side are determined to still deliver a result from AFCON 2019, particularly with his own future looking to be secure in charge of the nation.

“We will keep focused on the third-place playoff and hope to sign off with a happy result,” he stated .

“I worked in Tunisia but on the pitch this means nothing. Both teams have similar ambitions and many young players who would like to win.

“Alain Giresse is an experienced coach and I’m always happy to play against him.

“When you are one of the four best teams in the continent, this is a good result and we have to build on it. This is a team with a brilliant future.”

The manager is hopeful that the Citizens will bring in another defender while holding on to their talented winger

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is hopeful last season’s treble winners can add another centre back before the new season starts while also admitting that he hopes to see Leroy Sane remain with the club.

The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager addressed speculation surrounding the future of the German winger, who has been linked with Bayern Munich for a majority of the summer.

Former Germany star Lothar Matthaus says that he believes Sane can be the new face of Bayern Munich, while Guardiola has already stated that he thinks Sane’s career would best be served by staying at City and is hoping to keep hold of the winger if possible.

“We want him to stay. Hopefully he can stay this season and another one and another one, that’s why we offered him a new contract,” Guardiola said.

“I want him. He has special qualities, we play wingers and we need specific wingers. But it is his decision, it’s the same as what happened with [Jadon] Sancho. We want him, we are giving everything, but in the end, if he doesn’t want, what can you do? Nothing.”

City have made two signings this off-season with Spanish midfielder Rodri joining for a club-record £63 million and full-back Angelino returning to the club from PSV Eindhoven.

Last season’s Premier League champions are set to face Wolves on Saturday in China for the Premier League Asia Trophy.

Manchester City took down West Ham United by a 4-1 scoreline to book their place in the finale of the pre-season tournament while Wolves cruised past Newcastle 4-0 in their semi-final. 

The Citizens are in the market for a new defender after club captain Vincent Kompany departed the Etihad following 11 seasons at the club.

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Kompany, who had been with City since 2008, has returned to his boyhood club Anderlecht as the Belgian side’s new player-manager.

City has been linked with Leicester City’s Harry Maguire, as has Manchester United, and while Guardiola refused to discuss the England international specifically, he acknowledges that they are looking at transfer targets.

“We will see,” Guardiola said when asked if City needed to replace Kompany. “But yeah, we are looking for some names.

“At the same time, we have three centre-backs who can play there and we have two young players in the second team who can help us.

“We shall see if the market is possible and if the club believes we can spend that money. But if they don’t, we shan’t spend it.”