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Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is said to be eyeing a move for an exciting new player to bolster the ranks at the Etihad Stadium in 2024, according to reports.

Man City updates: Phillips latest, Kimmich news, Sudakov eyed

As per The Daily Mirror, who have delivered a transfer update on Kalvin Phillips, the England international is reportedly yet to decide whether he will depart the Etihad Stadium in the January transfer window. City proposed a loan exit for Phillips during the summer; however, he was determined to fight for his place at the club. Nevertheless, opportunities have continued to be few and far between for the ex-Leeds United man. His agency, CAA Stellar, are now believed to be fielding calls regarding interest in his services amid links to Newcastle United and Everton, among other sides.

In other events that could further complicate Phillips' chances of receiving regular minutes, TEAMtalk have reported some Man City transfer news on Bayern Munich's Joshua Kimmich, who would be of 'huge interest' to the Sky Blues in the event he becomes available to move. Kimmich indicated he was unsettled at the Bundesliga giants during the summer and his contract only runs until the summer of 2025 at the Allianz Arena, which majorly appeals to Guardiola due to the Germany international's ability to play in both midfield and defence.

Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Georgiy Sudakov is claimed to be another Man City transfer target; however, the Citizens will face stiff competition to sign the 21-year-old, who is being courted by Chelsea, Juventus, Arsenal, Brighton & Hove Albion and two unnamed clubs in Portugal.

Brighton await Manchester City on October 21st at the Etihad Stadium upon their return from international duty, presenting a first opportunity for the Citizens to recover from their 1-0 defeat to Arsenal in north London before the break in the Premier League.

Man City transfer news; Dani Olmo

According to a Man City transfer update from Football Insider, RB Leipzig attacker Dani Olmo is someone who Guardiola is keen on and the Citizens are ready to step up their pursuit of the Spain international next summer if he ends up on the market.

Arsenal and Chelsea are also hot on his tail; nevertheless, RB Leipzig are reluctant to lose another prize asset following the summer sales of Christopher Nkunku, Josko Gvardiol and Dominik Szoboszlai. Barcelona could also enter the race for Olmo if their financial situation allows for a big-money signing.

Labelled an "incredible" player by Guardiola back in 2019, it is easy to see why the 52-year-old is a big fan of Olmo's work. In 2023/24, the 25-year-old has already netted five goals and laid on one assist in his opening four appearances (Dani Olmo stats – Transfermarkt). Looking forward, Olmo could help to provide an ideal link between City's attack and midfield if he were indeed to arrive at the Etihad Stadium from Germany, making this one to watch.

Raheem Sterling and Liverpool. It was a brilliant marriage of talent and institution that ended on such jarring terms. With a difficult relationship with Brendan Rodgers, the club missing out on the Premier League title in 2014, and rival clubs circling – the Reds had to loosen their grasp on Sterling in July 2015.

The star winger had turned down a lucrative contract. Following that, he had an unsanctioned BBC interview. Then, he withdrew from preseason which drew criticism from legends Steven Gerrard and Graeme Souness. It was truly time to go.

The £44m five-year-deal, with £5m worth of add-ons, was one of few positives in selling a great player to a rival in Manchester City. Yet despite the then-British transfer record being smashed; Liverpool seemed to hold out hope for one youngster that could relight the metaphorical torch that Sterling had thrown (rather than passed) down on his semi-disgraced departure.

Step forward a certain Jordon Ibe…

Where did Jordon Ibe start his career?

Ibe had been at Liverpool at the same time as Sterling. Arriving at the same time too, Ibe showed his EFL credentials like Sterling had with QPR. Ibe turned out for Wycombe Wanderers in the 2011/12 season – and a goal on his debut made himself the then-youngest Football League scorer ever just ten days shy of his 16th birthday.

This sole goal in 11 games placed a big 'buy me' sticker on his back too and amidst interest from Manchester United, Liverpool eventually signed Ibe for just over £500k (€600k).

How good was Jordon Ibe at Liverpool?

Fast forward from 2012 to 2015. Sterling of course left for the Etihad, and whilst much was demanded of Rodgers to get a replacement – many at the club believed the natural successor was Ibe. Liverpool icon John Aldridge once even went as far as saying:

"Raheem is obviously a hugely talented player but Liverpool have a top replacement in Jordan Ibe. I’ve been watching Jordan play since he was 15. He’s a terrific player and has bags of potential. In fact, I think he’s got as much if not more potential than Raheem and will go on to be a better player." (John Aldridge via Kicca and BT Sport, 2015)

Unfortunately for Aldridge, the Anfield faithful, and Ibe himself – the 19-year-old couldn't quite live up to Sterling's standards.

He started with loans after youth involvement, effectively breaking into Brendan Rodgers' first team plan after a successful 2014-15 loan to Derby County. A MOTM performance in February 2015's Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park looked like the start of something brilliant.

However, Ibe's Anfield move was perhaps premature. Competing with top-class players in attack like Daniel Sturridge, Luis Suárez, and Philippe Coutinho saw limited runs of consistency. When he was given a chance, there seemed no real improvement in terms of goal contributions.

After 58 all competition appearances, four goals, and seven assists – Jordon Ibe moved on to Bournemouth for £15m. There he found a solid spell from 2016-20 – scoring five times and assisting nine in 92 outings – before moving to Derby County but at the latter, personal struggles would find the winger reevaluating his path.

Where is Jordon Ibe now?

Ibe played just one league game for County before he found his contract terminated with mutual consent.

After this, a Turkish move to Adanaspor failed to really take flight and with the pandemic – mental health issues that he'd tried to combat at Bournemouth with rehabilitation, resurfaced. In 2021, the brave 25-year-old offered a statement on his Instagram:

After some time away, where Ibe admitted he "lost passion" for the game he loves, Ibe – now 27 years old – looks to restart his career in the fifth tier of English Football with National League Ebbsfleet United.

Upon signing, he said: “I feel like the time out was to humble myself and get my mind right. I was speaking to my missus on the way to the game on Saturday and I said I feel like a kid again, going to football, because it’s been a while since I’ve put on club attire and gone to a matchday.

"It feels new but it’s not new because I’ve done it in the Premier League, so it’s refreshing. Not everyone gets a second chance but I’m lucky and grateful. This could have never happened and I’d be waiting for another club.”

The hope is that he finds that raw love for the game again at Ebbsfleet. Everyone's behind him.

USMNT duo Kristoffer Lund and Gianluca Busio both found the back of the net in Serie B action Monday in their return from the international break.

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• Busio & Lund score in Serie B action
• Venezia & Palmero both slip up in promotion battle
• Status of USMNT duo in player pool

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  In the second division of Italy, Lund scored his first goal of the season for Palermo, giving them a 2-0 lead over Pisa. Somehow, they squandered the advantage though, falling 4-3 on the day. The same goes for Busio and Venezia, with the American midfielder giving them a 2-0 advantage before falling 3-2 on the day against Reggiana.

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• WATCH THE CLIPS

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Lund, who has become a regular in the player pool under Gregg Berhalter since making his international debut last September, has been a standout defender for the Italian club in 2023. There are big expectations for him to occupy the second-string role at left fullback behind Antonee Robinson over the next few years.

  Busio, meanwhile, has 13 senior caps including a big tournament run in 2023 at the CONCACAF Gold Cup. However, the 21-year-old has recently been a mainstay with the U23 squad instead of the senior-team. There's an expectation that after the March international break he will lead the Olympic squad's midfield at the Paris Games this Summer.

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• WHAT NEXT FOR BUSIO AND LUND?

  Busio will continue pushing for automatic promotion in Venice with his club, with his eyes set on Serie A next season. Lund and Palermo, meanwhile, continue fighting to see themselves in the promotion playoff battle at the end of the campaign.

  Then, come the Summer, Busio will look to lead the USMNT midfield at the Paris Olympics while Lund will hope to see his name on the 23-man roster for Copa America.

Manchester United have been handed a fresh injury setback with one player seemingly ruled out of Saturday’s Premier League trip to Fulham.

Man Utd injury news

The Red Devils have endured an extremely disappointing season so far under Erik ten Hag. Back-to-back Old Trafford defeats in the space of four days against Manchester City and Newcastle United means Man Utd have now lost eight of their first 15 matches in all competitions for the first time since the 1962/63 campaign. Speaking after the loss to Newcastle, Ten Hag was asked about his future, to which he said:

“I'm a fighter. I’m confident I can do it, but at this moment we are in a bad place. I take responsibility — but I see it as a challenge. I have to stick together with my players and fight together.”

Ten Hag rung the changes for the EFL Cup clash on Wednesday, with Casemiro coming back into the side and being named captain. However, he was forced off at the interval for Sofyan Amrabat, and Ten Hag has confirmed the Brazilian has an injury and is sure he'll miss the match with Fulham as a result.

"Just before half-time, he got an injury. That’s why we had to take him off. We have to wait 24 hours, but I think definitely for Saturday he's out.”

Reacting to the injury to the experienced midfielder, Mark Goldbridge of The United Stand took to X, believing things will get worse until Ten Hag has a fully fit squad.

“Casemiro injured…. I know we're **** but these injuries are sinking us as well. Our whole back 5 and CDM from last season have hardly played this one. Things will get worse results wise until they're back.”

Man Utd midfielders

The Red Devils are set to take on Fulham in the early kick-off on Saturday, where defeat could see them fall into the bottom half of the table by the end of the weekend. Casemiro had been a regular for Ten Hag prior to the recent international break where he suffered an injury playing for Brazil. As a result, he missed the games against Sheffield United and Manchester City, making his return on Wednesday. (Casemiro stats – Transfermarkt)

He looks to be out of the trip to London on Saturday, so Ten Hag may have to call upon the likes of Amrabat, Hannibal, Christian Eriksen, Scott McTominay or Mason Mount. The Dutchman has tended to go with two midfielders in front of a back four, so it’ll be interesting to see who gets the nod with Casemiro likely to miss a third consecutive top-flight game following an injury setback.

After nearly a month on the sideline due to a hamstring injury, Lionel Messi returned to the Inter Miami teamsheet Saturday, making the bench.

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• Miami taking on Colorado Rapids
• Messi named to teamsheet
• Could appear off the bench

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  After teasing his return to the pitch all week, including a return to training, the Argentine attacker is officially back for Inter Miami. He was named to the Herons bench alongside all three of his ex-Barcelona teammates, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Across all competitions, the Argentine missed four matches during his injury absence. Three league matches, where they went 1-1-1, and the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup tie against CF Monterrey, a 2-0 loss at Chase Stadium. All three of Busquets, Alba and Suarez started and played against Rayados midweek, and are likely being rested for the return leg.

  This is Messi's first appearance on the teamsheet since March 13.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Miami has only won two out of a possible 12 matches without Lionel Messi available since his July 2023 Summer arrival.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MIAMI?

  The Herons will next turn their attention to the CONCACAF Champions Cup when they take on CF Monterrey Wednesday evening in leg two of their tie. They'll need to overcome a two-goal deficit to advance, with away goals being an in-play factor.

When Julen Lopetegui left Wolverhampton Wanderers just before the Premier League season got underway, it would have been easy for the Midlands club to capitulate. But since the Spaniard's departure and Gary O'Neil's arrival, Wolves have looked more and more comfortable again in England's top flight and look on course to avoid a relegation battle.

What's been most impressive is their rediscovered ability to cause shocks at Molinuex, defeating Premier League champions Manchester City and scoring two late goals to turn the game on its head to hand Tottenham Hotspur back-to-back defeats for the first time under Ange Postecoglou. Perhaps bringing their momentum to a slight pause, however, one January sale could be set to deal Wolves a frustrating blow.

Wolves transfer news

Wolves weren't the busiest club during the summer transfer window and saw their headlines stolen by the departures of Ruben Neves and Matheus Nunes to leave them briefly depleted in the middle of the park. And that makes their start under O'Neil all the more impressive. The former Bournemouth boss, who was unlucky to leave the Cherries after keeping them up last season, has crucially got the best out of Pedro Neto once again and has benefitted from the form of Matheus Cunha. One player who looks unlikely to get the O'Neil improvement, however, is Goncalo Guedes.

According to Estadio Deportivo, Villarreal have set their sights on Guedes ahead of a potential January loan move. The Portugal international has been out on loan at Benfica since January, but has struggled with injury problems, game time and form. Now, Villarreal are reportedly set to offer Guedes a way out of what has been a nightmare spell in Portugal.

It remains to be seen just what Wolves' stance on sending Guedes to the La Liga side, who are reportedly willing to cover his wages. Given his lack of place under O'Neil, on paper there doesn't seem to be much standing in the way of the transfer taking place, though reports in Portugal have claimed that he is set to stay put for the season.

"Great" Guedes needs fresh start

Guedes has become a shadow of the player once seen catching the eye at Valencia. It just simply hasn't happened for the winger since leaving La Liga and a return to Spain could be exactly what he needs. Guedes' stats during his time in Spain's top flight speak for themselves. The 26-year-old scored 28 goals and assisted a further 28 whilst appearing a total of 146 times. Still young enough to turn things around, the former Valencia man could yet revive his career at Villarreal if given the opportunity to do so by Wolves.

At his best, Guedes has been at the centre of praise, including from former Paris Saint-Germain forward Pauleta, who told the club's official website, via ESPN: "I know him very well. He plays for Portugal's under-21 side. I watched him grow up through his club and national team matches. He is a great talent — he is physically gifted and technically extremely talented. On top of that, he is a really nice guy off the pitch. He can bring a lot to PSG and he has all it takes to impose himself in Paris. He will grow and continue to progress."

Douglas Luiz has revealed the main way girlfriend Alisha Lehmann has helped him, with the pair having a surprising rule to follow in their household.

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• Romance rekindled in 2023
• Support one another on the field
• Eager to avoid discussing football off it

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The couple, who ply their club trade for Aston Villa in the Premier League and WSL respectively, rekindled their relationship towards the end of 2023. There have been plenty of public shows of affection on social media since then – with Lehmann boasting 17 million followers on Instagram – but they are eager to live as normal a life as possible.

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  WHAT LUIZ SAID ABOUT LEHMANN

  Luiz has told the of everyday life: “People say we are like a celebrity couple but we are just normal. We go out for dinner. Go bowling. Go to the shop. I went to Tesco the other day. With no hat on or anything. I try to live my life. We both do. I like to go to Tesco. If someone wants to take a photo that’s OK. We do everything normal. We go to dinner when we want. I am more a home person anyway. But of course I do want to do some social things with her. Here in England everything is calm. If I go to the shop in Brazil it’s crazy, almost impossible. We have a good life here.”

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Luiz added on how multilingual Swiss star Lehmann has helped him off the pitch: “My English is much better because of her. My first two years I couldn’t speak English but then I met her and now I need to. We can’t have an argument if I can’t speak the language can we? If we have an argument we can now resolve it in the moment. Before I had to use my phone to translate everything from Portuguese to English! The first time it happened I couldn’t speak anything. It had to change. She speaks so many languages. I think five. German, French, English, Portuguese and Swedish. I have three — Portuguese, English, Spanish. It’s not bad given that I didn’t even finish school.”

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  WHAT NEXT FOR LUIZ & LEHMANN?

  Luiz has also revealed that, while he and Lehmann attend as many matches as possible when the other is in action, they try not to discuss football matters at home. That surprising rule is serving them well, with Lehmann recently earning a 50th international cap for her country while Luiz is chasing down a top-four finish and Champions League qualification.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is keen to strengthen his options in January and is now reportedly on the trail of a talented defender, according to reports.

Manchester City transfer updates…

Manchester City are never far away from the headlines with regards to transfer stories and the present reality of their activity in the market is no different, as Guardiola looks to assemble a squad capable of continuing their domination in recent English football history.

In the summer, Jeremy Doku, Mateo Kovacic, Matheus Nunes and Josko Gvardiol arrived in Manchester and fed into a quality-over-quantity recruitment approach at the Etihad Stadium, which looks to have paid dividends so far as the Blues sit at the summit of the Premier League table with 28 points from their opening 12 fixtures.

Nevertheless, Manchester City aren't showing any signs of slowing down on the transfer front and are believed to be admirers of Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves; however, a summer swoop for the Portugal international is more likely than any approach in the January transfer window, according to Football Insider. Newcastle United are also keen on the former Wolverhampton Wanderers captain, who is expected to leave the Saudi Pro League side despite only arriving in the Middle East earlier this year.

Looking to the future, Manchester City are in contention to land St Patrick's Athletic wonderkid Sam Curtis, though the Republic of Ireland Under-21 international is on the agenda of a plethora of clubs, including Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Hull City, Leeds United, Middlesbrough and Scottish Premiership champions Celtic.

St Patrick's are expecting Curtis to leave Richmond Park during the off-season in Ireland, which will run until around mid-February, given that the football season in the country is scheduled differently to the United Kingdom's summer-to-summer system. Now, a fresh report has suggested that Manchester City are in the hunt for another young individual to bolster their backline, albeit someone with a significantly higher reputation already.

Manchester City looking to sign Arouna Sangante

As per Football Insider, Manchester City are keen on Le Havre defender Arouna Sangante, who has helped his side record five clean sheets in Ligue 1 this term. The Senegalese centre-half has also attracted interest from Manchester United and Chelsea in recent times and is believed to be available in the January window, following Le Havre owner Vincent Volpe's decision to give FIFA agent Willie McKay a brief to try and take advantage of his rising stock.

On the continent, Serie A giants AC Milan and Bundesliga heavyweights Borussia Dortmund are also monitoring developments around the 21 year-old as they search for defensive reinforcements.

Labelling Sangante as a "complete" player, Football Talent Scout – Jacek Kulig has also likened the Dakar-born defender to Real Madrid defender Eder Militao, which is high praise indeed given his young age.

Looking ahead to January, it will be intriguing to see if Manchester City can get a deal over the line for Sangante as Guardiola aims to build for the future at the Etihad Stadium.

Jesse Lingard has sent a “love your f*cking life” message as he enjoys rehabilitation downtime in Seoul by riding bikes and taking in boat trips.

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• Moved to South Korea has a free agent
• Undergone operation on knee problem
• Enjoying life a long way from home

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The former Manchester United star finds himself back on the sidelines at present after being forced to undergo knee surgery. That setback has been suffered a matter of months after making a stunning move to South Korea as a free agent.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Lingard is not expected to be out for long, as he has already returned to light training, but he is once again being prevented from making an impact on the field. That has become a familiar theme for the 31-year-old since being released by Nottingham Forest in the summer of 2023.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The ex-England international has attracted criticism from some, with questions asked of his commitment to the professional game, but Lingard continues to turn a deaf ear to any detractors. He has vowed to “stay weird” and has now posted a number of images on social media that show him enjoying life in the Far East.

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• WHAT NEXT?

  One of the pictures that Lingard has shared includes the positive message: “Love your f*cking life. Take pictures of everything. Tell people you love them. Talk to random strangers. Do things that you’re scared of. Because so many of us die and no one remembers a thing we did. Take your life and make it the best story in the world. Don’t waste that sh*t.” Lingard intends to follow all of that advice to the letter.

Leeds United are in good shape to return to the top flight this season and could now be set to open their chequebook to acquire a new arrival in January, according to a report.

Leeds United transfer updates…

Daniel Farke has restored credibility at Elland Road after being appointed in the summer with a mission to try and win promotion from the Championship at the first time of asking. In total, 16 games have passed for Leeds United since returning to the second tier of English football, yielding 31 points, leaving the Whites in third position ahead of their trip to face Rotherham United on Friday evening at the AESSEAL New York Stadium.

Nevertheless, the collective focus at Elland Road will also soon shift toward potential incomings and outgoings in the January transfer window as Farke looks to shape his squad in an appropriate manner to try and see their efforts to get promoted over the line.

As per Voetbalkrant, Leeds United are said to be keen on Hammarby defender Nathaniel Adjei; however, they will need to fend off competition from Anderlecht, Rangers, Queens Park Rangers and Middlesbrough to sign the 21-year-old. Recent reports have also surfaced claiming that Pascal Struijk could be set to leave Elland Road in January, with Belgian giants Club Brugge said to be interested in the Antwerp-born star.

Ronny Deila's men are believed to be eyeing "added value players" over the next few months and Struijk has emerged as a target who seemingly meets the criteria as an experienced "leader" in central defence; nevertheless, it would cost in the region of £13 million to prize him away from Yorkshire, according to the outlet.

Now, a fresh report has suggested that Farke could look to strengthen his forward line at Elland Road by adding a talented young forward to the ranks in January.

Leeds eye Cape Town Spurs prodigy Luke Baartman

According to The Scottish Sun, Leeds have been mentioned as contenders to sign Cape Town Spurs striker Luke Baartman, who is one of the most highly-rated prospects in South Africa.

Other unnamed sides from England are also keen on the 17-year-old, while Scottish champions Celtic have watched Baartman on several occasions and have identified him as a starlet with a high ceiling that could make an impact north of the border. Capped at Under-17 level by South Africa, Baartman is clearly someone who has a big future in the game despite only making his first-team bow in October, as cited by GOAL.

He is the second-youngest player to score in the South African top-flight this campaign as his stock continues to rise and could now be set for a dream move to the United Kingdom; however, it remains to be seen where he would have a better pathway toward gaining regular senior minutes between Leeds United and Celtic.

Nevertheless, the Elland Road faithful will surely be encouraged that their recruitment team and 49ers Enterprises are casting the net far and wide to uncover future talents from across the globe.