Man City are preparing for an historic transition after the final season of Pep Guardiola's remarkable reign delivered yet more silverware at the Etihad Stadium.
The legendary Spaniard signed off with two trophies, guiding City to both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup before bringing an end to one of the most successful managerial eras English football has ever seen.
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Guardiola transformed City into a dominant force during his time in Manchester, collecting six Premier League titles, eight domestic cups and the club's first Champions League crown while redefining their very essence.
Attention has now turned towards the future.
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Former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is expected to take charge and begin a new chapter at the Etihad.
Having previously worked under Guardiola as part of City's coaching staff before establishing himself as a manager in his own right, Maresca arrives with a clear understanding of the club's footballing philosophy.
Even so, he faces the sizeable challenge of following one of the greatest managers in modern football.
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Naturally, that transition could also bring changes in the transfer market.
Several areas of the squad are being assessed as City prepare for life after Guardiola.
The club have already been linked with reinforcements across midfield and attack, while speculation continues surrounding a number of senior players as Maresca evaluates the group he is set to inherit.
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One name attracting serious attention is Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali.
Man City hold 'important' talks with Sandro Tonali's close circle
According to journalist Mark Brus in his latest Daily Briefing column, City are among the clubs monitoring the Italy international's situation ahead of the summer window.
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Tonali has established himself as one of Newcastle's most important players since arriving from AC Milan in 2023.
After overcoming the difficulties of his lengthy suspension, the midfielder returned to become a key figure in Eddie Howe's side, impressing with his technical ability, work rate and leadership qualities.
Brus reports that interest in the player extends beyond the Blues' side of Manchester.
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Man United are also believed to be strongly considering a move, with the journalist claiming Michael Carrick has identified Tonali as his first choice midfield target after Ederson, and that support exists within United's hierarchy for pursuing a deal.
However, it is City's involvement that may prove particularly significant.
According to Brus, there are indications that City have already held 'important' preliminary discussions with individuals close to the player. While that falls well short of formal negotiations, it suggests groundwork may already be underway as the club explores whether a future move could be possible.
That would be no surprise.
Tonali possesses many of the qualities City traditionally value in central midfielders.
Comfortable receiving possession under pressure, capable of dictating tempo and disciplined without the ball, he has developed into one of Europe's most complete midfield operators.
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His versatility is another attraction.
The Italian can operate as a holding midfielder, in a deeper playmaking role or as part of a more advanced midfield three. Those attributes could make him an appealing option for Maresca as he begins shaping his own version of City.
Any transfer would be extremely difficult to complete, however.
Newcastle are under no obvious pressure to sell one of their most influential players and would likely demand a substantial fee, which will be around £100 million.
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For now, the report suggests City's interest is genuine rather than advanced.
Yet the fact that talks have allegedly taken place with those close to the player indicates the situation is definitely worth monitoring.
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