Need to know
Manchester City are braced for a busy end to the summer transfer window now that the World Cup is over and there are set to be signings and sales over the coming weeks
Rodri and Jack Grealish are two players with uncertain Manchester City futures
Rodri and Jack Grealish are two players with uncertain Manchester City futures
Everything you need to know about Manchester City's transfer plans after Enzo Maresca spoke to the media for the first time as Blues boss
Maresca was officially unveiled as City manager on Friday afternoon and gave a press conference where he addressed a host of topics, from his style to following Pep Guardiola.
There was plenty asked on transfers - with the Blues boss fielding questions on what he hopes to do in the market and also the future of some of his own players.
Rodri's name was understandably towards the top of the agenda with plenty of speculation surrounding his future amid intensifying links with Real Madrid.
On the World Cup winner, Maresca said: "First of all, we have to say that around big players, there is always speculation. I'm not worried about that. I think it's normal. Also because they [Spain] won the World Cup, he was the best player, or one of the best players. And I think every manager wants to have Rodri, because he's a top player. But now, surgery on, I think, Monday. He needs a holiday, he needs to rest, he needs to recover, and then he will be back here with us."
The new boss was also quizzed about Jack Grealish, who is back training with City after a loan spell at Everton last season which was cut short due to injury. The Blues boss said of the 30-year-old: "Jack, at the moment, is here. He is a Man City player. I always said the same in any club I join. If there are players that belong to the club, it's my duty to try to coach them. Jack, at the moment, he's 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's a very good guy. So this is the reason why. Then, we see what happens."
Maresca also discussed James Trafford's future, with Leeds United leading the race to sign the England goalkeeper who wants regular first-team football to boost his international ambitions. Of the keeper, the Italian said: "I know James because he was my 'keeper when I was with the under-23s, so I know James very good. But again, when the transfer window is open, now, generally, anything can happen. So we see, but at the moment, he's one of our 'keepers."
City will also look to be active in the coming weeks having already signed Elliot Anderson in a club record deal. The Blues are also keen on Lille's 18-year-old midfielder sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi. When asked about transfer plans, Maresca said: "I think there is always something to do because it's something that we want. But also, it's a bit [about] the dynamic of the transfer window. So probably there are a few things to do, but yeah, we are in the process to do that."
Catch up with everything that was said in Maresca's first press conference here