Manchester City transfer latest as sporting director Hugo Viana links up with the Blues squad with much still to do in the transfer window
Hugo Viana
Hugo Viana
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When Manchester City flew out for their Asia tour on Tuesday, there was expectation that some seats on the plane would be vacant on the way home and others would have new arrivals. Despite sporting director Hugo Viana flying out to join the squad, there is now a real chance that it is exactly the same passenger list for the flight home from Seoul.
The buzz that surrounded a number of transfers in and out a few days ago has stalled, and while the Blues are still busy - the transfer of Geronimo Rulli is expected to be completed as a replacement for the outgoing James Trafford - there has been little progress apparent on more major business. That includes trying to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi, with the Lille president speaking on the record to reiterate their wish to keep the player (unless they receive the fee they want in negotiations).
Viana's arrival in Asia is interesting given it is not a particularly healthy timezone for doing business with England and Europe. Not far away, however, are Chelsea and Tottenham on their own pre-season tours and they could both deal with City this summer.
Tottenham still expect to sign Savinho and Omar Marmoush has emerged as a target as well, while Malo Gusto, Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez remain potential options for City. It's understood that Viana has joined up with the squad in his role working hand-in-hand with manager Enzo Maresca and as a figurehead for the club, but it could still prove a handy place to be for certain negotiations.
Viana knows however that there is now less than a month until his deadline when the transfer window closes and there is still much work to be done. City's lack of activity in recent weeks should not be taken as a sign that they have decided there is less to do.
One quiet situation that is a relief to Blues though is Rodri. After a week where Real made it known they were more interested in signing him, that has not gone anywhere yet and it is now just over a week until City land back in Manchester and will start welcoming back their final World Cup stars.
As City prepare to head to Korea, their transfer plans are in need of a take-off.