Latest Manchester City transfer news including updates on Kevin de Bruyne's contract and Hugo Larsson
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Hugo Larsson of Eintracht Frankfurt celebrates scoring
Hugo Larsson of Eintracht Frankfurt is said to be 'keen' to join Manchester City this summer
(Image: Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
For Manchester City the summer appears destined to be a crucial yet challenging one for transfers as Pep Guardiola juggles two major For Manchester City, the summer appears destined to be a crucial yet challenging one for transfers as Pep Guardiola juggles two major priorities.
Taking precedence would normally be the Premier League - it is the competition that takes the majority of Man City's focus year upon year. However, the placement of a revamped FIFA Club World Cup, another lucrative tournament, between mid-June and mid-July means there is a more immediate issue to tackle.
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To help, English top-flight clubs have agreed to two separate transfer windows - the first dated June 1-10 and the second June 16-September 1 - but it is still up to the discretion of the manager whether he makes decisions to help win in the United States or takes an approach to signings with the long-term in mind. With that said, MEN Sport analyses the latest City transfer news and rumours.
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Kevin de Bruyne's future
There have been some interesting comments made about Kevin De Bruyne coming out of the international break. Over 400 appearances, a certified club legend, the 33-year-old has an expiring contract in a matter of months.
First, in Argentina, there was former River Plate striker Carlos Morete talking up the idea of signing the Belgian ahead of the Club World Cup's start.
Getting laughed at, he suggested: "River has a manager and brains. Maybe they called and I don't know, or it wasn't made public. Why didn't anyone take a plane to Manchester and go find out about De Bruyne?"
But totally serious, Morete explained: "You pay him $20m (£15m), he's free, and you see if you bring him in or not.
"He'll make you a champion, make you fight for championships, and solve all your problems. Go check out his physical condition. He's a real star and he's not that old. Make him an offer. He leaves City for free, pay him €20m per year and bring him in."
Much closer to home, Guardiola was asked about his player's future at his Friday press conference. "It is between the club and Kevin and his agent. It is between the club and Kevin," was the manager's response.
"In the position that I am in, we are just concerned about the team and finishing the season in the best position possible. We have to think about the best thing for the club with the FA Cup, the Premier League and the Club World Cup."
And lastly, when asked if he would like to see De Bruyne part of his Club World Cup squad in June, the answer was hardly confidence inspiring. Guardiola replied: "He is a player [we have], yeah."
Hugo Larsson 'keen'
Elsewhere, Sky Germany's Florian Plettenberg has claimed the club are the latest to enter the race for Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Hugo Larsson.
The 20-year-old Sweden international has already made 75 appearances in Germany, and his talents are becoming increasingly recognised. Guardiola perhaps recognises the age profiles of De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan, so he sees a youthful alternative as the best option to continue his rebuild of Man City.
Most promisingly, Larsson is said to be 'keen' on the interest, especially after 'initial talks'. This is even with prior established interest from Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and top Bundesliga clubs.
He is contracted to Frankfurt until 2029 with a €60m (£50.1m) value. A move to the Etihad Stadium would reunite him with Omar Marmoush.