Manchester City are placing a clear emphasis on revamping their midfield department, with Hugo Viana now working as Director of Football.
Kevin De Bruyne is leaving this summer, and Manchester City have identified Tijjani Reijnders of AC Milan as a replacement for the Belgian – Pep Guardiola is believed to think the Dutchman would be a perfect option.
Furthermore, Manchester City are considering Rayan Cherki as a cheaper alternative to Florian Wirtz in the attacking midfield positions.
Continuing the theme, Manchester City are also hoping to sign Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest, and there has now been an update on this situation.
Manchester City expected to sign Morgan Gibbs-White soon
The Daily Mail now write that it would be a ‘surprise’ if Manchester City did not finalise the signing of the England international in the coming weeks.
Nottingham Forest want £100m for Gibbs-White after his outstanding 2024/25 campaign, in which he scored seven goals and provided ten assists in 34 Premier League appearances.
As cool as you like. 🥶 pic.twitter.com/E1eN0oWZGO
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) December 29, 2024
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However, there is belief that a deal could be done between Manchester City and Nottingham Forest for £70m – although Wolves are owed 10% of any fee.
Guardiola was spotted speaking to Gibbs-White at length after Manchester City defeated Nottingham Forest 2-0 in the FA Cup semi-final, adding fuel to the fire.
Nottingham Forest could receive a Manchester City player in return
The Daily Mail add that as many as nine players could leave the Etihad Stadium this summer, and one may head to the City Ground.
A deft touch from James McAtee sees him grab his first Etihad goal 🤩#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/Jbf1mziBTO
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) January 11, 2025
Nottingham Forest are keen to sign James McAtee – who Guardiola is likely to let go – so it is possible that the England U21 international is used in the deal, seeing as he also plays in attacking midfield like Gibbs-White.
It would be a smart way for Viana to move an unsettled player on, and also reduce the overall fee needed to sign the Nottingham Forest No.10 this summer.