South American expert's verdict on 'new Fernandinho' linked with Man City

straight to your inboxNicolas Otamendi has praised former Manchester City teammate John Stones for resurrecting his career at the Etihad.Otamendi left City in the summer, moving to Benfica as part of the deal that saw Ruben Dias join the Blues for a club record fee.The Argentine was a key figure for City during his time at the club, but like Stones, struggled to step up and fill the void left when Vincent Kompany departed.Now, with Otamendi a regular in Portugal and Dias instantly transforming

straight to your inbox every day for freeMino Raiola says only four clubs in England can afford Erling Haaland in the summer.The 20-year-old has become one of the most sought-after strikers in the world since his move to Borussia Dortmund in January 2020, having scored 43 goals in 43 matches for the German side in all competitions.Manchester United hold an interest in the Norway international, having previously rivalled Dortmund for his signature following an impressive stint at RB Salzburg in

straight to your inbox Fernandinho has revealed that he won't decide on his future at Manchester City until the end of the season. The City skipper returned to the starting XI in Sunday's 1-0 victory over Arsenal and rolled back the years with an excellent performance in the middle of the park, helping restrict the Gunners to just a single shot on target.

straight to your inboxNot only were Manchester City buoyed by the return of Kevin De Bruyne to training on Tuesday, but there was another injury boost as Fernandinho looks to have taken a step closer towards his return. The club captain has missed the last two fixtures with 'niggles', with his absence more precautionary than anything else, and the Brazilian joined De Bruyne in training at the City Football Academy before they take on Everton tonight.

straight to your inboxManchester City saw off Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table. Ilkay Gundogan netted twice for City after Rodrigo had opened the scoring from the penalty spot in Saturday's clash at the Etihad Stadium.

straight to your inboxVincent Kompany is a fierce opponent, and a formidable man to cross.But the former Manchester City captain, who has successfully tangled with some of the world’s toughest strikers, met his match on the day he tried to do the washing-up for 102-year-old Vera Cohen.Vera died last weekend, and a little piece of City died with her.Those people who are under the strange illusion that the Blues have no history would have done well to sit for an afternoon with this wonderful,

straight to your inboxPep Guardiola called Tommy Doyle a 'special' player, but picked out an incident in Manchester City's win over Swansea as an area for improvement.Doyle, City's under-23 captain, started in the FA Cup fourth round tie at Cheltenham last month, and was included in the travelling party to face Swansea on Wednesday.

straight to your inboxPep Guardiola could make nine changes from the Manchester City side that beat Liverpool so convincingly when he takes his side to the Liberty Stadium to take on Swansea in the FA Cup fifth round.City produced one of their most ruthless performances of the season on Sunday at Anfield to take control of the Premier League title race, but now Guardiola's one-game-at-a-time approach turns attentions to South Wales in the cup with a place in the FA Cup quarter finals at

direct to your inboxManchester United and Manchester City are both being linked with a summer move for Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland.United and City are among a string of clubs said to be interested in the 20-year-old forward, along with Liverpool, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Juventus to name a few. The speculation is perhaps not surprising considering Haaland 's prolific form in front of goal.

straight to your inboxManchester City took a giant stride towards regaining the Premier League crown on Sunday with an emphatic win over Liverpool. Pep Guardiola’s men returned from Anfield five points clear of second-placed Manchester United and 10 ahead of the current champions thanks to a 4-1 win.City also have a game in hand over their rivals and are well placed at the summit thanks to goals from Ilkay Gundogan (two), Raheem Sterling and man of the match Phil Foden.

straight to your inboxRoy Keane has praised Liverpool's "cocky" midfielder, Curtis Jones, after he was recalled to face Manchester City.Jurgen Klopp has welcomed back Sadio Mane, Fabinho and Alisson Becker into his starting XI after they all missed Liverpool's midweek defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion.

straight to your inboxMicah Richards believes Ilkay Gundogan has become a "talisman" for title-chasing Manchester City.Gundogan has been in excellent form over the past 10 games - scoring seven goals and providing one assist in that time. The German midfielder's form has helped City go on a 13-game winning run in all competitions, as Pep Guardiola's side sit three points clear at the top of the Premier League.

straight to your inboxPep Guardiola has revealed how John Stones hit the depths of his football career amidst injury problems and personal troubles.The Manchester City defender has bounced back to form this season and is expected to regain his place in the team to face Burnley at Turf Moor on Wednesday night after contributing to a stunning 12-match winning streak.But he looked to be headed out of the Etihad exit door in the last two summers, when the break-up of his long-term relationship and

straight to your inboxSeeing – and hearing – Ruben Dias in action has Gareth Barry harking back to his early days in the Manchester City dressing room.The former Blues midfielder was brought to the club in 2010 as an experienced 28-year-old who had played at a high level for Aston Villa for ten years, playing nearly 450 games.But it was a 23-year-old Vincent Kompany who startled Barry, whose own experience was a key reason City stumped up a bargain £12million for the England international.Both

direct to your inboxA quiet Premier League transfer window is quickly drawing to a close.There has not been a lot of business done across the board, with very few eye-catching deals going through.Manchester United and Man City have both had quiet windows - Jesse Lingard's loan move to West Ham United a rare talking point - and seem unlikely to make any additions before the window shuts.

straight to your inboxIt's been years since Manchester City fans were able to get giddy with excitement on deadline day over a potential late arrival, and that won't change today.The January transfer window has been a near ghost town for the entire Premier League, with hardly any transfer fees being paid, and it's been particularly quiet at City.

straight to your inboxThe action on the field during Manchester City's Premier League win over Sheffield United was largely forgettable, aside from Gabriel Jesus' goal, but it proved a day of records for the Blues. After beating West Brom in style last time out, City were forced into a much more professional performance against a Sheffield United side who had beaten Manchester United at Old Trafford last time out.