Manchester City are reportedly set to make a Serie A star one of their first key signings in the summer transfer window, as links to Tijjani Reijnders seem to be gaining even more traction.
After domestic disappointment not only in the league this season but following defeat in the FA Cup this past weekend, Man City look to end the 24/25 campaign trophyless for the first time since 2017, unless they can lift the Club World Cup in July.
Manager Pep Guardiola has already been quizzed on whether the club needs a rebuild, and although he was steadfast in defending his last nine years of success, many supporters have been arguing similarly.
With that in mind, City’s recruitment already looks to be underway as several key first-team figures, namely Kevin De Bruyne, are set to be replaced, and Reijnders is said to be their first target.
🔵⚪️ As told on 14th April, Manchester City decided for Tijjani Reijnders long time ago… City officials knows Reijnders current preference for the Skyblues and has already explored personal terms conditions to make it happen. #MilanAC ⏳ More details Monday @SkySportCH ⤵️ #MCIhttps://t.co/gOdF8AdJYGpic.twitter.com/4I8KFXBStu
According to multiple sources, the AC Milan midfielder had been eyed up by Man City months ago and despite a plethora of teams around Europe keen on signing him, Reijnders’ preference is thought to be East Manchester.
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The dynamic Dutchman has been one of the Rossoneri’s best players this season, registering 15 goals and five assists from central midfield, more than anyone in Serie A and one of the best strike rates from a non-forward across Europe.
At 26, the Eredivisie product is now one of the most attractive prospects around and entering his so-called prime years, making him potentially the perfect replacement in the middle of the park with the Blues’ biggest and most consistently creative outlet, De Bruyne, set to leave after a decade.
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There may be very few playmakers as brilliant as the Belgian, but getting a talent as highly-rated as Reijnders at this moment in his career could be a big coup for City.
Price tag-wise, it’s been suggested that the Italian club would want around €80 million (approx £67.4m) to secure his services.
If you haven’t seen him play before, here are a few of his highlights from this season.
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Like the look of him?
With Sky Sports journalist Sacha Tavolieri insisting that it would be Reijnders’ “dream” to play under Pep, it could merely be a case of Man City making Milan an attractive enough offer.
However, with Spanish giants Real Madrid also said to be monitoring his situation, it’s unlikely they’ll get a free run at him.
What do you reckon: would you like to see him at the Etihad?
Also, whilst you’re here, who do you think City need to hang on to this summer, and which squad members do you think they can afford to offload?
Jack Catterall set for all-British bout in Manchester this summer
Danny Jones
Local fighter Jack Catterall is returning to Manchester for his latest fight against compatriot Harlem Eubank in what is sure to be a brilliant night for British boxing.
The all-English face-off between Catterall and Eubank will be the 33rd bout of the Chorley-born boxer’s career, returning to our city to hopefully get back to winning ways.
‘El Gato’s last appearance in the ring came against American Arnold Barboza Jr., in which he registered just his second-ever defeat on a debut visit to Co-op Live back in February, losing via split decision.
Now looking for redemption, the 31-year-old has sized up another member of the Eubank boxing dynasty, with Harlem still undefeated in 21 fights. They’ve already exchanged what we can only assume were a few spicy words:
The cousin of Chris Eubank Jr. and nephew of Eubank Sr., Harlem is one of several members of the family to have found their way into combat sports.
Harlem, also 31, turned pro back in 2017 and has quietly been building a consistent and thus far flawless record, with nine knockouts to his name.
Speaking ahead of the match-up, Catterall said: “This is another huge domestic fight that I can really sink my teeth into. “I’m eager to put on a big performance and make a statement in my first fight up at welterweight. The Eubank name is hot at the moment but I’m ready to put the fire out in style.”
Meanwhile, his opponent replied: “This is a fight that’s been on my radar for a long time, and I’m delighted it’s finally happening. Jack is a world-class fighter and, in my view – and many others’ – a former undisputed champion.
“These are the elite-level match-ups I’ve been calling for, and make no mistake, I’m ready.”
While many are arguing this is somewhat of a step down for Catterall, this will be the biggest fight of Eubank’s career yet, who has also called out fellow welterweight Conor Benn.
As for Catterall, who just missed out on becoming England’s first male undisputed champion in the four-belt era when he suffered his first loss to Josh Taylor back in 2022, he’ll just be glad to be back in action and will go in as the favourite.
The pair of UK fighters are scheduled to fight on Tuesday, 5 July at Manchester’s AO Arena, where so many iconic fights have been held in the past.
For those of you looking to grab tickets for Jack Catterall vs Harlem Eubank, you have two opportunities to grab early access, firstly through the venue’s own presale window and secondly for Three+ members – both of which go live at 10am on Tuesday, 20 May.
As for general admission, seats will be available from the same time on Wednesday, 10am. You can get ready to grab yours HERE.
Featured Images — Press Shots (supplied)iFL TV (screenshot via YouTube)
Sport
Gary Lineker set to leave BBC this week following more controversy
Danny Jones
Former footballer and veteran presenter Gary Lineker is set to leave the BBC earlier than expected following further political controversies and social media backlash.
Lineker has been butting heads with the presenter for a couple of years now, being suspended by the national corporation back in March 2023 for his comments about language used by the Conservative government, and has continued to take issue with certain aspects of their news coverage.
He has since gone on to share a further video expressing his regret over what he called an “honest mistake”, as well as confirming that he will be making a premature exit from the BBC.
As you can see in the clip above, he says: “I apologise unreservedly for the hurt and upset caused,” insisting that he didn’t see the emoji in question
Lineker is now expected to leave following his final Match of the Day programme this weekend after having already confirmed he would be leaving the role after 26 years at the end of the season.
The ex-English footballer was set to present the 2026 FIFA World Cup next summer, but given the latest furore, he will be stepping away ahead of schedule.
Having gradually wound down his work with networks like TNT Sports (previously BT Sport) and the BBC in recent years, he has been slowly shifting his focus to his own Goalhanger Podcasts company, which includes several popular audio formats under The Rest Is… brand, including his own flagship The Rest Is Football show.
He goes on to add that he’s “stood up for minorities and humanitarian issues and against all forms of racism all my life.” Since the most recent Israel-Palestine conflicts began, he’s been particularly outspoken on the events. One recent interview with the BBC itself sparked plenty of discussion online.
Gary Lineker, "What's going on there (Gaza), the mass murder of thousands of children is something we should have an opinion on"
Amol Rajan, "The BBC needs to be impartial about it"
Lineker reiterated that he would never “knowingly share anything antisemitic” and removed the problematic post as soon as he was made aware.
Nevertheless, the BBC and director general Tim Davie have been facing pressure to address the situation ever since it happened, with many calling for the household name to be sacked.
It seems the ex-Everton, Leicester, Spurs and Barcelona player has made the decision for them.
As he goes on to conclude, despite expressing gratitude regarding his relationship with the BBC, he feels the “time is right […’ to go our separate ways.”
Danny Jones -
19th May 2025 
