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?
Bayern Munich reportedly set to target Phil Foden in the summer transfer window
Danny Jones
European giants Bayern Munich are said to be interested in homegrown Manchester City star, and are interested in signing him this coming transfer window.
And if you believe some of the reports circulating around the Stockport-born footballer, he could very well be looking to leave the Etihad in the summer.
Foden seems to have somewhat fallen out of favour at Man City of late, having been benched in four of the last five games, with his overall minutes having been on a gradual slump over recent months; as a result, some sources are suggesting it’s prompted a potential move away.
As per TEAMtalk, the Bundesliga side is hoping to target the City youth product and England international ahead of next season, with former teammate turned Bayern head coach Vincent Kompany very keen on acquiring his services.
Man City have stepped up efforts to secure Phil Foden's future with talks held during the international break and confidence is now growing that a new deal will be finalised before the end of the season, amid Bayern Munich interest, @TEAMtalk can reveal.https://t.co/ScBP5a3a08
Whether or not having a club and Premier League legend in charge would serve as a sweetener for the attacking midfielder or not, who knows?
According to journalist Graeme Bailey, while the gifted playmaker is said to be “frustrated” with the current situation at Man City, the club are believed to have “stepped up efforts to secure the long-term future of Phil Foden, with fresh talks held during the international break”
Having still managed to chip in with 15 goal contributions so far this campaign – two-thirds of those involvements being goals – the hope is that they can tie him down to a new deal long before the end of the season.
There’s no question about his natural talent and versatility across the forward line; it’s just whether or not he’s happy with his game time under Pep Guardiola, which admittedly has often fluctuated ever since he broke into the first team.
Pep has never made a secret of his love for Phil, either; he’s just not afraid to mix things up and try different things given the squad depth at his disposal and other teams in the division becoming increasingly competitive.
It’s also worth noting that many expect him to be in Thomas Tuchel’s starting lineups for the Three Lions at this year’s World Cup.
At present, Foden’s contract is set to expire at the end of the next term (2026/27), but it’s rumoured that he could soon commit to staying until 2030 on paper.
Now 25, the once up-and-coming youngster/’rising star’ is now a fully-fledged senior professional and serial winner.
With many years still ahead of him, you could argue that this is the perfect time to take on a new challenge, or equally, stay with his beloved Blues and extend their modern dynasty as one of the more experienced and decorated members of the dressing room.
As for whether Kompany can convince him to swap his familiar surroundings for a fresh chapter in Germany, or whether or not another big Champions League-level outfit monitoring the situation could come sniffing, only time will tell.
For now, let’s just hope he has an incredible few weeks over in North America this June and July.
A free snooker fan zone has popped up in Manchester for the 2026 Tour Championship
Danny Jones
We’re sure plenty of you are well aware that this year’s WST Sportsbet.io Tour Championship is happening in Manchester right now, but what many of you may not know is that a completely free snooker fan zone has opened up as part of it.
You don’t need a ticket for any of the actual matches to watch them on the big screen or even play one of your own.
However, it isn’t just the buzz inside the match room itself that the World Snooker Tour has brought on its return to the city centre – even the supporter hub outside is well worth a visit.
Based over at Manchester Central on the Exchange side of the building, while the games themselves are taking place in the main rooms, the foyer and surrounding areas have been turned into a fan park.
Perfect for anyone looking for a fun way to spend an afternoon or, indeed, a full day this week – not to mention an ideal activity for kids this coming Easter bank holiday weekend – if you’re a fan of the sport, you’d be a fool not to at least pop your head in.
Running until this Sunday, 5 April, when the tournament itself finishes, snooker lovers have access not only to a bar area with multiple big screens and food and drink, but also numerous free tables for them to play on.
In fact, you quickly turn a few frames into some proper practice if you’re so inclined, as there’s even on-site coaching to be made the most of.
As you can see, people of all ages have already turned up in their droves to soak up the atmosphere.
Once again, the competition is being broadcast live and free-to-air on Channel 5 if you’re happy to watch the games at home, but we don’t need to tell you what makes sitting in a room with a bunch of fellow fans and getting excited together so enjoyable.
If you visit the Manchester Central convention centre before the end of the week, you can even have a go at playing on a proper king-sized snooker table for the full pro-feel experience.
For anyone who wants to grab actual tickets for the matches as well, you can find them HERE.
Danny Jones -
19th May 2025 
