Welcome to Manchester!: August 2020

Manchester City working on Messi signing within Financial Fair Play framework (ESPN)

Manchester City are reportedly looking into whether it will be possible to sign Barcelona captain Lionel Messi this summer.

The Barcelona legend has reportedly expressed doubts about his future at the Camp Nou, particularly after the humiliating 8-2 defeat against Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-final.

And City, managed by Messi's former boss Pep Guardiola, are exploring whether a deal would be possible with regards to Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules, according to ESPN, if Barcelona are willing to negotiate a fee lower than Messi's €700million (£631million) release clause.

The report details that some Barcelona board members are open to selling their 33-year-old, if he pushes for a move away this summer.

Barcelona appointed former Southampton, Everton and The Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman as the club's new manager last week, and Koeman discussed Messi's future with the man himself.

Messi has only ever played for Barcelona, but after a disappointing conclusion to the 2019-20 season - after also missing out domestically as they surrendered their La Liga title to fierce rivals Real Madrid - the Argentine is reportedly considering his furure.

His contract at Barcelona runs out next summer, yet Barcelona's official stance is that they would not sell below his staggeringly high release clause figure.

From City's standpoint, a deal would be particularly tricky in light of the coronavirus crisis and their recent financial problems with UEFA and FFP.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport overturned City's two-year European ban last month, an original punishment set by UEFA for violating FFP regulations.

A deal for Messi, with fee and wages included, could break the world record for a transfer, when Neymar moved to PSG from Barcelona in 2017 for £200million.

Yet Messi enjoyed arguably the greatest years of his career at Barcelona under Guardiola from 2008-2012, winning the Champions League twice and La Liga three times.

City chairman Khaldoon Al-Mubarak has insisted more signings are set to occur at the Etihad during this window.

"We'll sensible and pragmatic about it but we will do what it takes, I think you've seen when it comes to the two acquisitions we have made, [Nathan] Ake and Ferran Torres, we moved quickly," he said.

"There are additional players we will be bringing in and we stick to the plan, obviously within the realities of the market that we live in today."

While according to Argentine media Ole, Lionel Messi will announce his decision, which he has already taken, in next few hours regarding his future.

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Saif

Chong joins Werder Bremen on loan

Manchester United winger Tahith Chong has joined Werder Bremen on a season-long loan deal.

Chong recently signed a new contract with United until 2022, with an option to extend for a further a year. One of the conditions on which Chong signed a new contract was going out on loan for the next season and his wish has been granted by United.

Speaking to the Bremen's official website, Chong said: " I already knew about the club and how big Werder are in Germany when I first spoke to the coach.The decision was a very easy one. The approach of the club is also excellent so I knew straightaway that this will be the right team for me."

When asked if he would like in to follow the footsteps of the likes of De Bryune and Gnabry, who Bremen played a big part in their development, Chong replied: " It's definitely in the back of your head when you come here. The club's history and reputation for helping players like Gnabry and De Bryune advance their careers is always good to hear, so I'm sure this is the right place for my development.

Chong can still have a future at United if he impresses on loan at Werder Bremen. He has made the right choice to go to the Bundesliga, which has become a development centre of Premier League young talents in recent years like Sancho, Nelsson, Origi and many others. Hope Chong has a successful season with Werder and breaks through in the United set-up. By the way, you look good in green Tahith.

GGMU

Cheers,

Arbab

OFFICIAL: De Bruyne named EPL Player of the Season for 2019-20

Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has named Premier League Player of the Season for the season 2019/20.

The Belgian playmaker beat Liverpool trio Jordan Henderson, Sadio Mane and Trent Alexander-Arnold, Southampton striker Danny Ings, Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope and Leicester City's Golden Boot award winner Jamie Vardy to the award.

De Bruyne was only Manchester City player to be nominated for the prize after they relinquished their Premier League title to Liverpool following two seasons as champions.

But even if City's domestic campaign fell short of their previous lofty standards, De Bruyne enjoyed hs most productive season since arriving at the Etihad in 2015.

As well as recording 20 assists - equalling the league record set by Thierry Henry in 2003 - he also scored 13 times to help City finish as the division's highest scorers for the third successive season.

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Saif

Manchester City in pole position to sign Messi if he decides to leave Barcelona

Manchester City reportedly believe they lead the chase should Lionel Messi decide to leave Barcelona after their humiliating 8-2 Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich.

The 33-year-old has become more and more disgruntled with life at the club in recent times and his contract is set to expire next summer.

And the Daily Mirror have reported that Manchester City would pay 'whatever it takes' to lure him over to the Etihad Stadium and reunite with former manager Pep Guardiola.

They believe a move to the club to reunite with his most successful manager at Barcelona would be enough to secure him ahead of other teams who might be interested.

Messi has been linked with a move away from Barca after clashes with the club's hierarchy and he has recently also been linked with Inter Milan.

After disappointments against Rome and Liverpool in the Champions League the past two seasons, Messi had one of his worst nights in a Barcelona shirt as he was powerless to stop a relentless Bayern Munich smashing them out at the quarter-final stage once again.

Despite his recent displeasure with the goings on at the club, Messi has yet to decide what his future will be and City will be one of several clubs keenly watching to see if he decides to commit his future to the club or not.

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Saif

Manchester City 1-3 Olympique Lyon: Moussa Dembele nets brace as French side advance to semi-final

Manchester City were dumped out of the Champions League by Lyon after two goals from Moussa Dembele after he came off the bench.

MATCH EVENTS

10' CHANCE! Marcal's shot saved by Ederson

12' Yellow Card! Dubois booked

24' GOAL! Man City 0-1 Lyon (Cornet)

39' CLOSE! De Bruyne's free-kick denied

43' CLOSE! Rodri's shot saved

45' MISS! Sterling's shot cleared off

56' SUB! Mahrez replaces Fernandinho

58' Yellow Card! Rodri booked

60' AGAIN! De Bruyne's free-kick denied

66' MISS! De Bruyne's free-kick wide out

69' GOAL! Man City 1-1 Lyon (De Bryune)

71' Cornet goes down in the box but ref says no penalty!

73' NICE TRY! Jesus' shot denied

79' GOAL! Man City 1-2 Lyon (Moussa Dembele)

86' Unbelievable miss by Sterling in front of an open goal

87' GOAL! Man City 1-3 Lyon (Moussa Dembele)

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Saif

Manchester City transfer round-up (Sky Sport)

It's shaping up to be a busy summer transfer window for Manchester City, but could they be in the market for Napoli defender Kaliduo Koulibaly to add to the acquisition of Nathan Ake?

Should City target Kaliduo Koulibaly?

City are looking to sign as many as as four more players during the transfers window and want their business done by the start of the new season on September 12.

Despite the £41million capture of Ake from Bournemouth already this summer, defenders remain the priority but deals for a left-back and a second centre half - most likely Napoli's Koulibaly - are still some way off.

European football expert Gabrielle Marcotti believes the Senegal international has the attributes to replace Vincent Kompany, but believes City may find competition from their neighbours.

"Koulibaly is an exceptional defender. He's an intelligent player and a great leader. He has a lot of the Kompany-type qualities that you would want.

"He would also cost a fortune because from Napoli's perspective, they're at the stage where they don't need to sell him. They would have to get an offer which would be hard to refuse. There was a talk of a non-official agreement where if they got an £80million or £90million offer, they would let him go. But that is a ton of money to spend on a guy who is 29 years old.

"It would mean Pep Guardiola would be happy to bring a guy in who would be a 'plug-in and play leader'. The only thing I would say about Koulibaly is that on the ball he's not but he hasn't got the kind of central midfielder skills that Guardiola seems to like in his centre-backs.

"The only other clubs that could come in for him is Manchester United, but Napoli don't feel there's another club in Europe that would be able to afford the kind of fees required."

Sky Sports reporter Sheth believes Guardiola could offload at least one centre-half in order to facilitate a move for Koulibaly.

He said: "I can't think of a window that's gone by where he's not linked with a move to England but it's not yet materialised. You just wonder if this window is when that move because a reality.

"With Nathan Ake having arrived, the doubts will only increase over John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi and it's looking more and more next season the way Guardiola is looking to reshape the squad.

"There could be even more movements as well in that defensive area as Eric Garcia rejected a new contract offer. He has entered the final 12 months of his current deal, but has the arrival of Ake forced him to think his future lies elsewhere?

Would Lautaro be a good replacement for Aguero?

Meanwhile, speculation remains surrounding the future of Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez - despite his agent Carlos Beto Yaque admitting he sees no substance to reports of a move to Barcelona, describing the link as "more in the media than in real life".

The La Liga side had been hoping to strike a part-exchange deal for Neymar that would see Antoine Griezmann join Paris Saint-Germain, while Inter striker Martinez has been their top target following an impressive season in Serie A.

The player's £98million release clause expired on July 7 with Martinez currently focused on helping Inter in their quest to win the Europa League - and our panel of experts believe City could prove a more likely destination, given Guardiola's need to look towards life after Sergio Aguero.

"Barcelona have linked him for a long time but it seems that interest is now at an end," Sheth continued. "With the financial impact of Covid-19, the Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu said the club wouldn't be pursuing him now. His current deal at Inter has three years left to run, but even the richest clubs are not immune to having to make budget constraints.

"Barcelona have made losses during the pandemic of a reported £200million, and you just wonder if Barca's stance on Martinez has opened the door to a club like Manchester City are interested in Martinez and Guardiola is looking for a long-term replacement for Aguero.

"He's 32 years old now and has now entered the final year of his contract. He's spoken publicly before about his desire to finish his career in Argentina so City are no doubt keeping an eye on that situation."

The Athletic have reported City had enquired about the availability of Atletico Madrid's Joao Felix, who has endured a difficult start following his £113million move last year from SL Benfica.

Marcotti believes it would be unfair to compare Martinez with his compatriot, but would see the value in City targeting the striker as an option when Aguero does depart the Etihad.

He said: "He's had a very good season, although he did tail off a bit since the restart - possibly because he was unsettled by the rumours. If you compare what Aguero was doing when was Lautaro's age, at 22, Aguero was well ahead. It doesn't mean Lautaro won't improve, and I don't think we're talking about a player of Aguero's quality yet but players develop at different speeds.

"I don't think Inter right now are especially worried. The suggestions are that the release clause has now expired. That doesn't mean you can't do a deal, but if City have approached Lautaro's people then they've done it very quietly as that hasn't bounced around at the Inter end. Inter's intention is keep him for another season... there's talk of a new contract and a pay rise but City certainly need to start thinking of a succession plan to Aguero."

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Saif

Guardiola hopeful Aguero could return to UCL last 8 mini tournament

Manchester City haven't given up hope of Sergio Aguero making a dramatic return in time for the Champions League last eight mini tournament in Portugal.

Aguero, the club's record goalscorer, hasn't played since injuring his knee against Burnley on June 22 and is currently in Barcelona receiving specialist treatment from Dr. Ramon Cugat.

City don't play until Saturday for their quarter-final match against Lyon with the Champions League final scheduled for August 23 leaving Pep Guardiola with the possibility of being able to call upon his star Argentine striker.

"He's getting better but I don't know when he will join up with us," said Guardiola, after Friday night's 2-1 victory against Real Madrid booked City's place in the last eight.

"Hopefully he will be in Portugal with us but tomorrow is tommorow. We will speak with the doctors. That's when we will see what the situation is."

The Argentine has been undergoing rehabilitation on his left knee three times a day and hopeful of starring to run in the coming days.

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Saif

David Silva to sign for Lazio on Monday

David Silva is expected to sign a three-year contract with Lazio on Monday, arriving as a free agent from Manchester City.

The 34-year-old creative midfielder also had proposals from MLS, specifically Inter Miami, but his father confirmed the player is eager to try a new challenge in Serie A.

According to the Corriere dello Sport, SportItalia, Sky Sport Italia and others, the announcement could come on Monday.

The final piece of the puzzle has been resolved, with news the Biancocelesti have qualified for the Champions League in 2020-21.

Lazio are offering a three-year contract with impressive salary, but also a series of perks, including use of a private jet for trips back to his family in Spain and a driver to take him around the Eternal City.

Silva has been at Manchester City since 2010 and his contract expires at the end of this Champions League season.

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Saif

Manchester City 2-1 Real Madrid: Player Ratings

Manchester City advanced to the quarter-finals of the Champions League with a 2-1 victory over Real Madrid, winning 4-2 on aggregate.

Raheem Sterling scored the opener for the hosts before Karim Benzema got one back, but it was a wonderful goal from Gabriel Jesus that helped seal the tie.

MANCHESTER CITY (4-3-3)

Ederson- 6.5 Not his busiest night but made some smart stops when called upon. Authoritatively came to collect the majority of crosses.

Kyle Walker- 8 Very energetic display and gave Real something else to think about when drifting into the middle of midfield.

Fernandinho- 6 Will look back on Karim Benzema's goal and feel he might have attacked the cross with more gusto. Looked like a man short on games.

Aymeric Laporte- 6 Felt like earlier in the season when Laporte was carrying the back four and did struggle to deal with balls over the top.

Joao Cancelo- 5.5 Lazy defending in the bulid-up Real's equaliser, allowing Rodrygo to glide beyond him far too easily.

Kevin De Bruyne- 7 Given even more freedom than normal and is so threatening when he stretches his legs. Always on the cusp of producing something special.

Rodri- 6 Barely wastes a pass and completed 98% of them in the first half. Might wanted to engage a little more defensively, however.

Ilkay Gundogan- 7 May have seemed another passive display but Gundogan knitted City together nicely. Calm and assured.

Raheem Sterling- 8 Composed finish to set City on their way after smart movement. Not often he starts off the right these days but looked at home.

Phil Foden- 6.5 Unfamiliar false nine position for the youngster, whose diligent running always offers City with an added dimension in an attacking sense.

Gabriel Jesus- 8.5 Won huge number of headers and put a real shift in for the team again. Tremendous effort from the Brazilian, who made the opener. Deserved his goal.

SUBSTITUTIONS:

Bernardo Silva (for Foden, 67) - 6

David Silva (for Sterling, 81)

Nicolas Otamendi (for Rodri, 89)

MANAGER: Pep Guardiola- 7 Guardiola's decision to shake up his front three had the desired effect. City ought to have taken advantage of that more than they did.

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Saif

Chong could join Bremen on loan

Tahith Chong could join Bundesliga side Werder Bremen on loan this season.

Chong, who recently signed a new contract with the club until 2022, would like to go out on loan as opportunities are hard to come by at United. He's failed to impress with whatever opportunity he got, and with the potential arrival of Jadon Sancho limiting his opportunity further, he would prefer to go out on loan somewhere else.

When asked about his future, Choong's agent Erkan Alkan told Bild, " Tahith would like to go to the Bundesliga. We'll talk to Manchester United about it on Thursday."

Werder sporting director Frank Baumann confirmed their interest in Chong and told: " [Chong] is very fast, he comes in from the wing- he fits our profile. We can add two or three more players. Borrowing guys from top clubs like this can make sense to us. Because of our situation, he's a player who could be interesting."

It would be good, if Chong goes out on loan. At Bremen, he would get regular minutes and a chance to show United that he's ready to stake a claim in the starting XI. Bundesliga recently has become a hunting ground for young players from the PL to develop further with opportunities. The notable people are Jadon Sancho, Reiss Nelson, Adamah Lookman, Divok Origi etc. Solskjaer clearly believes Chong has a future at United and this loan will be the perfect opportunity for Chong to repay Ole's faith. Hope you get your loan move, Tahith!

GGMU

Cheers,

Arbab

Teden Mengi delighted to make his United bow

Manchester United youth academy product Teden Mengi was thrilled to have made his first-team debut for the club yesterday.

Teden Mengi came off the bench yesterday for Timothy Fosu-Mensah in the 80th minute to make his United debut. He gave a decent performance for the last 10 mins against LASK. Mengi has been touted to be one of the most talented products in the academy, and it was a matter of time before he made his way into the first team.

He admitted Solskjaer's belief in youth and the rise of Brandon Williams inspired him to fight for a regular spot in the first-team.

Speaking to MUTV, he said, " Of course. Especially, Brandon, because we both play in defense. So when I say him kicking on, it made me even hungrier. It made me think : why can't I do it? Obviously I got my opportunity today."

Mengi also revealed his mum cried with joy for his debut.

" It was a brilliant moment, I loved it, My mum said she was crying- I've already checked my phone! Obviously, it's a great feeling. I'd like to thank everyone that's been around me, supported me, from my family, all my team-mates. Everyone in the first team made it very easy for me. Everyone was very welcoming.

" But the Academy staff as well. Also, I'd like to thank the manager for giving me the opportunity. But, again, it's just the start. It's down to myself now to keep on kicking on. But yeah, I'm very happy with it."

Congratulations on your first team debut Teden! We expect many great things from you and do make us proud. You have the potential to be a first team regular. Keep your head down, listen,learn, work hard and have patience. You have got a manager who believes in youth, so opportunities will keep poping up and do grab them and stamp your impression on Ole.

GGMU

Cheers,

Arbab

Inter signs Sanchez permanently

Inter Milan have confirmed the permanent signing of Chilean winger Alexis Sanchez from Manchester United.

Alexis Sanchez joined Inter on a season-long loan deal last summer, and had a difficult start to life at Milan coupled with a knee injury which kept him out for 3 months. But he has been reinvigorated since lockdown, scoring 2 goals and providing 8 assists which helped Inter finish second, missing out on the title by just a point. This post lockdown form convinced Inter to buy Sanchez permanently and helped United get rid of his hefty wages.

Sanchez joins Inter Milan on a free transfer after Inter managed to stuck an agreement with United regarding his remaining contract. Sanchez has signed a three year contract, keeping him at the club until 2023.

Sanchez made in total of 45 appearances for Manchester United, scoring just 5 goals. Some of his rare best performances in the red shirt was providing 2 assists against Man City in that dramatic 3-2 derby win in April 2018 and scoring the opening goal against Spurs in the FA Cup semi-finals.

A huge relief for Manchester United as they finally got rid of Alexis. His departure not only sweeps his wages off the books, but prevents from having any disruption of such a peaceful dressing room of United. Best of luck for the future and may you be a grand success at Inter, Alexis. Hopefully, see you soon in the final of the Europa League.

GGMU

Cheers,

Arbab

Manchester City squad chase collective bonuses of around £15million with Champions League glory

Manchester City's players have an added incentive of around £15million in collective bonuses as they hunt European glory.

City host Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium on Friday as the Champions League returns, with Pep Guardiola's side in the driving seat to reach the quarter-finals.

They hold a one-goal lead after a 2-1 victory at the Santiago Bernabeu, earned in February before coronavirus halted the season.

A positive result at home against the Spanish champions would see them face Juventus or Lyon in the last eight in Lisbon on August 15.

Some of the club's top players, such as midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, Sergio Aguero and David Silva, stand to earn in the region of £1million if they lift the trophy.

City's bonus structure is not, however, an old-fashioned pot of money to be shared among the squad. Bonuses are individually stipulated in each player's contract.

By comparison, the club's payouts for clinching the Premier League title range from around £400,000 to £750,000 per man.

The Champions League is the only trophy yet to be won under Guardiola and City have never gone beyond the quarter-finals during his reign.

He has used team meetings to remind his players of perceived refereeing injustices in the three previous campaigns as extra motivation this time around. They are favourites this year - alongside Bayern Munich - ahead of the competition's resumption and its conclusion in Portugal.

City's players will be rewarded handsomely should they win the club's first European silverware for 50 years. That quest starts on Friday, with Gareth Bale omitted from Real's travelling party. Eden Hazard is a doubt to as he has an ankle problem.

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Saif

OFFICIAL: Manchester City sign Bournemouth defender Nathan Ake for an initial fee of £40million

Manchester City have confirmed the signing of Bournemouth defender Nathan Ake.

Pep Guardiola's side have agreed an initial fee £40million deal with the Cherries - who were relegated to the Championship on the final day of the season - and which could rise to £41million.

Confirmation of the Dutch centre-back's arrival comes just a day after City announced their first deal of the summer transfer window in the form of Valencia winger Ferran Torres.

Sportsmail exclusively revealed last week that the Premier League runners-up were on the brink of swooping for Ake having had a bid accepted on Thursday.

The Holland international has since undergone a medical and also agreed personal terms with City.

Ake is expected to have signed a five-year deal and net a major pay increase on his current £40,000-per-week contract.

Chelsea had first refusal on Ake, a clause which could have been activated with a £40million bid.

But the Blues failed to move which paved the way for City to agree a fee which will see Bournemouth net a guaranteed £40million, with the remaining £1million made up of add-ons and bonuses.

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Saif

Manchester City want to sign five more in the transfer window (Sky Sport)

Manchester City are looking to sign as many as five more players during the transfer window and want their business done by the start of the new season on September

The English giants completed a £21million deal for Valencia winger Ferran Torres on Tuesday and are expected to complete the signing of Nathan Ake later this week, after agreeing a fee of £41million with Bournemouth.

Defenders are now the priority, but deals for both a left back and a second centre half, most likely Napoli's Kaliduo Koulibaly, are still some way off.

Further up the pitch, City face the daunting task of finding long-term replacements for two Premier League legends in David Silva and Sergio Aguero.

Inter Milan's Lautaro Martinez remains the number one choice to fill the number 9 shirt, while The Athletic have reported City had enquired about the availability of Atletico Madrid's Joao Felix, who has endured a difficult start following his £113million move last year from SL Benfica.

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Saif

Nathan Ake in Manchester for Manchester City medical ahead of £41million transfer (Sky Sport)

Nathan Ake is in Manchester and expected to undergo a medical at Manchester City in the next 24 hours ahead of completing a £41million transfer from AFC Bournemouth.

Pep Guardiola is closing in on his man after targeting the Dutch centre-back as a top target to add his defensive resources.

And the path has cleared for the City boss after Chelsea decided not to exercise their option to match the offer for their former player.

Ake would be City's second signing of this summer already after a £21million deal for Valencia winger Ferran Torres was confirmed on Tuesday.

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Saif

OFFICIAL: Manchester City announce signing of Ferran Torres (Sky Sport)

Manchester City have confirmed the signing of Ferran Torres from Valencia.

The Spaniard has signed at the Etihad Stadium for five years with the English club paying an initial 23million euros to Los Che with an additional 12million euros in variables.

Both City and Valencia announced that the deal had been completed on their respective websites on Tuesday evening.

Ferren, 20, underwent his medical examination in Barcelona earlier on Tuesday, due to travel restrictions for travellers arriving from Spain to England.

"I'm very happy to sign for City," the player said to his new club's website upon signing.

"All players want to play for attacking teams, and Manchester City are one of the most attacking in the world.

"Pep [Guardiola] is looking for an open and aggressive style, which is something I love.

"He's a coach known for improving his players, him helping me to develop my game is a dream.

"City have won a lot of titles in the last 10 years and I look forward to helping the club to continue being successful."

Ferran ended 2019/20 season with six goals and eight assists in all competitions.

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Saif

The Etihad Stadium: Hazard's unhappy hunting ground

Eden Hazard hasn't got the best of records at the Etihad Stadium.

The Belgian has scored just once on his eight visits to play Manchester City during his seven-year spell at Chelsea.

Real Madrid will need the forward at the top of his game when they travel to Manchester for the second leg of their Champions League tie with City on Friday.

Injuries have hampered Hazard in his first season at Los Blancos, but he could leave all that behind him with a good performance against Pep Guardiola's men.

"From what we've seen in the last few years in England, he's a world class player," Guardiola said when Real Madrid signed Hazard last summer.

"He's very, very good - among the best I've seen."

Hazard will be wanting to avoid a repeat of his last visit to the Etihad Stadium when his Chelsea side were thrashed 6-0 by Guardiola's City last season.

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Saif

Manchester City pushing for a deal to sign Barcelona's Sergi Roberto

Manchester City are pushing for a deal to sign Barcelona's Sergi Roberto this summer, according to reports.

The versatile 28-year-old can operate as a central midfielder or right-back and came through the youth ranks at the La Liga side, making his debut under Pep Guardiola in 2010.

Spanish newspaper Sport claim City have notified the Catalans of their interest but report that Roberto, who is contracted until 2022, is happy at the Camp Nou.

The Spanish international spent two seasons in the first-team with Guardiola as manager, winning the La Liga title, the Champions League, the FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup.

El Mundo Deportivo reported last month that Roberto would only consider leaving Barca to be reunited with his former boss.

He has been a regular for the Catalans this season, making 37 appearances in all competitions with one goal and two assists to his name.

Despite starting his first five games in the centre of midfield, the majority of Roberto's performances have come at full-back.

He also filled in at centre-back on a couple of occasions including the third round of the Copa del Rey where he captained his side.

A deal could be complicated with Barca considering selling Nelson Semedo which would leave Roberto as the only option at right back.

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Saif

Courtois' challenge: He's never kept a clean sheet against Manchester City

Thibaut Courtois has managed 21 clean sheets across all competitions this season and if he adds another one assist Real Madrid's efforts in qualifying for the last eight of the Champions League.

However, this is not going to be an easy task as the Sky Blues are the team against whom he has the worst ratio of clean sheets per game.

The Belgium international has conceded 11 goals in nine games against Manchester City and has had to pick the ball out of the back of his net at least once in each of the matches.

Of those nine encounters, Courtois' worst performance came on April 16, 2016, in a 3-0 defeat at the Stamford Bridge as Sergio Aguero netted a hat-trick and the goalkeeper receiving his marching orders with 12 minutes to go.

In the Champions League, Courtois has mustered three clean sheets in eight games for Real Madrid, five with Atletico Madrid, and another five while at Chelsea. On August 7, Real Madrid will try to turn around the first leg's 2-1 defeat and the 28-year-old will have the chance to chase the dream of winning his first Champions League trophy.

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Saif

Guardiola's Manchester City have an impressive record at the Etihad Stadium

Pep Guardiola's Manchester City are one of the most consistent and competitive team in Europe, and since the Catalan took charge, they have only been defeated nine times in 106 matches across all competitions at the Etihad Stadium.

In the Champions League they have lost in front of their own fans on just three occasions with Guardiola in charge, with the last defeat coming in September 2018 against Lyon.

Real Madrid will be next side to test Guardiola's men when the two sides meet in the return leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on August 7.

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Saif