The summer transfer window has now begun, with rumours and speculation continuing to swirl as Manchester City eye possible reinforcements.
The 2018-19 champions did not bring in a single player during the January transfer window, despite suffering a defensive shortage for much of the 2019-20 campaign, but they have already started their business for the summer.
Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest news on possible comings and goings at the Etihad.
Wednesday morning's Manchester City transfer talk news roundup:
Manchester City 'consider Diego Carlos, Jose Gimenez bids'
© Reuters
Manchester City are reportedly contemplating whether to switch their attention away from Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly.
The Premier League giants have been heavily linked with the Senegal international in recent months but they have failed to make progress with a bid.
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has recently suggested that there is reluctance on City's part to hold direct discussions regarding the centre-back.
According to Sport, City are considering their options, aware that they ideally need to sign another player for that position in the coming weeks.
Sevilla's Diego Carlos and Atletico Madrid's Jose Gimenez are both said to have been mentioned by Pep Guardiola and sporting director Txiki Begiristain.
Their respective clubs may also be willing to do a deal below Koulibaly's valuation, said to be in the region of £60m.
John Stones set to stay at Manchester City?
© Reuters
Manchester City defender John Stones is reportedly desperate to stay at the Etihad and fight for his place in Pep Guardiola's starting lineup.
The former Everton man struggled for regular game time during the 2019-20 campaign and was restricted to just 12 starts in the Premier League for the Citizens.
Furthermore, City have recently acquired fellow centre-back Nathan Ake from Bournemouth, while Napoli's Kalidou Koulibaly and Atletico Madrid's Jose Gimenez are also being linked with moves to the Etihad.
Nevertheless, The Telegraph claims that Stones is unfazed by any potential new arrivals, and the 26-year-old is keen to prove to Guardiola that he is worthy of a spot in the first XI.
Arsenal and Chelsea have previously been credited with an interest in Stones, but the two London rivals have brought in other defensive reinforcements ahead of the Premier League's return this weekend.
Stones has turned out 133 times for City since arriving in a £47.5m deal from Everton in 2016, scoring five goals in that time.
More transfer news from Manchester City:
Angelino returns to RB Leipzig on loan from Manchester City
Angelino impressed during a loan spell at the German club last season. Read more.
