Man City plot two more summer transfers – and their positions have been decided
Premier League champions Manchester City are eyeing Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips and Brighton defender Marc Cucurella as they aim to bolster their squad this summer.
Pep Guardiola's side claimed their fourth top-flight crown in five seasons thanks to a final day comeback against Aston Villa, but they aren't resting on their laurels. City have acted quickly to sanction a mega-money deal for Borussia Dortmund ace Erling Haaland, who has bagged a mind-boggling 86 goals in 89 appearances at the Westfalenstadion.
Falling short in the Champions League, January recruit Julian Alvarez will also come into the fold next season after bagging a double hat-trick for River Plate in the Copa Libertadores. Guardiola will not be short of striking options next season, that much is for sure.
Now attention turns to bulking up the rest of the squad ahead of a gruelling 2022/23 campaign. The Cityzens are aiming to delve deep into every competition over the next 12 months and perhaps even succeed where Liverpool failed – completing the quadruple.
Guardiola has urged the board to back him once again in the transfer market by signing a new midfielder to replace outgoing club captain Fernandinho as well as a new left-back. Joao Cancelo's versatility has helped cover the left-sided full-back during the previous season but Guardiola would prefer a naturally left-footed defender to occupy that position.
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The Telegraph report Marc Cucurella at Brighton has been earmarked as a potential recruit following an impressive debut campaign in the Premier League. The Spaniard claimed the south coast sides' Player of the Year award at their end of season do and has not ruled out a move away in the summer.
"The goal [at Brighton] was to develop so the big clubs can take notice," he told Jijantes, via Manchester Evening News. "But if the opportunity arises, you have to take advantage of it.
"There are teams that you can’t say no to. No, sincerely no [Pep Guardiola has not called]. Of course, there are rumours. If people are talking like this about you, it's a good thing. We're calm; the most important thing right now is to rest."
Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips is tipped as Guardiola's first choice to replace Fernandinho. The England international was expected to move on if the club suffered relegation back to the Championship, but his future still remains uncertain after ensuring the Whites' Premier League status.
Phillips has also been monitored by Manchester United but it is believed his hometown ties are a huge stumbling block. The 26-year-old would not be willing to tarnish his reputation at Leeds to move across the Pennines.
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