Manchester City

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Manchester City returned to pre-season training last week and midfielder Jack Grealish was spotted among the players who had reported for duty.

But any immediate hopes of seeing the 30-year-old donning a City shirt once more were dashed on Tuesday night when he missed out on a seat on the plane for the club's tour of Hong Kong and Seoul over the next 11 days.

Sources have said Grealish continues to recuperate from a season-ending foot injury sustained in January during a loan spell at Everton, where he was starting to recapture his best form, and it is too early to speculate what the future might hold.

The injury ended not only his time at Hill Dickinson Stadium but an outside shout at playing at the World Cup for England too.

Having seemingly been discarded by former boss Pep Guardiola, Grealish now finds himself back at City as he enters the final 12 months of his contract with little sign of being offered new terms on his reported £300,000-a-week wages.

The former Aston Villa captain turns 31 in September and the key question is whether new boss Enzo Maresca will reintegrate him into the first-team set-up or be happy to sanction a move which will end his time at Etihad Stadium.

The Italian left the door open last week, saying: "At the moment, he is here. He is a Manchester City player. I always said the same. In any club I join, I like to know if there are players that belong to the club.

"It's my duty to try to coach them. Jack is here. I have a good relationship with Jack since I left. Also, we keep in touch, and the reason why is because he has a big heart and he is a very good guy. So this is the reason why and then we see what happens."

How do you feel about Grealish's future at the club? Would you like to see him back on the pitch in a City shirt?

Get in touch with your views here

Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips is finalising a loan to Championship side Sheffield United after being left out of the club's squad list for their pre-season tour. (Mail), external

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Video assistant referees should only be used to change "blatantly incorrect" decisions and clear missed incidents, say European refereeing officials.

Chief refereeing officers from all 55 European national football associations met last week with Uefa refereeing officials and a representative from the International Football Association Board (Ifab) to address recent changes to the game's laws.

Attendees said "lengthy, microscoping reviews" indicate VAR has gone beyond its original scope.

When VAR was added to the laws of the game in 2018 by football's rulemakers Ifab, its "philosophy" was "minimum interference - maximum benefit", with the intention of reducing "unfairness caused by clear and obvious errors or serious missed incidents" relating to goals, penalties, direct red cards and mistaken identity.

Uefa said that at its recent meeting that refereeing bosses agreed a return to those original aims is needed.

"It was reiterated that, in accordance with protocol, VAR must only intervene in situations of 'clear and obvious' error, ie. when a referee decision is blatantly incorrect or when the referee has missed a clear incident," Uefa said in a statement.

"VAR is not meant to re-referee the game, it is an essential support to the referees, who must remain at the centre of all decision-making.

"Lengthy, microscoping reviews are often a symptom revealing that the decision on the field was not clearly and obviously incorrect, and should therefore be limited."

Manchester City winger Savinho is open to leaving the club with a view to exploring a move to Tottenham.

The Brazil international is a key target for Spurs head coach Roberto de Zerbi and City are aware of the interest in the 22-year-old.

It is understood Savinho is keen to leave during this transfer window, with the machinations towards his potential move to London now under way.

The attacker joined City from sister club Troyes for £30.8m in July 2024, having spent the previous season on loan at Spanish side Girona.

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Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol has officially signed a new five-year contract to extend his stay at Etihad Stadium.

The 24-year-old, who joined the club from RB Leipzig in August 2023, has since made 122 appearances and won six trophies under previous manager Pep Guardiola.

Gvardiol contributed two goals and five assists across 25 appearances last season, while also representing Croatia at his second World Cup this summer.

He also played a pivotal role as Manchester City became the first team in English football to secure four consecutive top-flight titles in 2023-24.

"As soon as I knew City wanted to renew my contract, I felt straight away that it was what I wanted," Gvardiol said. "The fans have been unbelievable with me from day one and the club provides absolutely everything for its players.

"It is the best club in the world to be at. I have felt so much love and respect during my three years here, and I don't take that for granted.

"The players we have here are amazing. This is a world-class squad that is young and full of potential.

"I truly believe we will have a lot of success in the coming years."

Director of football Hugo Viana added: "He epitomises what we want in our defenders. He can play in multiple positions, he is quick and strong, and when he attacks he does it superbly.

"He is exceptional, but the way he conducts himself is also very impressive. This young man is determined to be the best he can be - an approach totally aligned with our overall vision."

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Manchester City midfielder Rodri will be sidelined for a "short period of rehabilitation" following back surgery.

New manager Enzo Maresca said on Friday that Rodri would have an operation on Monday, and that he "needs a holiday, he needs to rest and recover and then he will be back with us".

No timeline has been set for his return.

City face Arsenal in the Community Shield on 16 August before their Premier League opener against Bournemouth on 23 August.

City said Rodri had been "feeling discomfort for some time but has now undergone a procedure to address the issue".

Rodri, who has a year left on his contract, has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid after guiding Spain to World Cup glory this month. He was named player of the tournament.

His past two seasons have been heavily disrupted by injury, and he missed most of City's 2024-25 campaign with a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

• Read more on the story

Former Manchester City midfielder Izzy Christiansen says she is excited for "a new era" under Enzo Maresca, but believes patience will be key as the Italian adjusts to his new job at Etihad Stadium.

Maresca left his role as Pep Guardiola's assistant manager over three years ago, in favour of becoming Leicester City manager.

"The signing of Elliot Anderson is absolutely terrific," Christiansen told BBC Radio Manchester. "Having watched him play at Nottingham Forest last season, and recently at the World Cup, he is unbelievable.

"His energy in midfield and his forward passes will be important. Him and Rodri are going to be pretty bulletproof in the centre of the park.

"It is a really exciting dawn for Manchester City. After 10 years of Pep Guardiola, football moves on and it is time for a new era.

"The club are clearly fond of Enzo Maresca. I'm really excited to see what he does with this team. I do think we will have to be patient with him though. Despite being at the club before, a head coach role is a completely different landscape.

"Phil Foden signing a new contract is absolutely brilliant news as well. I just hope that we see him in his best form next season. I reckon he is going to bounce back and thrive under the new manager.

"I do really hope there is a title push as well, because that is what the club demands. This club is all about winning."

Listen to the full conversation above or listen on BBC Sounds

Paris St-Germain have no plans to pursue a move for Manchester City midfielder Rodri. (Sky Sports), external

However, City are bracing themselves for a bid from Spanish giants Real Madrid for Rodri, but remain hopeful he will sign a new contract.(Guardian), external

Meanwhile, PSG and Senegal forward Ibrahim Mbaye has been offered to both City and Liverpool after his agents made it clear the 18-year-old will not be joining Aston Villa this summer. (Teamtalk), external

Leeds United are set to agree a £40m deal to sign City goalkeeper James Trafford. (Athletic - subscription required), external

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English football is set to implement a trial to try to eradicate the goalkeeper tactical timeout this season, BBC Sport can reveal.

The Football Association, Premier League, English Football League, National League and Women's Super League have agreed on the measure, pending permission from the International Football Association Board (Ifab).

Earlier this year, Ifab decided against changing the law and invited leagues to volunteer for trials.

Pro Ref, led by chief refereeing officer Howard Webb, has been in discussions with the leagues to determine how to tackle the issue. It settled on a team having to remove an outfield player from the field.

If a referee signals that the physio can come on to treat a goalkeeper, the coach will have 10 seconds to nominate another player to leave the pitch for one minute, telling the fourth official of their choice.

If no player has been selected within 10 seconds, the captain must leave the field.

Read more on the trial

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We asked for your views on Rodri potentially leaving Manchester City this summer.

Here are some of your comments:

Joseph: Losing Rodri would be a massive blow to the team, he's been a fantastic servant over the past few years and has been a strong warrior regardless of injuries. To lose Rodri would put a hole in the team that would take time to fill. However if he desires to go back to Spain and play for a club, he deserves a starting spot at Real Madrid as they are the best team in Spain by miles so it's only right.

Bertie: Worried. Rodri is just getting better, he proved that in his World Cup performances after a season of injuries.

Ian: Rodri should go. He has done so much for City and the Premier League but should transfer to Spain and enjoy all the atmosphere there that being world champions must bring. Go and enjoy it, we are grateful for all you have done for us but now is the time for you to reap the rewards and the attention you deserve!

Roger: Quite worried about losing Rodri. He provides a balance, stability and leadership to our midfield and overall to our team. With all lot of new, young players in the squad we need a player like Rodri who can help guide our new players. So we should try our very hardest to keep him. However, if he so desperately wants to leave, I would rather let him go rather than him play sadly for our team. If he goes to Real Madrid a lot of love we've had for him will go. We've stuck with him through his ACL and now he wants to leave us for the club that critiqued him. A tad disappointing from someone who can be our future captain.

Harry: Rodri leaving is obviously damaging for the team. On a personal level though, I'm relatively unbothered about Rodri leaving, he's never felt fully entwined with City like Kevin De Bruyne was. Real Madrid boycotted his Ballon d'Or and he's still joining them instead of signing a new contract. If he was leaving for Barcelona or Atletico I'd probably understand his reasons better. Nico Gonzalez has shown desire to play for us, give him the position and let Rodri go with our gratitude and best wishes for his future.

Russ: If he signs a new deal there won't be a supporter who isn't pleased. City can deal with the other possibilities however. There may be some merit in holding him to the final year of his contract. If he leaves this summer it will mean money in the bank. There was a time when City would be looking to mop up players who Real Madrid had seen the best years of. The reverse situation we find ourselves in I find slightly amusing.

Freddie: I think Elliot Anderson gives good depth but it would certainly be better for us to have them playing side by side in that central position. I also believe since John Stones has left, we might need Rodri's defensive help a bit more with Abdukodir Khusanov and Marc Guehi at the back. Might be wrong, but I think it's in our best interest to keep him a bit longer and help people settle under Enzo Maresca before cashing in possibly in January or next summer.

Umir Irfan
Football tactics correspondent

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The plan seems clear for Rodri - look to retain one of the best players in world football rather than sell him.

But there will have to be contingencies in place.

One of these will be the presence of Elliot Anderson, while Manchester City are monitoring 18-year-old Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, who impressed for Morocco in the World Cup.

To understand how Rodri, Anderson and someone like Bouaddi might come together, it is key to understand Maresca's game model.

As a disciple of positional play, he draws comparisons between his football and chess.

"There are a lot of similarities," Maresca said. "The most important is positional play and strategy.

"For a coach, it's important to have the mentality of a chess player: develop a plan, study counter-moves, choose the arrangement of the pieces."

Maresca's strategy has largely been rooted in an on-the-ball shape that looks like a 3-2-2-3.

One of Rodri's most useful qualities in a Maresca side would be his ability to move between these predefined positions on the pitch.

Throughout the World Cup, for example, we saw him drop into the backline when former City team-mate Aymeric Laporte pushed up with the ball.

Naturally, Rodri spent most of the game in a holding midfield position, but when space opened up he was more than capable of pushing forward too.

At their best, Maresca's sides use rotations of players within the 3-2-2-3. His innovation often comes in the form of creating this shape in new ways.

Defending as a 4-4-2 before attacking in the 3-2-2-3, it was John Stones who stepped up from centre-back into a midfield pair with Rodri during City's Treble-winning season, when Maresca was assistant manager.

At Chelsea, one of Maresca's more unique tweaks involved playing Moises Caicedo at right-back. Defending with a back four before again attacking in a 3-2-2-3 shape, Caicedo would move from right-back into one of the holding midfield positions.

• Read more on Manchester City's use of Rodri

Umir Irfan
Football tactics correspondent

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Manchester City will look better with Rodri, who possesses an understanding of positioning, speed and risk that Elliot Anderson and future signings may take time to grasp.

After all, it took Rodri a few seasons to navigate the change in environment under Fernandinho's wing.

But should he leave Etihad Stadium, Enzo Maresca has previously shown an impressive ability to recognise positions players could move into but haven't yet done: John Stones into holding midfield, Moises Caicedo into full-back, Marc Cucurella into attacking midfield... the list goes on.

Whether or not City further bolster their squad, Maresca will hope to have a greater number of pieces to place on his board - a departure from Pep Guardiola's approach of maintaining a smaller squad.

That factor - and this holds true whether or not Rodri stays - should give City's new boss a greater chance of landing on a working formula this season.

How worried are you about potentially losing Rodri this summer? What would City have to do if that happens?

Get in touch with your views here

Read more about Man City's Rodri dilemma

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Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov says he is "growing and learning a lot as a player" after signing a new five-year contract at Etihad Stadium.

The 22-year-old, who became the first Uzbek player to sign for a Premier League club in January 2025, made 37 appearances under Pep Guardiola last season.

"This is a great day for me and my family," Khusanov said. "I am really happy to extend my stay at City. I've enjoyed every minute since I arrived in Manchester.

"I feel I am growing and learning a lot as a player. I have a new challenge now, which is to impress Enzo Maresca and his staff. I also want to ensure I am in his team regularly. I am determined to do that.

"Thank you to the City fans for all of your support - it has been really important as I have settled in England and the Premier League.

"Now I am only looking forward. I am ready to do everything I can to help this club be as successful as possible."

Khusanov's helped City secure a domestic cup double in his first full season with the club, and he featured in both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup finals at Wembley.

Director of football Hugo Viana added: "We are seeing him grow into a brilliant young man and an outstanding defender, but we know this is only the beginning.

"His physical and technical abilities are top. He has all the assets needed to be a world-class centre-back.

"At just 22 years old, his best years are all in front of him and his potential to get even better is clear for all to see."

Chelsea will demand a significant fee for Portugal winger Pedro Neto, 26, amid interest from Manchester City, Liverpool and Saudi Arabian teams. (Mail), external

Tottenham are favourites to sign winger Savinho from Manchester City. (Sun), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

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Millie Sian
BBC Sport journalist

Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca has been speaking to the media for the first time since his appointment.

Here are the key lines from Friday's news conference:

• Maresca said it feels "very good" to be back at Etihad Stadium, having left his role as Manchester City assistant manager to become Leicester City boss over three years ago.

• On what excited him about the job: "I know the organisation quite well. When a club has only changed managers three times in 17 years, it shows how serious the structure is. The people here understand the need to give time for everything."

• Maresca has "no doubts" about following in the footsteps of serial-winner Pep Guardiola, adding that the club's decision to appoint him is a "privilege" and it will be a "nice challenge" for him.

• He continued: "I also understand the history of managers leaving after many years, like Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger, and clubs always struggling a little bit afterwards, but it is a challenge for me to try to do the right things immediately for this club and its fans."

• On the brand of football he wants to bring to Etihad Stadium: "We will always try to be aggressive off the ball, control the game and be the ones forcing our idea - and, most importantly, try to win games." He also pointed to the "clear identity of football" he implemented at Leicester City and Chelsea.

• It is his "duty to find solutions" to Premier League teams relying more heavily on set-pieces and man-to-man marking - and he recognises the need to "adapt and evolve" as a football manager.

• He anticipates he will have his full squad back in training "three or four days before the Community Shield final", but the new boss is enjoying seeing "the young players who are full of energy" in action.

• On whether he anticipates more transfer business after securing Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson in a £116m deal: "There is always something to be done because of the dynamic of the transfer window. There are still a few things to do, but we are in the process of doing that."

• Rodri is naturally drawing transfer speculation because he is a "big player and now a World Cup winner". However, the defensive midfielder is set to have surgery on his back on Monday, then he will need a holiday to rest and recover before "being back here with us".

• He has "a good relationship" with Jack Grealish, who has returned from his season-long loan at Aston Villa, explaining: "Even when I left, we kept in touch. The reason for that is because he has a big heart and he is a very good guy." However, it is unclear whether his future lies at City.

• On Leeds United reportedly being in talks to sign James Trafford: "When the transfer window is open, anything can happen. We will see with him but, at the moment, he is still one of our goalkeepers."

Hit play above to hear more from Maresca or listen on BBC Sounds here

Watch Maresca's first news conference in full here

Former Manchester City captain Paul Lake hopes Jack Grealish will be "given an opportunity" under new manager Enzo Maresca, as he believes the left winger brings "great attitude and personality".

The club triggered a £100m release clause to prise Grealish away from boyhood club Aston Villa in August 2021. Since then, he has won three Premier Leagues, the Champions League, the FA Cup, the Super Cup and the Club World Cup at Eithad Stadium.

However, after dropping out of Pep Guardiola's starting XI, the 30-year-old joined Everton on a season-long loan for the 2025-26 campaign in search of first-team minutes.

Speaking on BBC Radio Manchester, Lake said: "There is no reason why it can't happen. All of these players have got their own egos.

"Jack Grealish will say: 'Of course I can play in that team, I've done it before and I can do it again.' He does bring something different. He has experience, so he can deliver in high-pressure moments.

"He brings a great attitude and personality as well. He was so loved by the rest of the squad at Manchester City, you can even see that now when they are all walking around. There is a genuineness to that.

"That is something else that will be really healthy for the squad, especially for new players like Elliot Anderson with his price tag on his shoulders. It won't be easy for him to manage, but people like Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland will help him do that.

"I hope he is given an opportunity under Enzo Maresca. If he is, it will be two almost-new signings for the manager. That will certainly bolster the whole atmosphere in the changing room."

Listen to the full conversation above or listen on BBC Sounds