Man City transfer news: Jovic, Rice, Aouar, Fekir, Delph, Ohio

Jovic hints at Prem move

Manchester City have been given a boost in their pursuit of Eintracht Frankfurt forward Luka Jovic.

The Manchester Evening News reports that the 21-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid this summer. There has also been interest from Manchester United, but apparently the young striker is keeping his options open for the time being.

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In conversation with German publication Die Welt, Jovic was asked if his move to Real was done and dusted.

He replied: “In terms of the physique, the Bundesliga is very demanding, but after the games against Chelsea or Inter Milan, I personally had the feeling that I could feel even better [playing] in the Premier League or Serie A. The way the teams play there suits me better.”

It’s believed that City boss Pep Guardiola has had Jovic scouted this season and the Serbian intimated that a move to the Etihad would be the right one for his development.

“I’m looking forward to seeing my level compared to the best players in the world,” he said. “One thing is clear: I want to succeed in my career.”

Rice focused on Hammers

Declan Rice has also been linked with both Manchester clubs but the England midfielder insists he is only focused on playing for West Ham United.

The 20-year-old told Sky Sports: “Everything’s good. I know there’s speculation but during the season I signed a new five-year contract with West Ham, so my focus is fully on playing for West Ham.

“I have a great connection with the fans. The fans love me, I love them, and that’s the way it is at the moment. I’m not thinking about anything else.”

Aouar chooses blue

Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar has decided that he would prefer to join Manchester City and not Liverpool this summer, according to talkSPORT.

The broadcaster claims that the 20-year-old Frenchman has been on Jurgen Klopp’s radar in recent months but Aouar has his heart set on becoming a Sky Blue after remarks made by Pep Guardiola after City’s 2-2 draw in November’s Champions League encounter.

“Aouar is a very good player, he is incredible,” said City gaffer Guardiola. “He’s always very calm with the ball at his feet.”

Asked by French broadcaster Canal+ about the possibility of signing for City, the playmaker made a come-and-get-men plea to the Premier League champions: “Wouldn’t you like to play for Manchester City? They are a big European club. Then there is Pep Guardiola who is the reference for me in terms of a manager. He sees everything before anyone else.”

However, Lyon are determined not to be steamrolled by City with sporting director Juninho declaring: “Houssem Aouar is an amazing technical player. We must keep him.”

Fekir bid

One wonders if the same determination will apply to another Lyon star said to be on City’s radar, with Spanish newspaper Sport claiming that the Sky Blues have tabled a bid for creative playmaker Nabil Fekir.

Liverpool reportedly failed in a bid to land him last year, but with just a year to go on his contract the Ligue 1 club are now prepared to cash in on the 25-year-old Frenchman.

Hammers eye Delph

Guardiola’s predecessor at the Etihad, Manuel Pellegrini, is eyeing a summer move for Fabian Delph, claims the Manchester Evening News.

The West Ham United manager brought Delph to City from Aston Villa in 2015 during his time in charge of the Sky Blues and now it seems Pellegrini wants a reunion with the 29-year-old England international.

The MEN says that the defender is “available for around £15m”, and he would be open to a move south after struggling for game time under Guardiola.

Ohio turns down deal

Sky Sports News understands that teenage striker Noah Ohio has turned down the chance of a new contract at Manchester City.

The highly-rated 16-year-old could now join one of Europe’s top clubs as he looks to develop his career on the continent.