Manchester City linked with Leon Bailey and Julian Weigl as part of summer investment

Even before their septem horribilis, Manchester City were planning to break the habit of a lifetime and spend some money in the transfer market this summer. Today’s rags suggest those plans have not changed too much, with Pep Guardiola wanting only a defensive midfielder and a winger – not an entirely new defensive concept. He has a number of targets for both positions. Midfield possibilities include Borussia Dortmund’s Julian Weigl, Napoli’s Jorginho and São Paolo utility player Éder Militão. Chelsea and Manchester United are also keen on Militão.

The wingers for whom the new Tinder partners would swipe right, left, whatever include Riyad Mahrez, Monaco’s Thomas Lemar and the Jamaican sensation Leon Bailey. City aren’t the only big club who will splashing the cash this summer, even if that phrase is a bit redundant in an age of digital bank transfers and contactless payments. Not that you could use contactless for a £50m payment.

For some unknown reason, José Mourinho is still unconvinced about the long-term potential of wild-tackling 32-year-old converted winger Ashley Young at left back, so he is keeping a keen one on Spurs’ Danny Rose. Spurs are resigned to losing Rose, and are preparing to click the mouse on a £20m move for West Ham’s Arthur Masuaku. Chelsea, who are able to read the mind of their as yet unknown new manager for next season and make transfer plans accordingly, also want Masuaku.

READ MORE: What absolutely will happen in the Premier League this weekend

In a post-Pep world, full-backs are the new sex, and there’s plenty to go round. Southampton’s Ryan Bertrand is being monitored by Spurs, Manchester United, Newcastle and Everton. United are also among those who are keen on Benfica’s attacking sensation Joao Felix. He has a £52m release clause even though he has never played for the first team. Arsenal, Milan and PSG are also keen.

PSG fancy their chances of luring Thibaut Courtois from Chelsea, though Real Madrid might have something to say about that.

Any other business? Yes there is, and we’ve dusted off the videprinter especially.
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... Arsenal, Bayern and PSG want the Chelsea forward Kenedy ...
... And, as for Gareth Bale, he will instead join Inter Milan. Told you!