Gossip: Dani Alves 'wants Premier League move', Man City 'leading race for De Jong'

Manchester City have been in the news for a week after struggling to convince Der Spiegel about the credibility of their plans to comply with Financial Fair Play, but that isn’t going to stop them from splashing out in the transfer market – at least according to reports.

Their next target is Ajax midfielder Frenkie De Jong, already a Dutch international at 21. City and Manchester United both want the player, rated at around £50 million, but it appears that De Jong is closer to linking up with Pep Guardiola. Both clubs also want young central defender Matthijs De Ligt, but Barcelona look set to win the race for him, the Mail reports.

The plans for yet another transfer come despite the numerous investigations that could be launched into Sheikh Mansour’s club. FIFA are looking into claims that they have breached third-party ownership regulations with Danish club Nordsjaelland. UEFA have been confronted with the possibility that their FFP rules have been flouted with off-the-books income streams from other sources. The Premier League recently mentioned their commitment to investigating non-compliance with similar rules, and HMRC could soon be looking at the tax affairs of players and managers.

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None of that has been enough to convince City to lay low for the next transfer window, and instead they will continue to support Guardiola, their Spanish manager. After a 3-1 win over Manchester United on Sunday afternoon, they again look favourites to secure a Premier League title – but the chances of any victories being accompanied by an asterisk in the history books are rising.

Dani Alves plans Premier League move

Speaking to promote a film about the new Barcelona film, Dani Alves has said he will not entertain finishing his career without first playing in the Premier League.

The Paris Saint-Germain full-back is recovering from a cruciate ligament injury that has kept him out of action since May, but he is close to a return to full fitness. He explained in an interview with the Telegraph that he turned down Pep Guardiola once already, when a move to Manchester City was proposed. He also is rumoured to have elected to remain at Barcelona for one more season instead of joining Louis van Gaal’s Manchester United.

“The idea that I might finish my career without going to the Premier League, it is not possible,”Alves said.

“For sure, this is the most amazing football in the world. First, because of the respect for the players from the fans, and then because of the passion on the pitch. If I can play, that would be perfect, but I will make it there one way or the other.”

Everton face competition for Brahimi

Everton have their eye on a potential bargain, with Yacine Brahimi out of contract at the end of the season. But they are not the only club to be interested in the 28-year-old playmaker.

With his contract up at Porto at the end of the season, Everton, Newcastle United and West Ham are all monitoring the situation.

Everton boss Marco Silva’s knowledge of the player from his time in Portugal may give him the edge in convincing him to make any switch, and Newcastle may be priced out of a move, the Sun report. Manuel Pellegrini’s attacking approach, and ability to offer life in London, could also be a factor.