Kevin De Bruyne dilemma and chairman's warning - Man City transfer state of play

Manchester City have taken the first steps to strengthen their squad for next season after Stefan Ortega signed a new contract.

There remains Saudi interest in Ederson though as well as Kevin De Bruyne, who actively welcomed it this week as he spoke about how he has to be open to everything in his situation. There was also comment from City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak this week, warning that clubs would not be able to do as much in the window as they normally would due to financial restrictions imposed by the Premier League.

As Pep Guardiola takes a well-deserved holiday, Txiki Begiristain and the recruitment team are hard at work to try and ensure the Blues are in a position to challenge for a fifth successive Premier League title. Here is how the window is shaping up.

Goalkeepers

Not normally an area of interest but things really livened up with news that Ortega could stay and that Ederson could leave. Come in, Scott Carson?

In reality, it still feels more likely that Ederson stays given Pep Guardiola has confirmed that he remains No.1. That news was hammered home at the weekend by Begiristain's comments about Ortega being a No.2. It is good news for the club that they have tied the German down to another short contract extension, although the framing of that has made clear that the place in the team is still Ederson's to lose.

City still have to have a goalkeeper lined up to sign in the window to protect themselves against losing a goalkeeper that they have complete faith in, but the Ortega news should calm the situation down.

Defenders

City will get £20m from Southampton given a clause in Taylor Harwood-Bellis' loan deal was activated when they earned promotion to the Premier League. A similar deal could be struck for Callum Doyle, who impressed at Leicester under new Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca despite a serious injury and will not be short of suitors for either another loan or a permanent deal; Yan Couto could also raise funds after a good spell at Girona.

The Joao Cancelo issue remains too, with no way back for him at the Etihad but a contract until 2027 and an ability that should warrant a decent price. Barcelona, where he has been this season, are unlikely to be able to find a value that City are happy with given their money problems so the Blues will be left hoping that agent Jorge Mendes can work some magic if they are not to end up with a cut-price sale or another loan.

Kyle Walker almost signed for Bayern Munich last summer and has interest in him this year including from Saudi clubs, but spoke recently about being happy to remain at the Etihad even if it means fewer appearances next season. Former City youngster Jeremie Frimpong has just won the league with that incredible unbeaten season at Leverkusen and has been mentioned to potentially return to the Blues, although that move is not thought to be being actively considered.

Rico Lewis could be the most high-profile player to depart, although City will not be entertaining a permanent exit. He will be aiming to kick on next season, even if he has said he sees himself moving into midfield rather than playing full-back, and if City are unable to offer him more regular football a loan may be best for all parties.

Midfield

Is this finally the year that Bernardo Silva leaves? The tireless midfielder has been open for a new challenge for four seasons now yet he has been so valuable that nobody has been able to come up with an acceptable offer.

Paris Saint-Germain came in last summer and are the club expected to have the most serious interest again, with reports of a £50m release clause in the contract signed by Silva last year that would surely be within their grasp - particularly with Kylian Mbappe now off the wage bill. However, there is nothing currently live with the situation with Silva currently gearing up for the Euros with Portugal.

De Bruyne is being eyed as a marquee signing for the Saudi Pro League and has gone on the record to show himself to be open to that prospect after showing his enduring value to City with 10 Premier League assists this season despite missing the first half of the season with injury. City cannot expect the 32-year-old to go on forever, but he has shown that he still has the engine and motivation to compete at the highest level if they are willing to offer a new deal.

Matheus Nunes endured a difficult first season at the Etihad, although Guardiola was happy enough with the potential and application shown by the former Wolves man and he will surely get another chance to develop. The same can't be said for Kalvin Phillips after two years of going backwards, although recouping anything close to the £45m fee will be difficult; Leeds getting promotion would present as romantic a return as the West Yorkshire town can be considered romantic.

With such doubts over the midfield - and surely an extra body needed to give Rodri more protection - Bruno Guimaraes has emerged as the player with the strongest links to City after West Ham's Lucas Paqueta was found to be guilty in an FA betting investigation. Guimaraes would cost up to £100m, and with few deals standing out it wouldn't be a surprise if City decide to stick rather than twist.

Claudio Echeverri has already been bought for an initial £12.5m from River Plate, although he is understood to be staying there for the rest of the calendar year. It will be interesting to see if he comes to Manchester in the January window or moves elsewhere, probably within the City Football Group.

Forwards

Savio was the early news, with the on-loan Girona forward expected to complete a move from Troyes to City once the CFG phonelines can get a conference call going. Another direct winger who loves to take defenders on, it offers up the possibility of City's attack taking on a different outlook next season if he impresses in pre-season.

Despite that, and despite a difficult year that he has admitted to, there is very little serious suggestion that Jack Grealish could be moved on. The former Villa man has shown again how he improves the XI when he plays even if those matches have been too few recently.

Julian Alvarez has attracted attention in recent days with links to clubs including Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea. The Argentine is within his rights to try to force a move, but the Blues are not looking to sell and would command a monster fee for one of the most valuable players in world football given the 24-year-old has three years remaining on his deal

Oscar Bobb is expected to stay around the squad, and there is a decision to be made on the returning James McAtee after a year at Sheffield United that didn't go as well as the previous one. He will have plenty of interest and would generate a good fee, although may want to try and force his way in at the Etihad.