Man City hatch perfect Erling Haaland transfer backup plan as John Stones sends England message

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 26: Erling Haaland of Manchester City poses with the Premier League trophy on the Open Top Bus during the Manchester City trophy parade on May 26, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images)
-Credit: (Image: Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images)


Pep Guardiola will be keen to further bolster his squad after winning a historic fourth successive Premier League title. Manchester City have already been linked with some big names but, for now, it remains to be seen whether or not they'll wheel out the war chest.

Last year, the English champions forked out over £250million on Josko Gvardiol, Jermey Doku, Matheus Nunes and Mateo Kovacic. After heavily investing in two midfielders, a midfielder and a winger, Guardiola may be inclined to sign a new goalkeeper.

Ederson currently faces an uncertain future at the Etihad Stadium, but it remains unclear at the moment if the Brazilian will leave. So, with that being said, the Manchester Evening News have rounded up the latest City news and transfer gossip on Saturday, June 15.

ALSO READ: 'One thing is certain' – Erling Haaland's agent drops major update on striker's Man City future

ALSO READ: Grealish, Haaland, Phillips – How Man City could line up vs Celtic and Barcelona in pre-season

City target La Liga talisman

According to HITC, Manchester City are 'huge admirers' of Artem Dovbyk. The 26-year-old striker enjoyed a brilliant campaign for Girona in La Liga this season, beating Jude Bellingham, Robert Lewandowski and Antoine Griezmann to the Golden Boot.

The report states that the Premier League champions see Dovbyk as a potential replacement for Erling Haaland should he leave one day. The Ukrainian has been heavily linked with a move to Atletico Madrid lately as they look to sign a new talisman.

Stones issues injury update

John Stones has provided an injury update ahead of England's clash against Serbia on Sunday. Speaking to reporters, the Manchester City defender said: "[I'm] great, really good. I have been topping up after training today [Friday].

"I am on track with everyone else and am looking to do my extras to catch up on what I have missed out on and in the gym as well. I feel great physically. I am looking forward to it now.”

"I was worried at first," Stojes said, when asked about his injury scare in the Iceland game. "You think ‘I have fractured it’. You think the worst at the start and we got some scans back and [it was] really minor stuff and came through it, which is great.

"I thought if I have fractured it, get the docs, tablets, injections, whatever it is, I don’t want to miss out...if it was bad, I was ready to go and gladly it wasn’t."

Foden tipped to impress

John Stones believes Phil Foden could win player of the tournament at Euro 2024. Ahead of England's clash against Serbia on Sunday, The Manchester City defender said: "Yes, I’m biased, I think he’s absolutely incredible.

"First how he plays the game, so silky playing like he’s in the park. I feel like he has brought so much to his game. Goals, maturity, knowing of situations, his pressing. This season has been incredible for him and I hope and I’m sure he will bring that to the tournament."

Stones added: "I think it probably suits Phil that maybe that it's not all on him. I believe and we all know that the quality that he's got what he can bring and does for the team and I think in these occasions, it's where it brings out of you and maybe it's time to show the world what he can really do."