Enzo Maresca 'ready and waiting' to take over from Pep Guardiola at Manchester City - Paper Round

Guardiola is not yet close to revealing his intention for next season despite a contract running until 2027.

Man City are chasing a seventh Premier League title under Guardiola, while Maresca is out of work since leaving Chelsea in January.

The i Paper claims: ”Enzo Maresca is ‘ready and waiting’ to take over from Pep Guardiola this summer if, as many in football circles increasingly believe, the Manchester City boss decides to call time on his glittering spell at the Etihad.

”Guardiola is keeping his cards characteristically close to his chest when it comes to a decision over whether to see out the two-year contract he signed in 2025. The i Paper has been told, however, that City’s succession planning has seen them sound out Maresca – to the extent that the former Chelsea boss is now seen as ”off limits” by other top Premier League and European clubs who are searching for a manager.

”Succession planning has been one of the areas City have become a market leader in, with several sources telling The i Paper that should Guardiola go this summer, there are plans in place beyond the next appointment.

"One source close to the club said that Vincent Kompany being appointed manager in a few years, after Maresca has steadied a transitional City side, is ‘inevitable’.”

Newcastle United are interested in signing Lens goalkeeper Robin Risser, although Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford remains the ideal candidate.

Frenchman Risser could cost the north-east club up to £20 million, but Newcastle would prefer to land former Burnley shot-stopper Trafford.

The Sun claims: ”Newcastle have added Lens ace Robin Risser to their goalkeeper wishlist.

”Toon have scouted the Ligue 1 star for several months and are now weighing up a potential £20 million swoop for the 21-year-old French youth international. And he is one of four goalies Eddie Howe is monitoring as the Mags boss looks to solve a problem position.

”Long-term target James Trafford, who has snubbed Newcastle twice previously, remains the top choice. And Howe hopes to strike a £35m deal with Manchester City to finally get his man, having seen him snatched from his clutches 12 months ago.

”But Brighton duo Bart Verbruggen and Carl Rushworth, Coventry’s player of the year after helping them to Championship promotion on loan, are also on Newcastle’s radar.”

Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana is not interested in leaving the club this summer,

The defender has made 22 appearances for The Blues so far this season, but remains happy to stay at Stamford Bridge.

The Daily Mail writes: ”Wesley Fofana has no intention of leaving Chelsea this summer, sources close to the £200,000-a-week central defender have insisted.

”That is despite the 25-year-old Frenchman sliding down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge, making him appear a prime candidate for sale after this season.”

Manchester United could strengthen their squad with two new midfielders this summer, it has been claimed.

Tyler Adams, Alex Scott and Mateus Fernandes are all being again linked with The Red Devils.

Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton, Sandro Tonali and Joao Gomes are also rumoured to be targets.

The Daily Star reports: ”Manchester United have been connected with Bournemouth pair Tyler Adams and Alex Scott, plus West Ham talent Mateus Fernandes, in their hunt for new midfielders.

”It's reported that United aim to sign two central midfield players to strengthen their squad in the summer. The trio join a host of other options linked with a switch to Old Trafford.

”Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson and Brighton's Carlos Baleba are said to be highly-rated by the club, alongside the likes of Crystal Palace ace Adam Wharton, Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali and Wolves' Joao Gomes.”

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