Pep talk’s all about Bertrand
PEP GUARDIOLA is making fresh moves for Southampton left-back Ryan Bertrand.
Manchester City boss Guardiola has made fullbacks his No.1 priority.
And 27-year-old England defender Bertrand (below) wants Champions League action to boost his World Cup chances.
Dani Alves is set to arrive from Juventus and Kyle Walker from Tottenham.
But City are reluctant to meet Monaco’s £40million asking price for Benjamin Mendy, so Bertrand is in the frame.
Fernandinho, 32, is sweating over his City future. The Brazilian is entering the final year of his deal waiting for the club to open contract talks.
Ilkay Gundogan is putting in overtime to make the big kick-off. He injured a cruciate ligament against Watford in December but said: “I think I’m in a good way now, I’m working hard.”