FIRST AGAIN!
They have been keeping tabs on Benfica’s Ederson Moraes but he has just signed a new contract with a buy-out clause of £45million. The Brazilian keeper, 23, was seen by City as a £20m target. And City, like neighbours United, were also watching Sunderland’s Jordan Pickford, 22, until he was ruled out with injury. Willy Caballero, City’s back-up keeper, is out of contract in the summer, Joe Hart is on loan at Torino and Bravo has failed to impress since being brought in by Pep Guardiola to replace England’s first-choice No.1. The Chilean has been doing extra training in recent weeks as he fights hard to justify the belief that Guard i o l a has shown in him. FOOTBALL EDITOR Paul Hetherington was on the money once again with his December 18 exclusive (left) that Liverpool would offer Philippe Coutinho a new deal.
The Brazilian signed the extension last Wednesday.
Hetho was also spot-on with his story on New Year’s Day that Swansea would appoint Paul Clement as their new boss, LEICESTER are planning to return with a second bid for Middlesbrough’s wantaway forward Gaston Ramirez.
The Foxes have already had one bid knocked back for the Uruguayan, 26, but that is not the end of their pursuit.
Ramirez (below) only joined Boro on a permanent basis in the summer but has made to fancy the switch. However, the deal could hinge on Saints’ pursuit of Napoli forward Manolo Gabbiadini.
The League Cup finalists have reportedly tabled an improved £16m offer for Gabbiadini, 25, after having had an earlier £13m bid rejected.
HARRY PRATT