CITY FEAR DE BRUYNE WILL BE DENIED BY PFA VOTING DEADLINE

Manchester city players are unhappy with the PFa for closing the voting for their Player of the year award last sunday, which they fear could stop Kevin De Bruyne winning the trophy for a third successive year. the players’ poll closed well before the end of the season despite voting being conducted online or via an app, and the fact that the awards night does not take place until June 9, when it will again be a virtual event. Mohamed salah is the short-priced favourite to win the award for a second time, but city are on course to beat Liverpool to the Premier League title in large part due to the inspirational De Bruyne. Manager Pep Guardiola said the Belgium midfielder was having his best season after he scored four times in the 5-1 demolition of Wolves on Wednesday. city sources feel De Bruyne’s starring role in the title race would have gained him some late votes to put pressure on salah, particularly if Liverpool are beaten in the Fa cup and champions League finals. the PFa say that the poll closed early due to the logistical challenges of conducting interviews with the winners, although given no one will be in attendance at the event, some have questioned whether that should have been a priority.