Manchester City are now preparing a move for an “incredible” Premier League player, following a direct request from Pep Guardiola.
Man City stepping up pursuit of new attacker
Man City are looking to maintain the pressure on Arsenal at the top of the table, and Phil Foden could be key to their chances of reclaiming the Premier League title, having received high praise from Guardiola after the victory against Sunderland.
The 54-year-old said: “Phil is incredible. He is scoring a lot of goals. He came to me after the game and said he didn’t feel well today and look what happened how he runs, in behind, regain the ball.”
“When he is in this momentum and this mood, he is a gift and a diamond. He is top.”
Although City have been very impressive from an attacking point of view this season, with Erling Haaland also impressing, they remain keen on bringing in additional attacking options, and a number of targets have been identified ahead of the January transfer window.
Target
Current club
Goal involvements in 2025-26
Estevao
Chelsea
6
Arda Guler
Real Madrid
8
Antoine Semenyo
AFC Bournemouth
9
Yan Diomande
RB Leipzig
11
According to a report from Spain, Everton’s Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has also been identified as a priority target, with Pep directly requesting the signing of the attacking midfielder, given the level of his performances this season.
The Man City boss is willing to push to make the move happen, such is his level of interest, although the Toffees remain in a strong negotiating position, with Dewsbury-Hall contracted until 2030, having arrived from Chelsea for £28m back in the summer.
City are particularly fond of the Everton star’s versatility, with Pep regarding him as a ‘complete midfielder’, who would be a perfect fit in his system.
"Incredible" Dewsbury-Hall impressing at Everton
Lauded for his “incredible interplay” with Jack Grealish by writer Garrett Post earlier this season, the 27-year-old has kicked on since arriving at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in the summer, chipping in with four goals and three assists in 15 Premier League outings.
Worryingly for Everton, however, the Englishman was withdrawn early in the first half against Chelsea on Saturday afternoon, after clutching his hamstring.
With the Shepshed-born midfielder potentially set for a spell on the sidelines, pursuing him in January wouldn’t be ideal, and there are doubts over whether City even need to bring in another attacking midfielder.
Foden has been fantastic this season, amassing nine goals and five assists in 20 matches across all competitions, while Pep also has the likes of Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders at his disposal.
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As such, there is arguably little point in signing Dewsbury-Hall, and strengthening in defence may be a better idea, having conceded a combined six goals in the victories against Leeds United and Fulham.