Man City first-team player ‘likely to leave’ & loan move that may impact Marc Cucurella transfer

Manchester City’s plans for the 2022/23 campaign are taking shape, with the club set to welcome two additions from last season’s squad in the form of Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez.

The Blues are also reportedly keen to add Stefan Ortega to their ranks, with the German likely to provide back-up to Ederson.

But the latest transfer rumours strongly link two players with moves away from the Etihad, while one of Pep Guardiola’s best young talents could be sent out on loan.

Here’s the round-up of Friday’s biggest stories…

Steffen departure talks ‘underway’

It was reported earlier in the week that Zack Steffen could leave City with Ortega coming in to replace the American goalkeeper.

Roger Gonzalez, a reporter for US outlet CBS, claimed it’s likely that Steffen will depart the club on loan and stated talks are ‘underway’.

The Sun add the 27-year-old is ‘hunting for a new club’ and said as he is ‘keen to play more’ to ensure he heads to the World Cup as America’s first-choice stopper.

Delap to Brighton?

As per the Daily Mail, Brighton & Hove Albion are interested in signing youngster Liam Delap on loan.

The striker missed a large chunk of 2021/22 through injury but is highly regarded by Guardiola.

That’s why a permanent deal looks unlikely, however, a loan move would see Delap gain Premier League experience and potentially help negotiations regarding a move for Marc Cucurella in the opposite direction.

The Mail report Delap’s loan ‘could come into discussions’ as City negotiate a fee of £40m for the full-back.

Egan-Riley set for permanent switch

Former City captain Vincent Kompany appears to be taking advantage of his old connections at the Etihad and looks set to sign defender CJ Egan-Riley for Burnley.

The 19-year-old, who started in City’s Champions League last-16 second leg against Sporting Lisbon last season, will sign for the Clarets on a permanent deal, according to journalist Alan Nixon.

He reports the initial fee will be a mere £350k, which could rise to £750k, and include a percent of any future sale going to the current Premier League champions.