The next manager of Manchester City is already making plans for his summer arrival, and it could spell trouble for their rivals.
Pep Guardiola takes over from Manuel Pellegrini this coming summer, the club confirmed yesterday.
And he is wasting little time in deciding who he wants at the Etihad Stadium with him.
Guardiola will leave his current position as Bayern Munich boss at the end of this season, and is set to be handed a kitty of £300m by City’s owners.
And he is set to use some of it to make moves for Juventus star Paul Pogba and Everton defender John Stones.
Pogba has been targeted by United, and is expected to leave at the end of the season.
Stones has been on Chelsea’s radar for a while, their relentless pursuit of the defender last summer still fresh in some peoples’ minds.
United also want Stones, as they look to strengthen their defence.
But the Daily Mail reports that City are preparing a £80m deal for Pogba, and to spend another £50m on Stones.
Martin Demichelis and Eliaquim Mangala are expected to leave the club in the summer, and with doubts over the long-term fitness of Vincent Kompany, they may well need to strengthen at the back too.
By Steve Osborne @BlizzardSteve75