Man City stars lined up for exit are ‘training like mad because they don’t want to leave’
Rico Lewis is likely to remain at Manchester City despite exits being on the cards at the Etihad Stadium.
Nottingham Forest have been linked with Lewis as they look to continue their recent spending spree at the City Ground.
However, the England international started for Pep Guardiola’s side in the 4-0 victory over Wolves on Saturday (16 August).
After the game at Molineux, Lewis admitted he wants to remain with Man City, referring to them as his “dream club”.
Fellow Man City academy product James McAtee has joined Forest over the past few days, with the deal worth around £30million.
Nottingham Forest face Rico Lewis transfer blow after Man City twist
This article contains exclusive comment from Keith Wyness, former Everton, Aston Villa and Aberdeen CEO.
Lewis, who has made 95 appearances for Man City since making his debut in August 2022, is now reportedly close to agreeing a new five-year contract with the club.
Meanwhile, Savinho has also been linked with an exit following interest from Tottenham, but Guardiola is believed to be keen on keeping him at the Etihad.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness said: “I think Rico Lewis is going to be staying at City.
“I think that would be too much for Forest to go up to the level that City are going to be asking.
“I think they’ve made their investments now. Forest have done quite well, and I don’t think that will be happening, so that’s just one that I do think will stay there.
“Certainly, there are a few players with question marks and it depends on Pep’s mood over the next couple of weeks.
“I bet they’re all intensively training right now because they don’t want to be the ones to go.
“But you feel as though he’s got this eye on knowing that a couple are going to have to go and he doesn’t want them to go, but there’s going to be a couple.
“I think Savinho and Lewis may be in that level, but I don’t think Forest will be the ones to get him at the level that Man City are looking for unless there’s some other sort of deal that goes on, but I don’t see it.”
Man City concerned about Rodri as Real Madrid make public move
In terms of other transfer activity at the Etihad, recruitment expert Mick Brown told Football Insider Man City are concerned Rodri could have his head turned by Real Madrid after being publicly open about their interest.
However, Guardiola’s side are working behind the scenes to offer the 29-year-old a new contract in an attempt to persuade him to commit his long-term future to the club.
The Spain international’s current deal is set to expire at the Etihad in June 2027.
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