Enzo Maresca makes new Phil Foden plan after 'disappointing' Man City twist
Enzo Maresca is planning to use Phil Foden as a key part of his first-team plans at Manchester City, sources have told Football Insider.
The 26-year-old has faced questions about his long-term future at the Etihad following a disappointing season in which he struggled to nail down a place under Pep Guardiola.
That poor form ultimately led him to being left out of the England squad for the World Cup, while speculation has risen about a potential move away from Man City.
However, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Man City have no concerns about Foden's future, and he is part of Maresca's future plans.
The attacking midfielder remains very highly rated at the Etihad, having shone since rising through their academy, and they are keen to back him through a tough period.
Foden will be given the chance to impress Maresca and earn his place during pre-season training, with no intentions as things stand to entertain talks over a departure.
Could Man City accept offers for Phil Foden?
Football Insider revealed on 19 July that Man City have no plans to sell Foden, despite reports in Turkey suggesting Galatasaray are ready to make a big-money offer.
Maresca has no intention of letting the midfielder leave, while he is also not planning to make a move, with the Galatasaray links unlikely to turn his head.
Foden will instead be handed the opportunity to impress his new manager and earn his place in the starting XI, as he attempts to turn around last season's frustrating form.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "I don't think there's any doubt about Phil Foden’s future. Manchester City still have full confidence in Phil Foden.
"Look, he had a disappointing season last year, there's no getting away from that. There were a few poor performances and he couldn't become a regular in that side.
"Obviously then resulted in him missing England's World Cup squad as well, but I'm sure we'll get a fit and hungry Phil Foden this season.
"He will have a big role to play under Enzo Maresca, who will be counting on him as an important part of his squad, and will have a look at how he performs in pre-season."
What is the latest on Foden's contract situaiton?
Much of the speculation surrounding Foden's long-term future at the Etihad has risen due to his contract situation, with just one year remaining on his current deal.
A number of clubs are keeping a close eye on the situation with plans to lure him away should the contract continue to tick down, but Man City have no plans to let him go.
Football Insider revealed on 17 July that Man City are expected to reach an agreement with Foden and announce a contract extension in due course after extensive talks.
The England international reached an agreement in priciple over a new deal in May, and talks are believed to have continued positively since then.
City are now hopeful that he will put pen to paper in the coming weeks to commit his long-term future to their plans, with Maresca valuing him as part of his.