Enzo Maresca to name new Man City captain in last-ditch bid to prevent him leaving
Enzo Maresca is planning to name Ruben Dias as his new captain at Man City as Real Madrid line up a move for the Portugal star.
City are looking to appoint Maresca as their new manager in the coming weeks following Pep Guardiola's departure.
They have been locked in compensation talks with his former employers Chelsea, but are set to make a breakthrough and agree a deal before the month ends.
Maresca will have a huge task on his hands to succeed Guardiola, and one big decision he will have to make before the season starts is who to appoint as the new club captain.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, the Italian may choose Dias to wear the armband in an effort to dissuade him from leaving for Real Madrid.
Dias has skippered the club on several occasions over the years, and was looked at as Guardiola's unofficial vice-captain last season behind the now-departed Bernardo Silva.
Madrid have signed Silva after he left City at the end of his contract, and are also believed to be interested in landing Dias following compatriot Jose Mourinho's return to the dugout.
Ruben Dias could be appointed as Man City's new club captain by Enzo Maresca
Dias' future at the Etihad Stadium has been the subject of intense speculation after an inconsistent 2025-26 campaign.
He made 24 Premier League starts, which was his second-lowest total across six seasons at the club so far, but could be persuaded to stay by Maresca handing him the armband.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "There’s probably a big likelihood that he will be captain now that Bernardo Silva has moved on. He's obviously been captain before, so it'll be interesting to see if he gets the armband under Maresca, or will it be somebody else?
"Maresca wants to keep hold of the Portuguese international, especially with John Stones leaving the club. He will be keen to maintain some continuity in defence.
"Man City's priority is to keep hold of Dias, but that's probably not going to stop Real Madrid trying to sign him. If they get any indication that he could be prized away from the Etihad, I'm sure they will try and bring him to the Spanish capital."
Man City still chasing Sandro Tonali despite Tottenham talks
Tonali has been on City's radar for several months as they aim to back Maresca in the window so he can challenge for the Premier League title next season.
They look to have fallen behind in the race for his services, however, with Tottenham advancing in a move after initially seeing an £80million bid rejected by Newcastle.
Despite those talks, sources have revealed to Football Insider that signing Tonali remains realistic for Man City as they struggle to land Elliot Anderson.
Their wage bill is hefty, but a move for Tonali is still possible after they shifted several stars, such as Silva and Stones, out of the club.