Phil Foden to 'hold talks' with Man City as future takes new twist

Phil Foden is planning to hold talks with Enzo Maresca about his place in his plans for the upcoming season at Manchester City.

The 26-year-old was in and out of the side under Pep Guardiola last season, and is keen to fight for his place, but is now up against an abundance of attacking talent.

Maresca has already assessed his squad and the available options, and is making plans for the upcoming season, with the England international keen to learn where he features.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Foden wants to play an important role under Maresca and hopes to be heavily involved.

The attacking midfielder is now competing with Rayan Cherki, Antoine Semenyo, Savinho, Jeremy Doku, Tijjani Reijnders, Elliot Anderson and Omar Marmoush for a place in the side.

This comes amid ongoing question marks about his long-term future at the Etihad, with a number of European clubs said to be keeping tabs on Foden's situation.

What does Enzo Maresca have planned for Phil Foden?

Brown told Football Insider in April that Foden has been told he must step up his performances at Man City as he is being eyed to fill the hole left by Bernardo Silva's exit.

Foden looks increasingly likely to player a more important role in the team under Maresca, despite lingering questions about which position is his best.

Talks will take place between the player and his new manager as they step up their pre-season preparations, with plans now being put in place for the new season.

"It's going to be interesting to see what Man City decide to do with Phil Foden," Brown told Football Insider.

"He couldn't nail down a place in the starting XI last season under Guardiola, because when he played he simply wasn't at the level everybody expects of him.

"Then that meant he didn't go to the World Cup with England, and when you look at Man City's squad, it's going to be hard for him to earn his place back.

"There's so much competition in his position, wherever you decide to play him whether it's in the number 10 role, out wide, or in central midfield.

"So I expect he will speak to the manager about his role, because he will want assurances that he has a part to play in the team, he doesn't want to be on the sidelines.

"Of couse, he'll have to earn his place with better performances than he turned in last season, but he will want to be an important part of his new manager's plans."

What is the latest on Foden's contract situation?

Much of the debate surrounding Foden's position at Man City has come as a result of his contract situation, with less than 12 months remaining on his current deal.

After what proved to be a frustrating season last time out, alongside doubts emerging after Guardiola's depature, questions have been asked about his future.

However, Football Insider revealed on 17 July that Man City are closing in on announcing Foden's contract extension, with a four-year deal set to be signed in due course.

The England international reached an agreement in principle with Man City in May, and while confirmation of the new deal has been slow, talks have progressed positively.

As a result, Foden is expected to formally put pen to paper in the near future, easing any doubts about his future despite growing interest from rival clubs.