Enzo Maresca driving Man City move for Chelsea star he is a 'big fan' of

Enzo Maresca is hugely keen for Manchester City to make a move for Chelsea winger Pedro Neto this summer, sources have told Football Insider.

The Italian boss is understood to be a "big fan" of the Portuguese international, having worked with him during his time at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea are happy with the 26-year-old and are not actively looking to sell him, but could ultimately be tempted if the money is right.

City are in the market for another wide player this summer, and sources believe that Chelsea would reluctantly cash in if a lucrative offer came in.

Neto enjoyed the most productive season of his career at Chelsea last term, as he notched 13 goals and 10 assists in all competitions.

Maresca is a huge admirer of the former Wolves man, and it is understood that his admiration has now spread behind the scenes at the Etihad Stadium.

Man City ready to capitalise on Chelsea revamp

Chelsea are overseeing a revamp of their squad under new boss Xabi Alonso this summer, with several new faces already through the door.

The likes of Morgan Rogers, Maxence Lacroix, Marco Palestra and Danny Welbeck have all joined the ranks at Stamford Bridge, where Alonso is being backed strongly.

That has left the Blues ready to sanction a number of exits in the lead-up to the 3 September transfer deadline.

The expected departures are set to largely come from players who have been on the fringes of the squad, and while Neto is not seen in that light, he is also not totally exempt from the need to offload bodies.

City have sensed a potential opportunity opening up to prise him away, and could be ready to act on that in the coming weeks.

Maresca is keen to reunite with his former star, and he may have the power to get his way in the early stages of his tenure at the Etihad.

'Very earliest' Rodri exit date set

Former Everton chief executive and Premier League board member Keith Wyness recently told Football Insider that he can't see Rodri leaving City this summer.

The Spanish star has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid in recent months, and is out of contract at the Etihad in June 2027.

However, Wyness suggested that he cannot see the midfielder departing until January at the "very earliest," as he believes the saga surrounding his future is likely to "drag on" for a while.

The 30-year-old has recently undergone surgery on a back issue, and Wyness believes that both City and Madrid will be keen to see how he recovers first.