'Keep an eye on this ' - Rico Lewis transfer update as Enzo Maresca 'makes statement to Man City'

Manchester City will not look to sell right-back Rico Lewis ahead of the 3 September transfer deadline. 

That is according to former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes that Enzo Maresca is a big admirer of the 21-year-old.

Lewis’s future at the Etihad Stadium has been uncertain of late, with links over moves to the likes of Everton and Nottingham Forest appearing several times this summer. 

However, Wyness believes that City won’t genuinely consider the idea of selling Lewis until next summer, as they continue to evolve their squad for Maresca. 

The new boss opted to start Lewis in their opening-day victory over Bournemouth last weekend, and Wyness is adamant that is a surefire sign that he is happy with the quality he provides. 

The starlet penned a new contract with the Manchester giants last September, but his place in the Citizens’ squad is still not secure long-term.

Rico Lewis subject to ‘agent talk’

Everton’s former chief Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes that there is little chance of Lewis being allowed to leave the Etihad ahead of next week’s deadline. 

He believes that the interest in the England international from earlier in the window may have been little more than just “agent talk.”

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness explained how City are likely to play their cards when it comes to the defender’s future.

“Look, a manager can't make any bigger statement than putting the player in and giving him game time,” he said.

“To me, it's Maresca sort of making a statement to the owners: look, I want this player in there, and he's part of my plan going forward. I know there was talk; it could have all been agent talk as well, but I think he (Lewis) is going to be there (after the window shuts).

“City might look at a sale at the end of the season, depending on how he does. But then again, as I say, we've got to see how this manager settles in. There are a lot of question marks at Man City.

“City are certainly one to keep an eye on with the new manager and how everything settles down there.”

Man City’s Ruben Dias exit stance revealed

Football Insider revealed earlier this week that City have no intention of selling key centre-back Ruben Dias any time soon. 

The Portuguese has emerged as a clear transfer target for AC Milan as they bid to strengthen their backline, but it is understood to be an overly ambitious pursuit from the Italian giants. 

Sources say that not only are City firmly against the idea of selling the 29-year-old, but the Rossoneri also lack the finances to get close to their asking price this summer. 

Dias remains a key part of the project at the Etihad, despite several of his long-standing teammates being shown the exit door in recent weeks.