The summer transfer window has now begun, with rumours and speculation continuing to swirl as Manchester City eye possible reinforcements.
The 2018-19 champions did not bring in a single player during the January transfer window, despite suffering a defensive shortage for much of the 2019-20 campaign, but they have already started their business for the summer.
Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest news on possible comings and goings at the Etihad.
Friday morning's Manchester City transfer talk news roundup:
Manchester City eye Jules Kounde as Kalidou Koulibaly alternative?
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Manchester City have reportedly identified Sevilla defender Jules Kounde as a potential transfer target.
While City have been heavily linked with an approach for Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly, it remains unclear whether the Premier League giants are prepared to pay in excess of £60m for the Senegal international.
That has left Pep Guardiola to consider cheaper alternatives, which has previously led to Diego Carlos, also of Sevilla, being on his radar.
However, the Daily Mail claims that City will favour a move for Kounde if they decide to shelve their interest in Koulibaly.
In his first season at the La Liga side, the 21-year-old played a starring role during his side's Europa League success, a run which included wins over Roma, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Manchester United and Inter Milan.
However, the Frenchman still has four years remaining on his contract at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium.
Lyon chief: 'No bids for Houssem Aouar, Memphis Depay'
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Sporting director Juninho Pernambucano has insisted that Lyon are yet to receive an offer for either Houssem Aouar or Memphis Depay.
With Lyon having missed out on European football, many of their players are available for the right price, including Aouar and Depay.
While Arsenal, Manchester City and Juventus are said to be admirers of Aouar, Barcelona will almost certainly sign Depay once they have freed up space in their squad.
However, despite frequent speculation regarding the pair, Juninho has played down suggestions that they are on the brink of an exit.
The Brazilian told reporters: "For now, there is nothing for these players, we have not received anything for Houssem, we have not received anything for Memphis."
Lyon have already raised approximately £15m in player sales during the summer transfer window.
More transfer news from Manchester City:
Ronald Koeman not expecting new Barcelona signings before start of season
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