Manchester City Transfer News: Pablo Zabaleta could return to Man City; Wolves confirm the signing of the City defender and more - January 19, 2019

Hello and Welcome to the Daily Manchester City Transfer corner.

As the third week of the transfer window is about to end, the defending Premier League Champions are still involved actively in the market. Though Pep Guardiola has stated earlier that Manchester City are expecting a quiet January, but it won't stop the rumors surrounding the club.

Hence without much ado, let's look at what's today's edition of transfer round up has in store for us.

---

#4 Ilaix Moriba refuses to train with Barcelona amid Man City interest

Moriba is unsure about his future

According to reports, Barcelona youngster, Ilaix Moriba is not practicing with the club until his future is sorted out. The 16 year was a subject of interest from Manchester City and Juventus a few days ago, but the La Liga giants were keen to retain him in the academy.

Pep Guardiola's side was expected to close all contract details by Sunday, but a counteroffer from Barca has changed the entire situation. Last week, the Catalan made an offer which was counteracted by his agent who made another proposal this Tuesday on which the club is yet to make a decision.

However, until Barcelona makes a final decision, the player would not return for training.

#3 Zabaleta's future set to be sealed by Manchester City

Zabaleta won the Premier League with Manchester City.

According to the Claret & Hugh, the reigning Premier League Champions are set to seal Pablo Zabaleta's future in the coming days with West Ham manager, Manuel Pellegrini keen to keep him with the Hammers as long as possible.

The Argentine is just eleven appearances shy of a new West Ham United contract with the Citizens keeping the door open for the 34-year-old and ready to offer him a role at the club.

The veteran is a hero at this part of Manchester, and a return could land him a coaching role with one of City’s youth teams, or a scout to identify talent in Spain and South America.

#2 Wolves sign Ed Francis from Manchester City

Ed Francis.

Man City's academy product, Ed Francis has joined fellow Premier League club, Wolverhampton Wanderers for an undisclosed fee on a two-and-a-half-year deal with the option of a further 12 months.

Francis was on loan at the start of the season and spent the first half of the campaign at Almere City in the second tier of the Dutch football. Wolves Academy's head of player development, Scott Sellars, was excited about the prospect of signing the 19-year-old. He said -

“I spoke to some staff there (at Man City) and Ed was always talented from a young age. He can play center-back, left-back or center midfield so is very versatile.

“When that quality of player becomes available we have to discuss it to see if it’s a good bit of business for ourselves. We felt moving forward he could really add to the group and at 19 he has a lot of potentials.”

Francis is expected to make his debut against Hull City in the Premier League Cup on Monday.

#1 Everton Soares unfollows club amid Man City speculation

Everton Soares has been targetted by both the Manchester clubs.

According to the Mirror, Brazillian striker, Everton Soares has unfollowed his current club Gremio on Instagram which added fuel to the rumours of a £50 million bid from Premier League Champions, Manchester City.

The 22-year-old has spent five years in the senior side at Gremio, scoring 46 goals in the process. Manchester United was also interested in the youngster in November but didn't go ahead with the proposal.