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

#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.

We've completed the signing of 19 year-old Ed Francis from @ManCity.The versatile defender has spent the first half of 2018/19 at @AlmereCityFC and will now join up with Rob Edwards' U23 side. Welcome to the @WolvesAcademy Ed! 👋🐺✍️ https://t.co/HWZo9mZ5VV

— Wolves (@Wolves) January 18, 2019

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.

Everton Soares 'fuels Manchester City transfer talk amid rumours of £50m bid'https://t.co/FU3AwldNsz pic.twitter.com/741naKtnly

— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) January 18, 2019

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.