TOP STORY: Aguero, Silva could depart City

Sergio Aguero and David Silva could be headed for the Manchester City exit door, according to reports.

Yahoo claims that manager Pep Guardiola is willing to move Aguero, 28, for a number of reasons, including the Argentina international's habit of picking up injuries, his less-than-ideal suitability for Guardiola's style of football, and the arrival of Gabriel Jesus.

Meanwhile, The Sun links Silva with a £50 million move to the Chinese Super League. The Sun also claims Samir Nasri is a £30m target and could be on his way too. The pair are said to be wanted by ex-City boss Manuel Pellegrini, who is now in charge at the aptly named Hebei China Fortune.

Dortmund chase Ajax youngster

Borussia Dortmund could press ahead with a move to sign Ajax striker Kasper Dolberg this month and beat Manchester United to the teenager in the process.

The Daily Mirror reports that United have sent scouts to Amsterdam to check on the 19-year-old's progress, as have Manchester City and Everton. And it is likely they will all have been impressed by what they have seen, with Dolberg scoring 11 times in all competitions this season and earning a first cap for Denmark too.

United are said to be keen to hold off on a bid until the summer, but Dortmund could move earlier for Dolberg, who is valued at £10m because of a contract that runs until 2021.

Payet hops mystery flight home

Dimitri Payet's exit route out of West Ham United still appears far from clear, but it could involve an unexpected flight to Marseille this weekend, according to the Daily Mirror.

They say the 29-year-old will attempt to force a return to his former club by heading back to France of his own accord.

Meanwhile, L'Equipe reports Marseille lodged a third bid for Payet on Friday. The new offer of €30m is still short of West Ham's €35m valuation, but it appears, at least, that progress is being made.

The French phenom's manager, Slaven Bilic, said Friday that he understands players want to move, but it's important to respect your current club and do it the right way.

Tap-ins

-- Juventus are close to signing Paulo Dybala to a new contract that will pay him €5m per year, Gazzetta dello Sport claims. The 23-year-old has been linked with Real Madrid and Barcelona, but with his agent now in Turin to finalise the deal, it appears the Argentina international is set to continue in Serie A for a while longer.

-- Free agent Joleon Lescott is being lined up for a short-term deal at Sunderland, according to the Daily Mirror, after training with the club in recent days. The 34-year-old former Manchester City defender played under Sunderland manager David Moyes at Everton and was with Aston Villa when the club was relegated last season.

-- Newcastle United are keen to re-sign Andros Townsend, the Guardian claims, with the Crystal Palace winger also eager to move back to the club he departed in the summer. Palace have Middlesbrough's Stewart Downing in mind as a replacement, but the deals could be held up by Newcastle's hopes of taking Townsend on an initial loan.

-- Burnley, currently 10th in the Premier League, have taken everyone by surprise this season, but the Clarets are not resting on their laurels. The Lancashire Telegraph reports a club-record £13m bid has been offered for Norwich winger Robbie Brady, who has also been linked with Bournemouth.

Source:
courtesy of ESPNFC

by MICHAEL WADE

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