EXCLUSIVE: Man City to hand Dias new deal as Eze, Rodrygo talks take place

Steve Kay

Updated: 14 Aug 2024 19:33 BST
4 min read

Ruben Dias, Eberechi Eze, Rodrygo — © IMAGO

FootballTransfers can reveal that Man City are determined to extend Ruben Dias' contract.

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Sources have informed us that the Cityzens are keen to tie their defensive stalwart down to a new deal until 2030 and that talks are ongoing.

Dias is to be given assurances of captaining the side in the future, while also receiving a handsome pay rise.

The 27-year-old's weekly salary is set to increase from £180,000 to £220,000, bringing him in line with superstar midfielder Rodri.

The expectation at Man City is that coach Pep Guardiola will depart the club at the end of the season when his contract expires.

Dias is considered a vitally important piece of the team and they want to ensure that he and other key players are tied to the club long-term as they try to navigate the significant upheaval that Guardiola's exit will entail.

Dias' current contract at the Etihad expires in 2027, so Man City are under no immediate pressure to strike a quick deal.

Alvarez replacement - Eze, Rodrygo or someone else?

Regarding a potential replacement for Julian Alvarez, we are told that Man City are sounding out the market and engaging in talks with potential options.

While reports coming out of the Etihad have posited that they may actually not dip into the market before the window closes, we hear that it is a distinct possibility that a replacement for Alvarez will be signed.

As previously revealed, Eberechi Eze is a concrete target for the Cityzens. The Premier League champions are enthusiastic about the prospect of potentially acquiring the England international.

Though there are some concerns about his £60 million (€70m) price tag, sources have informed us that City are stepping up their pursuit of the 26-year-old.

A final decision on whether or not to sign him has not yet been made, however. There are also alternative targets, one of whom is Real Madrid star Rodrygo.

Man City have been prominently linked with the 23-year-old in recent weeks and we have been assured that talks with the Brazilian have indeed taken place.

He is a player greatly admired by the City brass, but his camp insisted that he is happy at Real Madrid during the contact. Were he to eventually leave, though, a move to the Etihad would appeal to him.

Indeed, Real Madrid's historic interest in Erling Haaland could see fresh talks over Rodrygo ignite in the future. A move this summer looks unlikely at this stage.

Regarding the future of Kalvin Phillips, we hear that Everton hold a genuine interest in the midfielder and have enquired about a potential loan deal until the end of the season.