Pep Guardiola labelled Kalvin Phillips a "perfect" replacement for Fernandinho as he weighed up whether to hand the England midfielder his first Manchester City start against Newcastle United.

Guardiola also revealed talks with Phillips' former Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa proved crucial to City's decision to recruit the 26-year-old.

Phillips joined City from Leeds in a deal worth up to £45million in July, but he is yet to make a first competitive start for the Premier League champions after picking up an injury in training.  

But with Phillips back to full fitness and looking to make his full debut when City visit St. James' Park on Sunday, Guardiola has revealed how he was alerted to the midfielder's quality when Bielsa was coaching him in the second tier of English football.

"He [Bielsa] spoke about him three or four years ago," Guardiola said. "He spoke about him when he was in the Championship. 

"It was the first time I realised Kalvin Phillips played for Leeds and he [Bielsa] spoke with me: 'There is a guy who is really, really good, maybe not now for Manchester City but maybe one day he can play in the top teams.' 

"After he proved Marcelo was not wrong, [he was] promoted to Premier League and national team. 

"The steps they have done is for Kalvin's and Leeds' credit. After Fernandinho decided to go to Brazil, the rest is history.

"We were looking for a holding midfielder and we thought he was perfect for us."

Phillips helped Leeds to a ninth-placed finish upon their return to the Premier League in the 2020-21 campaign, and started every match for England as they fell narrowly short of victory at Euro 2020 last year.

And the City boss is confident he will provide stern competition for Rodri in the City midfield immediately, adding: "We don't have doubts, he is a national-team England player, he was working with Marcelo Bielsa, he's British, that helps in the Premier League a lot, too. 

"Last season he had injuries and you have to be careful right now with the little disturbances he had last week, to try to avoid it in the future. I am sure he is going to adapt.

"Of course he is going to have to know some things we are doing, now is the step forward for him in that position. 

"When September starts it is a game every three days, we will need him and he will prove how valuable he is – we don't have doubts. 

"We know he is an exceptional person; that helps a lot. We knew Kyle [Walker] and John [Stones] for the feel of the English national team players, so he has settled perfectly and so quick."

Mohamed Salah believes under-fire Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is "a top coach", while the Liverpool forward acknowledges there is already "a little bit of pressure" on Liverpool heading into Monday's clash with their old rivals.

Jurgen Klopp's Reds make the trip to Old Trafford this weekend seeking a first win of the new Premier League campaign, having so far been held to draws by Fulham and Crystal Palace.

Liverpool are still in a better position than United, though, with new manager Ten Hag suffering consecutive defeats to Brighton and Hove Albion and Brentford.

United's only goal under Ten Hag to date was a Brighton own goal, while their defensive failings have been ruthlessly exploited.

Despite those issues, Salah still believes United present a formidable proposition for Liverpool, shutting down suggestions their encounter could be an easy one for the visitors while pointing to Ten Hag's pedigree.

"I don't look at this game like that, because they're still a top team with top players," the attacker told Sky Sports. "They've not had a great start, but they want to win against us.

"So from my side, I have too much respect for them, and I'm sure they want to fight with all they can to win that game as well. It's not going to be easy, and I'm not thinking I'm going to score one, two or three goals.

"I know it's going to be a really tough game. They have top players, they have a top coach, so it's not going to be easy at all."

Liverpool could be seven points behind champions Manchester City by the time they play on Monday, with Pep Guardiola's men visiting Newcastle United on Sunday in pursuit of a third straight win.

And even at this early stage, Salah acknowledges that would be a significant gap, even if he backs the Reds to recover.

"It could be a little bit of pressure if we're seven points behind City, but I think it's too early to think about that," Salah said.

"Last season, we were behind by about 10 or 11 points, and we came back. So, it's too early to think about that."

Harry Kane swept past Sergio Aguero on Saturday to establish a Premier League record for the most goals with a single club in the competition.

The England captain has tormented top-flight defences as the leader of Tottenham's attack, and he took his Premier League tally to 185 goals by scoring for Spurs against Wolves.

It shuffled him one ahead of Manchester City great Aguero, and two clear of Wayne Rooney, who struck 183 times for Manchester United.

Kane began the season level with Rooney and one behind Aguero, before moving level with the latter by netting in the dramatic 2-2 draw at Chelsea.

Spurs' opener against Wolves was also their 1,000th in the Premier League - the fifth team to reach that tally after Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea.

The 29-year-old Kane still has a long way to go to become the Premier League's all-time record scorer, given Alan Shearer ended his career with 260 goals in the competition, netting 148 for Newcastle United and 112 in his time at Blackburn Rovers.

Tottenham are not the only team Kane has played for in the English elite league, given he featured three times for Norwich City during a loan spell in the 2012-13 season.

He could not find the back of the net for the Canaries but has been a consistent marksman for Tottenham over the past eight seasons, hitting at least 17 goals in each Premier League campaign.

Kane managed 29 goals in 29 games in 2016-17 and 30 in 35 appearances during the following campaign, arguably his peak years.

Although he has only reached the 20-goal mark once in the last four seasons, Kane has remained integral to Tottenham's plans, with the club resisting strong interest from Manchester City last year to keep him in north London. 

Leicester City have been his favourite opponents in goalscoring terms, with Kane scoring 17 times in 14 Premier League outings against the Foxes, while he has managed 13 against both Everton and Spurs' fierce rivals Arsenal.

Kane has also reached double figures against Southampton and West Ham, hitting 11 against both sides.

Of all the Premier League teams he has faced, Kane has only failed to grab a goal in the competition against Brentford, missing out in his two games against the Bees to date.

Raheem Sterling has opened up on the disappointment he felt on how his career with Manchester City ended, having been left "raging" by his treatment.

The England international sealed a move to Chelsea ahead of the 2022-23 season, bringing an end to seven trophy-laden years at the Etihad Stadium.

Sterling's final year at City saw the former Liverpool man struggle to secure regular playing opportunities amid fierce competition in Pep Guardiola's squad, which left the forward frustrated.

The forward felt he sacrificed a lot during his career in City but has got his happiness back in his new surroundings in west London.

"Everyone wants to feel wanted, football is no different. When you play your heart out, sacrifice some of your kids' birthdays, and then get treated in a certain way, it's disappointing," he told Sky Sports.

"At the time I was fuming, raging, but it's gone, it's in the past and I can only focus on the present, which is now, here at Chelsea, and the opportunity I've got here to go out and showcase my talents once again.

"As a player you always want to do your best and help your team, but when you don't think things are going fairly, it's always a disappointment.

"If you are not happy playing your football you've got to look at other options to get that happiness back, and that's exactly what I have done.

"It was the right time for me to move on. I wouldn't stay part of something I knew I couldn't give my all in.

"It [City] is a fantastic club, it's a club that wins lots of trophies, it's a club that has helped my development massively in the past couple of years, but there comes a time when you've got to think about yourself, what's best for yourself, and what you want for the future.

"That's the sole reason why I am here [at Chelsea]."

A move to Chelsea saw Sterling arrive as the first marquee recruit of the Todd Boehly era at Stamford Bridge and he admitted it did not take much persuasion to agree to a move.

He added: "It was a possibility I wouldn't let pass - it's a blessing in disguise, another challenge and a challenge I'll look back on at the end of my career and know I stepped up to the plate and I can be happy with myself.

"The most part was just getting to play football week in, week out. It was the first time in my career experiencing that, it was kind of a shock, so I just wanted to get back playing and enjoying my football again. 

"It was as simple as that, and I knew that once I could do that, I could be happy and show that on the field."

Two first-half goals from Khadijah Shaw helped Manchester City trounce Tomiris Turan 6-0 Thursday to set up a Women’s Champions League rematch on Sunday against Real Madrid.

Pep Guardiola reiterated he is hopeful of keeping hold of Bernardo Silva and suggested Manchester City's transfer business is finished for the year.

Silva has been repeatedly linked with a move to Guardiola's former club Barcelona this window after spending five successful seasons at the Etihad Stadium.

City manager Guardiola made clear once again on Friday that he wants the playmaker to stay at the club, although he cannot guarantee that will be the case.

"He's our player and he knows our wishes, me as a manager and even his mates." Guardiola said at a press conference. "What is going to happen? I don't know."

Reigning Premier League champions City have been busy this window, which shuts in a little under two weeks' time.

Erling Haaland, Kalvin Phillips, Julian Alvarez and Sergio Gomez have joined, while Gabriel Jesus, Fernandinho, Raheem Sterling and Oleksandr Zinchenko have all departed.

Asked if City's transfer activity is finished, Guardiola said: "Apparently, yeah. If someone moves on or there is a problem we don't expect, then we'll see."

Haaland and Alvarez have featured in all three of City's matches this season, while Phillips has managed just one minute of action as he recovers from an injury issue.

However, Guardiola confirmed ahead of Sunday's trip to Newcastle United that Phillips is available again after missing the Bournemouth win, while Gomez is part of the squad.

The Citizens have lost just one of their past 29 Premier League games against Newcastle, with that solitary loss coming at St James' Park in January 2019.

United have been steadily strengthening their squad ahead of an expected battle for a European spot this term, and Guardiola is expecting a tough test this weekend.

"Newcastle away is always an incredible environment," Guardiola said. "I think what they have done with their spending is because they believe it's the best strategy. 

"In the winter window they bought players because they were in trouble, then they got a lot of good results.

"Newcastle is a project not just for one or two seasons. We've seen in this window everyone spends a lot. I think they are here to stay here."

Guardiola has won all 10 of his Premier League meetings with Newcastle counterpart Eddie Howe – the best 100 per cent win record between managers in the competition.

While Guardiola has always got the better of Howe, the Catalan coach has been impressed by his opposite number's work in his nine months at the helm.

"Their numbers and style of play speak for itself," Guardiola said. "He arrived in a difficult position last season. When the owners took over he went on an incredible run of games.

"They have exceptional players in terms of how direct and aggressive they are. They have important players."

We are just three weeks into the new Premier League campaign and already fantasy football managers are getting twitchy over their team selection.

While a number of big-name players have made a fast start to the season, others have yet to get going and some tough decisions have to be made.

Whether you're looking to make up ground on the leaders or consolidate your position among the early pacesetters, matchday three presents a chance to get points on the board.

With the aid of Opta data, Stats Perform has picked out a goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and striker for your consideration.

DEAN HENDERSON (Everton v Nottingham Forest)

David de Gea's shaky start to the season at Manchester United has coincided with Henderson's good form at Nottingham Forest, where he is spending the season on loan from Old Trafford.

Henderson conceded twice against Newcastle United on the opening weekend, but he starred in last week's 1-0 win over West Ham to give Forest lift-off on their top-flight return.

No goalkeeper has made more saves (11) or prevented more goals (2.2) in the Premier League than Henderson this season, while his save percentage of 75.52 since the start of 2019-20 is the best of any keeper to have recorded at least 50 saves.

RAYAN AIT-NOURI (Tottenham v Wolves)

Wolves are seeking their first win of the season at the third attempt this weekend, having so far struggled to find a way past opponents with just one goal in two games.

That is not down to a lack of trying from Ait-Nouri, as only Trent Alexander-Arnold and Aaron Cresswell (six) have created more than his four chances among defenders.

Ait-Nouri's expected assists (xGA) return of 0.53, meanwhile, is bettered only by Alexander-Arnold (0.97) and Reece James (0.48) in the same positional category.

KEVIN DE BRUYNE (Newcastle United v Manchester City)

Picking up from where he left off last term, De Bruyne has assisted a goal – and scored one of his own – in each of City's opening two Premier League matches.

The Belgium playmaker's three direct goal involvements this term is bettered only by former team-mate Gabriel Jesus, who has scored two and assisted two for Arsenal.

De Bruyne has been involved in 24 goals in his past 22 games in the competition, and he is one of four players to have scored and assisted in 20 different games since 2015-16.

OLLIE WATKINS (Crystal Palace v Aston Villa)

England international Watkins may be seeking his first goal of the campaign, but he chipped in with two assists in last week's victory over Everton.

The 26-year-old has now been involved in six goals in his past seven Premier League matches, scoring three and assisting three, having also ended last season strongly.

That form could spell bad news for Palace, as only against Liverpool (five) has he been involved in more top-flight goals than he has against the Eagles (three).

Manchester City have been charged by the Football Association (FA) after their supporters invaded the pitch following the title-clinching victory over Aston Villa on the final day of last season.

Pep Guardiola's side secured a fourth title in five seasons with a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory against Villa at the Etihad Stadium on May 22.

Thousands of supporters made their way onto the field at the full-time whistle, with smoke flares let off, a goalpost broken and Villa goalkeeper Robin Olsen allegedly attacked.

Greater Manchester Police charged two men over the disorder and are continuing to investigate a number of other offences that took place.

The FA formally charged City on Thursday for failing to control their supporters.

A statement read: "Manchester City FC have been charged with a break of FA Rule E20 following its Premier League fixture against Aston Villa FC on Sunday 22 May 2022.

"It is alleged that after the final whistle of this fixture that Manchester City failed to ensure that its spectators – and all persons purporting to be its supporters or followers – conducted themselves in an orderly fashion and refrained from using threatening and/or violent behaviour whilst encroaching onto the pitch."

City have until August 25 to respond to the charge.

Barcelona will have to switch their targets after Pep Guardiola appeared to close the door on Bernardo Silva leaving Manchester City.

Playmaker Bernardo has been linked with Barcelona for much of the current transfer window, with Xavi looking to build a team capable of challenge for LaLiga and Champions League honours.

However, former Barcelona head coach Guardiola has been insistent he wants the 28-year-old Portugal international to stay at City.

On Thursday, Guardiola said Bernardo would be in Barcelona next week, but only on City duty as the clubs play a charity fundraising friendly at Camp Nou.

The match will benefit research into motor neurone disease (MND), also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

It is a condition suffered by former Barcelona goalkeeping coach Juan Carlos Unzue, as well as Stephen Darby, who is the husband of Steph Houghton, captain of Manchester City Women.

Speaking on Catalunya Radio, City manager Guardiola told Unzue how he sees Bernardo's future.

"On Wednesday you will see him play," Guardiola said. "Of course! And what is certain is that he will do it with us, City. Bernardo and 10 others will play."

Bernardo has been with City for five years, winning four Premier League titles among a host of honours and establishing himself as a key cog in Guardiola's midfield.

Guardiola said City welcomed the chance to raise money for a worthwhile cause next week.

"It's a gift to return to the Camp Nou to play a solidarity game to fight against [MND]," he said, quoted widely in the Spanish press.

Praising Unzue, Guardiola added: "Life has given him a punch, and he gets up every time. With his gestures and actions he helps many people."

Manchester City youngster Liam Delap has joined Championship side Stoke City on loan for the duration of the 2022-23 campaign.

The 19-year-old burst onto the scene with a goal on his senior debut for City in an EFL Cup tie two years ago and has gone on to make five further first-team appearances.

Delap was part of City's squad for last weekend's 4-0 thrashing of Bournemouth, but Pep Guardiola confirmed after the game that the teenage striker would soon go out on loan.

The Premier League champions announced on Thursday that Delap has followed in father Rory's steps by joining Stoke, who saw off competition from a number of other clubs.

Stoke boss Michael O'Neill told the club's official website: "It's no secret that we have been looking to bring Liam to the club.

"We have been in dialogue with City for some time now and had the opportunity a few weeks ago to outline our plans for Liam.

"We are grateful to them for the trust they have placed in us and we are really excited about working with Liam."

Delap, who is under contract at the Etihad Stadium until July 2026, is eligible to make his Stoke debut in Saturday's home match with Sunderland.

O'Neill's side have made a slow start to their Championship campaign, with four points from their first four matches.

Manchester United are under pressure to make some signings amid their poor start to the new Premier League season.

The Red Devils have lost their opening two league games under new boss Erik ten Hag.

United have only brought in a few players this off-season and are in need for reinforcements.

TOP STORY – MAN UTD DECLINED BY ATLETICO IN JOAO FELIX BID

Atletico Madrid have rejected a bumper £110million (€130m) bid from Manchester United for Portuguese forward Joao Felix, claims AS.

Atleti have reportedly inserted a staggering €350m (£295m) release clause in the 22-year-old's contract.

United's reported bid is a club record, £25m more than the fee they paid Juventus for Paul Pogba in 2016.

ROUND-UP

– United want to sign five more players this transfer window reports the Telegraph and have a shortlist of potential signings with Borussia Dortmund's Thomas Meunier, Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic, Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro, Lazio's Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Barcelona's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Everton goalkeeper Asmir Begovic is also on their radar to provide a back-up to David de Gea.

– Paris Saint-Germain have not given up in a pursuit of Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva and are plotting a €71m (£59m) move for him, according to The Times.

– Napoli are closing in on a deal to sign Sassuolo's 22-year-old forward Giacomo Raspadori reports Calciomercato. It is claimed he will join Napoli by the end of the week.

– Nottingham Forest's busy window continues with the newly promoted Premier League club chasing Madrid right-back Alvaro Odriozola, according to AS.

– Brighton and Hove Albion want a permanent move for Chelsea midfielder Billy Gilmour, reports the Daily Mail. 

New Manchester City signing Sergio Gomez highlighted the key role club legend Vincent Kompany played in shaping his career and recent move to the Etihad Stadium.

Gomez joined City from Anderlecht for a reported fee of £11million (€13m) on Tuesday to become Pep Guardiola's fourth signing of the transfer window after Kalvin Phillips, Erling Haaland and Stefan Ortega.

The left-back was instrumental for the Belgian side under Kompany last season, racking up 49 appearances and registering 15 assists along the way.

Kompany enjoyed a hugely successful spell with City between 2008 and 2019, winning 12 trophies, including four Premier League titles and two FA Cups.

And Gomez, who spent his youth career with Barcelona before a stint at Borussia Dortmund, received the former skipper's blessing before completing his move to the Etihad.

"I talked to [Kompany] a few days ago when I knew about City's interest in signing me," the 21-year-old told the club's official website.

"He was very happy for me; he told me this would be a huge step in my career and that I was making the right decision by coming here.

"It's a big step for me. I'm really happy that [City] showed interest in signing me, and I'm going to give my best to show on the pitch that I deserve to be here, and I hope we can achieve big things together.

"I think I've grown in every step of my career, I hope to continue doing so here at City. I'm here to learn and help this team as much as I can."

Previously a wide or central midfielder, Gomez also spoke about how he has not looked back since Kompany converted him into a left-back at Anderlecht last term. 

"He called me and said I could do very well in that position," the Spain Under-21 international continued.

"To be honest, I was a little bit surprised, I didn't expect it, but he seemed very sure about the decision, and that gave me confidence.

"I will always be thankful to Vincent for the opportunity; I'm still playing as a left-back and I really enjoy it."

Jamie Bynoe-Gittens was hailed as a "very special" talent as the latest English star to dazzle for Borussia Dortmund signed a new long-term contract.

England Under-19 star Bynoe-Gittens has committed to the German club until June 30, 2025, with the news emerging swiftly in the wake of his first Bundesliga goal.

The 18-year-old scored an equaliser as Dortmund went on to beat Freiburg 3-1 last Friday, following in the footsteps of Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham in becoming another exciting young English player to emerge at the club.

Bynoe-Gittens was acquired from Manchester City in September 2020 and played for Dortmund's age-group sides until recently breaking into the first-team ranks.

He has played just 159 minutes in the Bundesliga, spread across one start and four substitute appearances, but Dortmund are massively excited about his potential.

Sporting director Sebastian Kehl, a former Germany international, said: "Jamie's speed and creativity have always been excellent. With his unpredictability in one-on-one situations, he gives our squad a very special element even at his young age.

"It's fun to watch him work on himself and his game. We think he still has a lot more potential for development, and we will give him the time he needs to do it."

Dortmund announced the new deal in an official club statement, saying it was agreed last week.

Bynoe-Gittens, who helped England win the Under-19 Euros in July, said the new Dortmund deal "means a lot to me".

The teenager told the club's website: "It was always my goal to continue at BVB after the coronavirus and some injuries at the beginning of my journey that has just begun.

"Now I can't wait to continue working hard on myself and my game to hopefully help the team in the coming months and years."

Manchester City have confirmed the signing of full-back Sergio Gomez on a four-year deal from Anderlecht.

The 21-year-old, formerly of Barcelona's youth set-up and Borussia Dortmund, worked with ex-City captain Vincent Kompany at the Belgian club and has joined for a reported fee of £11million.

Gomez is City's fourth acquisition of the transfer window, following on from the captures of Kalvin Phillips, Erling Haaland and Stefan Ortega.

"I am incredibly proud and happy to have joined Manchester City," he told the club's official website.

"City are the best team in England and in Pep Guardiola I have a chance to learn and develop under the most outstanding manager in world football.

"To be able to be part of this club is a dream come true for me and something any young player would aspire to.

"The number of trophies City have won over the past few years has been incredible and the style of football the team plays under Pep is the most exciting in Europe.

"Playing for and being guided by Pep and his coaches is going to be very special.

"I've heard so much about the City fans and how passionate they are, so I can't wait to get started and to try and help the Club achieve even more."

City have won their opening two Premier League fixtures against West Ham and Bournemouth, with Newcastle United next up on Sunday. 

Our new number 21 #ManCity pic.twitter.com/5oGXj5ZdUY

Manchester City have confirmed the signing of full-back Sergio Gomez on a four-year deal from Anderlecht.

The 21-year-old, formerly of Barcelona's youth set-up and Borussia Dortmund, worked with ex-City captain Vincent Kompany at the Belgian club and has joined for a reported fee of £11million.

Gomez is City's fourth acquisition of the transfer window, following on from the captures of Kalvin Phillips, Erling Haaland and Stefan Ortega.

"I am incredibly proud and happy to have joined Manchester City," he told the club's official website.

"City are the best team in England and in Pep Guardiola I have a chance to learn and develop under the most outstanding manager in world football.

"To be able to be part of this club is a dream come true for me and something any young player would aspire to.

"The number of trophies City have won over the past few years has been incredible and the style of football the team plays under Pep is the most exciting in Europe.

"Playing for and being guided by Pep and his coaches is going to be very special.

"I've heard so much about the City fans and how passionate they are, so I can't wait to get started and to try and help the Club achieve even more."

City have won their opening two Premier League fixtures against West Ham and Bournemouth, with Newcastle United next up on Sunday. 

Our new number 21 #ManCity pic.twitter.com/5oGXj5ZdUY