Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne 'could be tempted' by move to Saudi Arabia - Paper Round

Kevin De Bruyne “could be the next player” to make a move to Saudi Arabia.

That’s according to a report in the Sun which claims the Belgium international "could be tempted" away from Manchester City “by the money on offer”.

The article reads: “Kevin De Bruyne is reportedly being sounded out for a move to Saudi Arabia.

“The Manchester City star could be the next player to make a move away from Europe and to the Middle East.

“A source has told Football Insider that the midfielder could be in line for a “jaw-dropping” contract offer.

“The report claims that De Bruyne is happy at Man City but could be tempted by the money on offer.

“The Belgian international was reportedly contacted by Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr.

“Al-Nassr want to explain their long-term project in the hope of convincing the playmaker to make the incredible switch to the Middle East and link up with Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, Marcelo Brozovic and ex-City pal Aymeric Laporte.

“SunSport understands, though, that De Bruyne will reject any big-money offers from Saudi Arabia because he wants to finish his career at the Etihad.”

Manchester City are determined “to make a profit” on out-of-favour Kalvin Phillips, according to a report.

An article in the Mirror suggests City have set an asking price of £50 million for the England international - £8m more than they paid Leeds for him in the summer of 2022.

The report adds: “City are ruthless negotiators in the transfer market. They were prepared to allow Phillips to leave for less than £40 million in the summer when West Ham registered an interest.

But the player told Etihad chiefs that he still wanted to prove to Pep Guardiola that he could do a job for the Treble winners. However, now City want to cash in on the scramble for his signature.

“Phillips is now ready to move on in a bid to protect his place in Gareth Southgate ’s squad for next summer’s European Championship.

“Newcastle are circling after losing £55 million signing Sandro Tonali for 10 months after the Italian admitted breaking gambling regulations in his home country. Meeting City’s asking price will not be a problem for the Toon.

“But Newcastle face competition from Liverpool, Juventus, West Ham and Aston Villa for a player who will turn 28 in December.”

Jesse Lingard is reportedly on the hunt for a new club after "Steven Gerrard's Al-Ettifaq didn't have room for the former Manchester United star".

"Lingard had been training with the side in the Middle East, but Saudi Pro League clubs are only allowed to have a maximum of eight overseas players in their squad," states a report in the Star.

"Al-Ettifaq currently have 10 overseas players, and reports also suggested Lingard's demands were too high.

"Gerrard's side already boast Demarai Grey and Jordan Henderson, as well as Scottish star Jack Hendry. However, Lingard won't be joining the trio under the Liverpool legend's stewardship.

"Lingard has been without a club since he left Nottingham Forest over the summer. And he had been close to joining West Ham, also training with The Hammers.

"However, West Ham pulled their interest in the midfielder when he jetted out to the Middle East to link up with Al-Ettifaq."

- - -

TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.