Manchester City eyeing up possible move for £125m rated Chelsea star: Reports

Manchester City are interested in buying English midfielder Cole Palmer back from Chelsea as Kevin De Bruyne's long-term replacement, as per Voetbal24. The Belgian midfielder's contract with Manchester City will expire at the end of the season, and he's expected to leave the Etihad as a free agent.

As per the aforementioned report, Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr are preparing a bid for the 33-year-old. Kevin De Bruyne joined City in August 2015 from Bundesliga side Wolfsburg. He has since made 388 appearances across all competitions for the Cityzens, bagging 103 goals and 171 assists.

The former Chelsea midfielder has won six Premier League, five League Cups, three FA Cups, and a UEFA Champions League title with Pep Guardiola's side. Replacing the 33-year-old will be a tough nut to crack for any footballer. The Etihad outfit has started short-listing candidates who can potentially succeed the Belgian midfielder.

As per multiple reports, they also have Xavi Simons on their radar. However, Cole Palmer's recent performances in English top-tier football have been exceptional. Since arriving at Stamford Bridge last summer, he has recorded 31 goals and 20 assists in 54 matches across competition.

However, in August, he signed a contract extension with Chelsea, which will keep him in West London until 2033. As a result, Manchester City will have to make a winsome offer to lure the English midfielder. According to reports, the Blues value Palmer at around £125m.

Manchester City star backs Vinicius Jr to win the Ballon d'Or over Rodri

Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson has backed countryman Vinicius Jr. to win the Ballon d'Or over club teammate Rodri. The 31-year-old stated that the Real Madrid attacker deserves to win the prestigious individual accolade.

Ederson said via TNT Sport (as per Mundo Deportivo):

"I support Vinicius, also Rodri. The one who wins it is going to be a deserved winner, but I think Vini deserves it for everything he did in the Champions League, for everything he did last season. But if Rodri wins, I'll also be happy."

The 2024 Ballon d'Or ceremony is scheduled later this month and the two frontrunners in the race are UEFA Champions League winner Vinicius Jr and Rodri, who won the 2024 European Championships with Spain.

Unfortunately, Spanish midfielder Rodri suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury earlier this season. He has undergone a successful surgery for the ACL injury and is set to miss the 2024-25 season.