Man City hold crunch talk with star

Premier League champions Manchester City suffered a shock 4-3 defeat against Celtic in their first pre-season match on Wednesday. 

Manager Pep Guardiola named a number of fringe players in his starting line up for the clash against the Scottish champions, although Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland both started the game.

Haaland and fellow Norwegian Oscar Bobb were both on the scoresheet, but City were unable to prevent Celtic from running out 4-3 winners.

Guardiola will be desperate to see his side improve when they face Italian side AC Milan in their next pre-season game, but in the meantime it has emerged that City have held crunch talks with one of their most important players.

According to Football Insider, the Manchester outfit have held talks with goalkeeper Ederson amid interest from the Saudi Pro League.

Clubs in the Saudi Arabian league have been heavily linked with a move for the Brazilian all summer, and the 30-year-old is said to be weighing up his future.

Ederson could still depart Man City this summer

Prior to the defeat against Celtic, Guardiola confirmed that midfielder Kevin De Bruyne – who has also been linked with a move to the Middle East – will be part of his squad next term, but the Spaniard stopped short of doing the same for Ederson.

The Brazil international joined the Citizens from Portuguese side Benfica in 2017 and has since played an integral role for Guardiola’s side, making more than 330 appearances for the club across all competitions.

The ‘keeper has kept more than 150 clean sheets in that time, and has also lifted no fewer than 17 trophies during his time in England, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League.

Both Guardiola and those in charge of the club are said to be keen to keep Ederson at The Etihad, and City are therefore set to offer the player a new deal in an effort to do so.