Transfer gossip: Man City to rival United for Sergio Ramos

City Serg ahead of United

As Manchester United and Real Madrid continue to play a game of cat and mouse involving Sergio Ramos and David de Gea to see who'll blink first, Manchester City have entered the mixed metaphor. According to the Mirror, Manchester's noisy neighbours are monitoring developments and are primed to make their move should an opportunity arise. The story goes that City are hoping to take advantage of increased tensions between United and Real, with whom they have an excellent relationship (Real, not United).

Mad Max vying for Oscar

If there's one club in Europe who have done an excellent of getting all their ducks in a row early, it's Juventus. The Turin club have already secured Sami Khedira, Roberto Pereyra, Mario Mandzukic and Paulo Dybala. And it's still only June. The London Evening Standard report that Chelsea's Oscar is next on their list, as a 'wildcard' signing.

The thin red Clyne

Liverpool have also impressed with their early business this close season, most of all with the capture of Roberto Firmino. Today they are expected to wrap up the signature of Southampton and England full-back Nathaniel Clyne for around £12m. The Liverpool Echo reckon that the 24-year-old will complete a medical today to wrap up a five-year move.

The best of the rest

*Newcastle United want to sign West Ham's Stewart Downing, but face competition from Sunderland and Leicester City. (Express) *Peter Schmeichel has urged David De Gea to reject Real Madrid and become a United legend. (Sun) *Everton have stressed that Manchester United target Seamus Coleman is not for sale. (Liverpool Echo) *Chelsea are one of a number of clubs interested in Atletico Madrid attacking midfielder Arda Turan. (Mail)