Gabriel Jesus, Raheem Sterling and Aymeric Laporte ‘among dissatisfied Manchester City players’

Several Manchester City players are unhappy about their game time at the club and would be open to moving away this summer, according to reports.

Despite winning the Premier League and reaching the Champions League final in another fine season, it is thought that a number of first-team names are frustrated with their own roles.

The Athletic claim Gabriel Jesus, Raheem Sterling and Aymeric Laporte are all dissatisfied and that their feelings are shared by other team-mates, meaning a shake-up may be on the cards over the coming weeks.

The sensational report says that the disgruntled group of players would ‘consider’ leaving in the window, or even ‘actively push’ for a transfer. City are believed to be willing to offload stars that don’t want to be at the Etihad.

Although the club did reach the showpiece in Porto at the weekend in their hunt for yet more trophies, the discontent among some players stretches back before the final – and the situation remains the same.

City are preparing for a lavish spending spree now the season has ended, an intention they held ahead of their Champions League showdown. Regardless of the defeat, Pep Guardiola is expected to be heavily backed.

It is this potential overhaul that may see players who have cast their glance elsewhere shown the exit door. 

With club legend Sergio Aguero now officially gone, ace Jesus will be forced to step up and take some of the burden. However, he is said to harbour annoyance at the fact that he is still not likely to play in City’s big games. 

Joao Cancelo, Rodri and even Bernardo Silva are not fully content either, the Athletic also believe. Right back Cancelo looked for a move away last year and is said to have ‘relapsed’ after being dropped often.

As for Rodri, the holding midfielder has been credited as not feeling ‘thrilled’ with the conclusion to City’s campaign. Silva, meanwhile, is subject to ‘murmurs’ around his future despite his regular game time. 

The outlet say that Laporte is keen to head back to Spain and play for either Barcelona or Real Madrid. Either of those switches appears unlikely at present, but City are reportedly aware of the defender’s intentions. 

Sportsmail exclusively reported last week that Sterling and Riyad Mahrez are also not safe from the chopping block. It is understood that City will refine their squad, and the two forwards would be allowed to leave.

Their departures would depend on City receiving an acceptable fee, of course, and Arsenal hold an interest in both. At present, the club don’t appear able to land either, due to their financial demands and a lack of European football.

Both Barcelona and Real are also interested in Sterling, and have been for a while.   

City will need funds to make their dream signings, and any money generated from the sales would be put towards the shopping spree. 

As also revealed by Sportsmail, City are actively pursuing Aston Villa talisman Jack Grealish as their No 1 target in midfield. That deal would cost upwards of £100million, however, and Villa are keen to hold out for the hefty sum. 

Also on City’s shortlist is Tottenham and England striker Harry Kane. The superstar has said he wants to leave the club this summer, but again City would be forced to splash out an exorbitant amount, namely around £150m, to buy him.