Manchester City Transfer News: Latest Gabriel Jesus, Aleksandar Kolarov Rumours

Incoming Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus has revealed how he turned down offers from Italy before agreeing to move to England. The Brazilian attacker also described how he nearly backed out of a transfer to Manchester altogether, amid a dispute with club Palmeiras.

Gabriel Jesus conducted an interview with Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport's Extra Time magazine (h/t Football Italia), during which he revealed how he rejected two of Italy's biggest clubs: "I said no to Inter and Juventus."

His reasons were simple. The highly touted young striker disclosed he is an AC Milan fan, although such allegiance was far from the only reason he turned down Juve and Inter.

Instead, City became the 19-year-old's new destination largely because of how much he was impressed by manager Pep Guardiola. The Spaniard sold one of Brazilian football's brightest young things on the Citizens' plans for future and sustained success: “I don’t know him personally, but he gave me guarantees about the project. I said no to Inter and Juve, that’s true. I’m a Milan fan!”

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City signed Jesus in a deal worth £27 million this summer, with the player set to officially join the Manchester club in January following the conclusion of the Brazilian season in December.

However, the gifted striker has stated the transfer almost didn't happen because of the way Palmeiras haggled over image rights with a former agent. The haggling prompted a bitter legal case, during which a WhatsApp message between Gabriel and the agent in question were relayed by Brazilian source UOL Esporte (h/t Goal's Daniel Edwards), featuring these words attributed to the player: "I swear, I almost walked away from this deal so that Palmeiras would not get anything."

Jesus has since offered an apology for the remarks in an interview with Brazilian source Globoesporte (h/t ESPN FC): "I regret that an excerpt from my conversation with my former agent has been taken out of context, used incompletely and irresponsibly."

Although such instances have cast a cloud over the player before he's even featured for City, his eventual arrival will only add more flair, pace and clinical finishing to an already devastating attack.

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The Citizens have been dominating the Premier League so far this season thanks to striker Sergio Aguero and his partnerships with forwards Nolito, Raheem Sterling, Kelechi Iheanacho and Kevin De Bruyne.

It's proving to be an uncomfortable wait, but if Jesus meets expectations, City could be even more potent in the new year. That's a frightening thought for the rest of England's top flight.

Versatile Defender Wants to Stay

Aleksandar Kolarov has revealed he would welcome a new contract from City. The Serbian was speaking ahead of the club's upcoming UEFA Champions League clash with Celtic, per Rob Pollard of the Manchester Evening News: “If we win some things, it’s not going to be a problem for me to sign a new contract.”

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City have a great chance to win major trophies this season since the team is playing scintillating football on Guardiola's watch. Kolarov has been a key figure in how well the Citizens have performed.

In particular, the left-back has proved highly adaptable, switching from the edge to the middle of defence. It's been a seamless transition, with Kolarov showcasing aggression, decisive instincts and the kind of passing ability Guardiola demands the men at the back boast.

Kolarov indicated how he's warmed to the switch of positions but also hinted it may not be a permanent change, per Pollard: “I am enjoying playing as a central-defender and I am involved in the play and everything is going good, but the season is very long.”

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Kolarov has used his involvement well, already keenly impressing his new manager. James Robson of the Manchester Evening News even reported Guardiola was prepared to shelve a bid for Juventus man Leonardo Bonucci because of Kolarov's stellar performances.

Guardiola now wants the 30-year-old to stay with the Citizens, according to David Anderson of the Daily Mirror.

Guardiola's tactical adjustments, the split centre-backs, inverted full-backs, swarming pressing and relentless possession, have taken hold so quickly thanks to players like Kolarov. A new contract is merely worthy reward for his efforts.

Guardiola has wasted no time transforming City's squad. Moving a veteran like Kolarov around is a vital short-term fix, but signing a precocious talent such as Jesus helps safeguard the club's future.