Earlier this week, a host of emerging reports revealed Manchester City are closing in on the signing of Kalvin Phillips.
After months and months of negotiation, it looks like the Blues have agreed on a £42 million fee with a further £3 million in add-ons.
The Yorkshire-born midfielder is likely to officially join the club before the start of pre-season and jet off with his new teammates on a tour of the United States.
To prepare for the new season, City are facing Club América and Bayern Munich in a pair of friendly matches before returning to England for the annual Community Shield curtain raiser against Liverpool.
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Phillips is seen as club captain, Fernandinho's natural replacement and will provided adequate competition for Rodri in defensive midfield.
However, his versatility across the middle of the park will be a huge boost for Pep Guardiola ahead of an action-packed World Cup-filled season.
With a host of elite options in that area, it seems unlikely that the Blues will be looking to recruit even more next season - but a fresh report has suggested something different.
According to the Sun, Liverpool are confident City's move for Phillips leaves them in pole position to sign Borussia Dortmund star, Jude Bellingham next summer.
The 18-year-old has soared to stardom since his transfer to the Bundesliga from Birmingham City.
This season, he has been a driving force from midfield the Black and Yellow, scoring three goals and providing eight assists in 31 games.
As expected, a host of elite clubs are interested in securing his signature.
Despite Liverpool believing they have the edge, it is expected to be a 'tug-of-war' between England's top two for him next season.
Jurgen Klopp is a huge admirer of Bellingham and has already earmarked him as his number one target to bolster a midfield already stacked with quality.
However, Guardiola hopes the England internationals friendship with Erling Haaland - who sat next to each other in the dressing room - will sway the odds in City's favour.
It is unlikely the midfielder will be sold this summer, but if he continues to develop in the way he is at the moment, there will be a lot more than City and Liverpool interested in 12 months time.
Bellingham is already an ever-present in Gareth Southgate's England set-up and is expected to be in the squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
There is also calls for him to be a regular starter in the side, with his unique ability to link the midfield to the attack.
In that case, there may be some quiet words between the City and Liverpool players about the emerging talent in their ranks.
Topics: Manchester City, Jude Bellingham, Liverpool, Premier League, Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours
Harry Siddall