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Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on the future of Kevin De Bruyne amid reported interest from Saudi Arabia.
De Bruyne has been a key player for Manchester City for many years now, and is undoubtedly one of the greatest players in the club's history.
Even after missing the first half of last season he still came up trumps, scoring four goals and providing 10 assists in 18 league outings to help City win a fourth successive Premier League title.
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Yet despite how important he is to Pep Guardiola's side, De Bruyne's future is uncertain.
At 33 years old the Belgian midfielder is approaching the tail end of his career, and following several major injuries is unable to play as much as he used to.
With De Bruyne's current contract expiring next summer, City find themselves in a strange situation.
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Do they give their highest earner a new deal, keep him and let him leave for free next summer or sell him now?
Recently there have been reports that Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad had reached a contract agreement with De Bruyne, but transfer journalist Romano has now knocked back those claims.
On Sunday evening he posted on X: "Saudi sources playing down reports about Kevin de Bruyne reaching an agreement with Al-Ittihad — told it’s NOT true.
De Bruyne has not been included in City's travelling squad for their pre-season tour in the United States following his involvement in Euro 2024 with Belgium.
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"Al-Ittihad are focused on Moussa Diaby deal, set to be sealed very soon.
"Next step for Saudi club will be new goalkeeper with Ederson talks on but not easy."
All summer there have been reports that Ederson could be set to leave City after seven years.
Those rumours got louder when City's second choice goalkeeper Stefan Ortega signed a new contract earlier this summer, but Guardiola is determined to keep hold of his number one.
Topics: Manchester City, Kevin De Bruyne, Saudi Arabia, Ederson, Premier League, Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours
Alex Brotherton