Incoming sporting director Hugo Viana is looking to make an immediate impact at Manchester City and is reportedly keen on bringing a key reinforcement from his former club, Sporting CP.

Viana Plans First Sporting Raid for Man City

With his first transfer window approaching, Viana has a major challenge ahead in reshaping City’s squad.

While the Etihad club already began their rebuild in January, more changes are expected as Pep Guardiola’s side looks to recover from a disappointing campaign.

Currently sitting as low as fifth in the Premier League, City may still secure a Champions League spot.

However, their struggles this season have raised concerns, as they have never finished outside the top four under Guardiola.

With big changes expected, the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Ederson, and Bernardo Silva could be on their way out, making room for fresh additions.

One of those reinforcements could come from Sporting, with Viana targeting a move for a highly-rated defender.

According to The Boot Room, Viana wants to sign Ousmane Diomande, a player admired by Etihad decision-makers.

The centre-back has a release clause of £67m, but he could be available for a discounted price of £50m this summer.

Viana, having strong connections with Sporting, could use his ties to bring Diomande to Manchester City, despite interest from Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, and Chelsea.

If the transfer goes through, it would mark another step in City’s defensive rebuild.

“Complete” Diomande Could Form a Strong Partnership with Khusanov

With injuries troubling Nathan Aké, Rúben Dias, John Stones, and Manuel Akanji this season, City have struggled for consistency at the back.

However, January signing Abdukodir Khusanov has emerged as a promising option, overcoming a tough debut to cement his place in the team.

If Diomande joins, he could form a dominant defensive partnership with Khusanov, securing City’s backline for years to come.

Praised by football talent scout Jacek Kulig last year as having an “incredibly complete” profile, Diomande has continued to shine at Sporting.

At just 21 years old, the Ivory Coast defender could join Khusanov, Juma Bah, and Vitor Reis to form a new generation of centre-backs at Manchester City.

From an ageing defence, Guardiola could soon have a squad filled with young defensive talents. And if there are concerns about Diomande’s readiness, Khusanov’s recent breakthrough should serve as proof that City’s young stars can step up.

Nottingham Forest are having their best Premier League campaign in decades, with Nuno Espírito Santo’s side unexpectedly on course to qualify for the Champions League.

Their remarkable season has already led to summer transfer plans aimed at maintaining their impressive form.

Praise for Forest’s Premier League Success

Forest face Brighton in the FA Cup quarter-finals this afternoon, and a win would see Nuno take his side to Wembley, adding another achievement to his growing list at the City Ground.

Only title contenders Liverpool have won more matches than Forest this season, a testament to the outstanding job done by Nuno, who has revived his managerial career following struggles at Tottenham and in the Saudi Pro League.

Forest have been this season’s biggest surprise package, with players like Chris Wood, Morgan Gibbs-White, Murillo, Ola Aina, and Matz Sels forming a strong core that has caused problems for their rivals.

The attacking flair of Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi, combined with Elliot Anderson’s consistency in midfield, has also played a key role in their push for European football.

With their top-four ambitions still alive, Forest could achieve the unthinkable and secure a place in next season’s Champions League.

Champions League Qualification Could Boost Forest’s Transfer Plans

If Forest do make it into the Champions League, they stand to gain a significant financial boost, which could greatly help them in the transfer market.

To maintain their current level, the club will need to strengthen the squad. Reports suggest Sunderland midfielder Jobe Bellingham is a target for Nuno, following his standout season in the Championship.

There are also rumors linking Forest with a move for Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyökeres.

Forest Eye “Audacious” Move for Juventus Midfielder Douglas Luiz

According to GiveMeSport, Forest are once again interested in Douglas Luiz, after previously expressing interest in January.

The £150,000-per-week midfielder joined Juventus in the summer after an impressive season with Aston Villa, where he scored 10 goals and provided 10 assists across all competitions. However, his time in Turin has been underwhelming, and he could now be available at a “reduced rate”.

GMS reports that Forest are planning an “audacious” move for Luiz and could tempt him with a return to the Premier League, just a year after his departure for Serie A.

“Influential figures” at Forest are seriously considering making an approach, with Juventus now open to selling Luiz for under £40 million, despite previously demanding a higher fee.

Despite shining at Villa, Luiz has struggled for game time at Juventus, starting just three league games. The recently dismissed Thiago Motta didn’t appear to favor the Brazilian, and it remains to be seen whether new boss Igor Tudor has different plans for him.

Regardless, Forest are making their interest clear ahead of the summer transfer window.

For Celtic, the response to their painful defeat against Rangers has been simple—train as hard as possible. That’s according to Luke McCowan, who insists the squad is determined to bounce back.

The Hoops fought back from 2-0 down against their fierce rivals, only to suffer a last-minute loss, marking their first home derby defeat in five years.

Long Break for Reflection

Heading into the international break with such a loss has made the last couple of weeks tough for players who remained behind. However, McCowan believes the time off has been useful for reflection.

Speaking to Celtic TV, he said:

“Since the international boys have been away, it’s given people time to reflect.

“The mood this week has been get yourself in and train as hard as you can. That’s the best way to get over a defeat, especially against your rivals.

“So, the mood in the camp is good. We’ve got to be focused for the next match and put in a good performance.”

With Hearts up next, McCowan sees the upcoming fixture as the perfect chance to respond.

“That’s probably the easiest way to deal with any defeat, regardless of who it’s against or when it’s in the season.

“You always want to bounce back with a victory. But we know in the time off you need to reflect on it, think about it, and make it right for the next game coming.”

Christopher Jullien Set for Emotional Return

Meanwhile, former Celtic defender Christopher Jullien is set to return to action this weekend after nearly a year out due to a second serious knee injury.

Jullien, who joined Celtic for £7 million in 2019, famously scored the winning goal in the League Cup Final against Rangers later that year.

However, his career took a downward turn after suffering a horrific knee injury against Dundee United, keeping him out for over 400 days.

After struggling to regain his place in the squad, he was sold to Montpellier for just £1 million in August 2022.

Unfortunately, disaster struck again last year when he suffered an ACL injury against Lens, ruling him out for the entire season.

Return to the Pitch with Montpellier Reserves

Now 32 years old, Jullien is set to make his comeback with Montpellier’s reserve team this weekend as he eyes a return to Ligue 1 action before the season ends.

Montpellier boss Jean-Louis Gasset confirmed the news, saying:

“Christopher will play again with the reserve team against Nantes. It will be great for him to get back on the pitch again after a difficult time.”