Journalist David Ornstein has shared an update on Manchester City’s Financial Fair Play (FFP) case, with a verdict expected in the coming months.

In early 2023, City faced allegations of breaching over 100 Premier League FFP regulations following a four-year investigation into their financial activities between 2009 and 2018. The charges were referred to an independent commission, while the club has consistently maintained its innocence.

If found guilty, City could face significant consequences, including a hefty fine, a transfer ban, a points deduction, or even relegation to a lower division.

Although Pep Guardiola’s side recently won their legal challenge against the Premier League’s Associated Party Transaction (APT) rules, it remains uncertain whether they will achieve a similar outcome in their FFP case.

The proceedings concluded at the end of 2024, and according to Ornstein, a final ruling is expected within the next couple of months. However, the decision will be subject to potential appeals from either party.

“It’s just over two years ago since those charges and the feeling I get from speaking to people at and around the club is that we could be looking at a springtime verdict,” Ornstein told NBC Sports.

“So, maybe a month or two away and that feels pretty soon. Of course this is still subject to potential appeals in that process too, but the verdict would feel like a seismic moment whatever the outcome.”

Manchester City emerged as the highest spenders in the January transfer window, climbing into the top six of the Premier League net spend rankings. However, journalist David Ornstein insists their spending spree was not an attempt to “pre-empt a potential punishment” from their ongoing Financial Fair Play (FFP) case.

Ornstein also shed light on the club’s stance regarding the most severe penalty they could face, though the details of their expectations remain undisclosed.

“The important point to say from City’s perspective is that they are totally confident that they will be exonerated and prove their innocence, so they’re operating as usual,” Ornstein added.

“We saw them do a lot of business in the January transfer window. None of that business, to my knowledge, was to pre-empt potential punishment because they don’t think they are going to be punished for these alleged breaches.

“In the contract negotiations they’ve been holding in recent years, the transfer talks that have taken place, no clauses have been inserted into those deals to say ‘if City are punished, this is going to happen’. Players want to join Manchester City and they are continuing with everything that they are doing.

“It had no impact on Pep Guardiola signing a new contract in autumn, on Erling Haaland in the story I broke in January, on [sporting director] Txiki Begiristain’s decision to leave the club as sporting director – that was long-planned, or Hugo Viana’s decision to replace him.

“Think that they are going to be fined, let’s see how it materialises.”

Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez has hinted at interest in a potential move to Liverpool but maintains that his main focus remains on finishing an outstanding season with the Cherries.

Alongside Dean Huijsen and several others, Kerkez has emerged as one of the breakout stars of the campaign, with Bournemouth still in contention for an unlikely Champions League spot.

At just 21, he has already attracted interest from several Premier League clubs, including Manchester United.

Liverpool have also been linked, as they begin to plan for life beyond Andrew Robertson, who is entering the latter stages of his decorated career.

A move to Anfield would see Kerkez reunite with his international teammate and close friend Dominik Szoboszlai—an exciting prospect not just for him, but for Hungarian football, with two of its brightest talents playing for one of the world’s biggest clubs.

“I’m just focused on playing and winning as many games as possible with my team. A lot can happen in football, but it’s pointless to predict,” Kerkez told Hungarian outlet Nemzeti Sport when the subject of Liverpool was brought up, not wanting to get ahead of himself.

There was, however, a tease of openness to the possibility in his response.

“It wouldn’t look bad, that’s for sure,” Kerkez added. “But it’s too early to talk about something like that. I have big goals with Bournemouth, we still have a lot of games to win, that’s the most important thing right now.”

Lifting the lid on his relationship with Szoboszlai, the youngster said: “We get along really well off the field, I try to pay attention to him because he needs attention, poor thing. I told him that you can slip up on anyone, but not me, because we both need the national team.”

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou is targeting Southampton’s Tyler Dibling and Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens as part of his strategy to bring homegrown talent to Hotspur Way this summer, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.

Spurs were highly active in the winter transfer window, securing Mathys Tel on an initial loan from Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich, with an option for a permanent £45 million move.

His arrival followed the signings of Antonin Kinsky and Kevin Danso, the latter joining from Ligue 1 side Lens with a £20.9 million obligation to buy. Postecoglou is working closely with technical director Johan Lange to plan future transfers.

Spurs Set Sights on Dibling and Gittens Deals

Tottenham have earmarked Tyler Dibling and Jamie Gittens as key transfer targets as they refine their strategy to strengthen their homegrown quota for next season, GIVEMESPORT sources report. However, securing both deals may prove challenging when negotiations begin.

Spurs could benefit if Southampton face relegation to the Championship in their pursuit of Dibling. However, the south coast club rejected bids below £55 million during the winter window, determined to retain the 19-year-old winger.

Sources indicate Tottenham nearly reached an agreement for Dibling in January but backed away due to Southampton’s high demands and doubts over the player’s willingness to move mid-season. Gittens is also expected to command a hefty transfer fee.

England U21 international Jamie Gittens carries an £80 million price tag ahead of the summer, having become a key figure in Borussia Dortmund’s plans during a challenging season. Securing his signature would require Tottenham to break their club-record transfer fee.

GIVEMESPORT sources reveal that Spurs ruled out signing Gittens during the winter transfer window, deeming a deal unfeasible at the time. However, their pursuit could face further complications as Premier League rivals Chelsea and Arsenal are also in the race for the highly-rated winger.

Postecoglou Remains Interested in Guehi Move

Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi remains a key target for Tottenham, despite the club’s frustration in their attempts to secure a deal mid-season. However, Chelsea are currently leading the race for his signature, with additional interest emerging from abroad.

GIVEMESPORT sources reveal that Spurs made a £70 million bid for the 24-year-old in the final days of the winter transfer window, but Palace stood firm. Ange Postecoglou now faces a decision on whether to revisit negotiations in the summer.

The high valuations of Dibling, Gittens, and Guehi present challenges for Tottenham as they look to bolster their homegrown quota. Spurs have been monitoring the situation since last summer and are under pressure to balance their squad.

Additionally, GMS sources recently disclosed that Tottenham explored signing Angel Gomes last month or securing him on a pre-contract agreement before he becomes a free agent from Lille in the summer, as they continue their pursuit of homegrown talent.