Ronald Koeman reveals private conversation with Manchester City over Tijjani Reijnders | OneFootball

Netherlands international head coach Ronald Koeman has revealed the nature of a private conversation he held with Manchester City concerning Tijjani Reijnders.

The Dutch midfielder is set to become the second player to undergo a medical ahead of signing a long-term contract at the Etihad Stadium, after City officials secured an agreement with AC Milan last week following a handshake on personal terms.

Reijnders is likely to become one of three new signings to secure moves into the Manchester City squad ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup, following a finalised deal for Wolves’ Rayan Ait-Nouri and work in progress concerning Lyon’s Rayan Cherki.

However, the central midfielder has by far been the most outspoken of the three players when it has come to admiration for Pep Guardiola, Kevin De Bruyne, the Premier League as a whole, and talk over his Etihad Stadium switch before it has been formally announced.

Now, those within the Netherlands international camp have joined that trend with fresh details emerging and being discussed with Dutch media during the ongoing national team break.

Speaking during a recent press conference, Holland head coach Ronald Koeman revealed that Tijjani Reijnders will temporarily leave the national team camp on Sunday to undergo a Manchester City medical in England, before rejoining the group later in the day.

The 62-year-old also revealed the details of a conversation he held with Pep Guardiola and Manchester City over the versatile midfielder and a potential switch to the Etihad Stadium.

“That’s a great step for him,” Koeman said of the AC Milan star’s Premier League switch.

“They [Manchester City] called me a few months ago. I’ve mentioned more [players to sign], but it seems to be limited to one *winks*. Tijjani has developed very well,” he added.

Reijnders is only expected to become the second player to sign on to a Manchester City contract this summer, after Rayan Ait-Nouri completed his medical testing for the club on Saturday with a contract signing to follow on Sunday.

Both players are due to appear for the club at the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, with three group stage games initially pencilled in against Wydad AC of Morocco, Al Ain of the United Arab Emirates, and Juventus of Italy.

Alongside interest in Lyon’s Rayan Cherki, which remains expected to be completed in time for the United States-based competition, City hold an intention to discuss a deal with Newcastle for Tino Livramento despite complications, and talks will resume after the Club World Cup.