Scott Carson looks to be staying on as a Manchester City player after reporting for the first day of pre-season training.
It's been a slow start to a crucial summer for City, with a replacement for departed legend Sergio Aguero or target Jack Grealish yet to be signed.
But things may finally have got moving if City are pressing ahead with their first signing of the window in goalkeeper Carson.
The 35 year old has spent the last two seasons on loan at City and was released from parent club Derby County this summer after a six-year stint in the East Midlands.
While the club have yet to officially unveil Carson as a permanent signing on a free transfer, he was a part of the small number of players who returned for the first day of pre-season on Monday.
The vast majority of Pep Guardiola's squad are still enjoying their holidays after participating in either this summer's European Championship or Copa America and a recent Covid-19 breakout in the academy means there were few numbers in the first day of training.
Carson was joined by teammates Fernandinho, Riyad Mahrez, Benjamin Mendy and fellow shot-stopper Zack Steffen, however.
Former England international Carson has largely been the third choice goalkeeper during his time at the Etihad, with a few appearances on the bench here and there, but was handed a shock start, debut and return to Premier League action towards the end of last season.
He saved a penalty in the 4-3 win over Newcastle and Guardiola explained how influential in the squad he has become during his time at the club.
"Maybe people don't know it but he's a real leader for us," Guardiola said after the match.
"He says straight away what he believes, he has a lot of experience, he has been in incredible locker rooms with big teams.
"He is an incredible person and we are delighted - not just me but Eddy (Ederson) and Zack (Steffen) and the players that today he could play."
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