(Credit: Getty Images, Imago)

Callum O'Connell

Thu 21 August 2025 7:00, UK

Man City will accept a “crazy” offer for Rico Lewis as the prospect of a shock late sale grows amid Nottingham Forest interest.

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That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Pep Guardiola still views the 20-year-old as a valuable member of his squad.

Last season, the England international made 44 appearances across all competitions, and he picked up an assist in their opening-day game against Wolves this time out.

Brown told Football Insider in July that Man City are aiming to accelerate player sales after Guardiola make clear his demands to trim the size of his squad.

However, Lewis is not considered to be among those sellable assets as he remains a favourite of the boss having “never let him down” when called upon.

Instead, there are a number of players the club would be prepared to let go to trim the squad following the departures of the likes of Jack Grealish and James McAtee.

Rico Lewis has been linked with a move away from Man City.

(Credit Imago)

Football Insider revealed last month that Guardiola is prepared to sell academy players including Issa Kabore, Callum Doyle and Luke Mbete.

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Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that he would be “very surprised” to see Lewis sold despite suggestions that “crazy” money could tempt City.

“I’d be very surprised if Man City sold Rico Lewis,” he told Football Insider.

“I know Nottingham Forest have been spoken about with a move, but I can’t see it.

“Pep keeps coming out and saying he wants to cut the squad, especially now because they’ve added to it heavily in the transfer market.

“Maybe they’ve decided they’re not sure whether he’s good enough to be a first-choice full-back or midfielder, and have questions about his role.

“I think they’ll consider whether the value of the job he does for them versus what money they might get.

“If they get a crazy offer, they could well let him go, that’s the only way I could think.

Pep Guardiola is eyeing an overhaul of his squad.

(Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)

“But Lewis has always been talked about as one of their brightest young talents.

“He’s never let Guardiola down and has always done a job wherever he’s been asked to play and whatever situation they might be in.

“So like I say, I would be very surprised if they were willing to let him go.

“I don’t think they’re desperate for money, and he still has a valuable role to play in that squad.

“There are a lot of players I think City would rather let go before Rico Lewis.”

Lewis is not the only player who has been strongly linked with a move away from City this summer, as Ederson’s future has been subject to plenty of speculation.

Brown told Football Insider on 19 August that City are prepared to cash in on Ederson despite having turned down an initial offer from Galatasaray.

Ederson could leave Man City this summer.

(Credit: Getty Images)

After a disappointing season which saw City go trophyless for the first time since 2016-17, a number of players are believed to have lost Guardiola’s trust.

Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed in April that Ederson is increasingly likely to leave Man City as he remains open to a big-money move away.

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