Probably just trying to unsettle the player before putting in a bid, the dark arts of social media.
I think it’s all a sign of just how much City want him but realise they face having to pay a huge premium to secure the preferred target. Other top clubs circling, PL adaptation and contract length all put us in a strong position that City would like to diminish. Anything they can do to damage the relationship between player, club and fans potentially helps them chip away at our valuation or motivate negotiations. Story’s of terms being agreed and agent visits to training grounds are all part of a bigger playbook that can go all the way to players downing tools to force through a move.
Can totally see a deal being done but confident this is record fee territory for us. Unless City do allow a youngster like McAtee to be permanent makeweight in a deal.
It’s also been reported that we typically just reject incoming bids until our valuation has been met. Only TB knows that figure. No negotiation or direction given. Expect the games to continue from here.