Man City players and staff wowed by fringe man who barely plays - expert

Man City players and staff have been wowed by Stefan Ortega in training amid links with a move away from the Etihad in January.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson, who remains well-connected within the game, explained that Ortega will have a conversation with Pep Guardiola to weigh up his future.

This comes after Football Insider revealed that the 32-year-old could quit Man City if Ederson pens a new contract, with the Brazilian already in talks.

Ortega has made just four appearances for City so far this season, having made 20 across all competitions last season including nine in the Premier League.

His role as the second-choice goalkeeper has heavily restricted his game time, and there have been suggestions that he could become the first-choice elsewhere.

However, Robinson has insisted that the German has been happy with his role so far and will have to make a decision about his priorities and career progression.

Stefan Ortega to hold talks over Man City future after Ederson twist

Ederson had been heavily linked with a move to Saudi Arabia in the summer transfer window but ultimately remained at the Etihad, although his future remains uncertain.

Robinson, who has a wealth of experience both as a first and second-choice goalkeeper and has made 374 Premier League appearances, explained that Ortega may have to bide his time and wait to see where Ederson’s future lies.

“He knows his role at Manchester City,” he told Football Insider.

“As a number two goalkeeper, you know what you’re getting into and it’s a role he’s been happy with.

“I know he’s very highly thought of among the players and staff at City.

“He’s a very good goalkeeper and he could quite easily be a number one somewhere else.

“But that’s the thing with top teams, they have to have two number-one goalkeepers.

“It comes down to him personally and what he wants for himself and for his personal aims and goals, and whether he wants to play football every week.

“But let’s not forget, a few weeks ago we were talking about Ederson possibly leaving.

“As a number-two goalkeeper, it’s difficult, because you sit and bide your time and if you jump ship too early you could miss your opportunity that comes six months later.

“So it’s a conversation that he’ll have with Pep about whether he’ll be the first choice if Ederson leaves, but if they spend £50million on a new goalkeeper, that tells you.

“It’s going to be down to his own will and desire and whether he’s happy at Man City.”

In other news, Man City’s top priority in the January transfer market has been revealed.

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