Man City supporters sent warning ahead of Southampton game as police descend close to Etihad

Greater Manchester Police have issued a warning to supporters attending the Premier League game between Manchester City and Southampton this afternoon after cordoning off an area not far from the Etihad Stadium.

The reigning Premier League champions are due to host the Saints in a 3pm kick-off; however, those travelling to the ground via the Ashton Canal by Clayton Lane - around a mile from the stadium - have been told to go a different way.

"We are currently responding to an incident on Clayton Lane near to the canal with other emergency services," a GMP Manchester East statement on Facebook read. "For those attending the #MCFC fixture soon please be aware a scene is in place, and you will have to seek an alternative route towards the Etihad Stadium."

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A cordon has been set up around the location, while a forensics tent is also in place. The Manchester Evening News understands that officers were called to the scene after an item was found in the canal.

City will return to the top of the Premier League table with a win as rivals Liverpool prepare to face Arsenal on Sunday. Speaking ahead of the game, Pep Guardiola said: "After Champions League games, I prefer to play teams who are better in the table because you focus more and don't look at that.

"They have the courage to play and are brave with the ball. Wolves were at the bottom and we struggled to win."

Guardiola's side will be without a number of senior stars including, Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne and Kyle Walker for the game.