Following their exit from the Champions League with defeat to Barcelona, Manchester City are prepared to axe a number of the first-team’s biggest stars – including midfield powerhouse Yaya Toure.
SEE MORE:
Manchester City news
Man City to brutally axe SIX first-team players, including Samir Nasri & Yaya Toure
Reports suggest that Samir Nasri, Yaya Toure, Edin Dzeko, Aleksander Kolarov, Fernandinho and Stevan Jovetic, as well as Bacary Sagna and Martin Demichelis, are all facing the end of their playing days with the Premier League champions.
Toure’s future is the most uncertain given he will command the highest transfer fee of the under-threat players.
The Citizens are after £20m, and Inter Milan, managed by former City boss Roberto Mancini, are keen for his signature.
Mancini, last week, confidently claimed that his side would be the Ivorian’s first choice if he is to leave: “Yaya has played in every top league, apart from Germany and Italy,” as quoted by The Guardian.
“If, as it seems, he wants to have an experience in Italy, then there is this possibility he could come here.
“It won’t be easy but he’s a player with incredible technique and character. Would Inter be his first choice? That’s certain.”
Whether the Serie A giants can finance a move – and lure him to the club with no Champions League football – is another story.