Transfer news – City plan clear-out and Gunners go for Jagielka
Published:Manchester City are ready to wield the axe in a bid to trim their bulging squad with England internationals Wayne Bridge, Joleon Lescott and Shaun Wright-Phillips in the firing line.
After taking their summer spending to over £75million yesterday with the purchase of Alexsander Kolarov, the club are looking to recoup some money by shifting players boss Roberto Mancini deems surplus to requirements.
Following City’s splurge, the team, who finished fifth last season, are 5/1 third-favourites to win the title.
The English trio were brought in by former manager Mark Hughes for a total of over £40million and all had disappointing seasons last term.
It’s clear Mancini wants to impose his own stamp on the side and sees those three, plus Roque Santa Cruz, Craig Bellamy, Stephen Ireland, Jo, and Felipe Caicedo as not up to title-winning standard.
A clutch of those players started in the 2-0 loss to Sporting Lisbon on Friday and could feature against Thierry Henry’s New York Red Bulls tonight at 8.30pm.
City looked very rusty in succumbing to the Portuguese team and are only 10/11 to beat an MLS side who lost 2-1 to Tottenham Hotspur last time out.
Henry will start against Mancini’s men and should he repeat his goal-scoring trick from the Spurs game could propel the Bulls to an upset win – a 12/5 shot.
Elsewhere, Everton defender Phil Jagielka is the subject of a bid in the region of £15million from Arsenal, who are looking to further strengthen their backline following the departures of Sol Campbell, Mikael Silvestre and William Gallas.
The Gunners brought in Laurent Koscielny for £10million but have had that same-priced offer turned down by the Toffees for the 27-year-old England international.
A classy and committed centre-back, Jagielka cost Everton £4million three years ago and despite suffering a long-term knee injury in 2009 would be ideal as a third high-quality choice at the back.
Arsenal’s title hopes, currently a 6/1 chance, would be seriously strengthened with the acquisition.
How will Mancini’s fire sale affect City’s top four chances? They are 1/2 to qualify for the Champions League but will need to improve on their pre-season form quickly. See the full Premier League betting market.
