Real Madrid plot double raid on Premier League champions

Although Roberto Mancini is willing to oversee the departures of certain Manchester City players this summer, the Italian certainly doesn’t want to lose first-team fixtures Sergio Aguero and Yaya Toure.

But he could have little choice in the matter, with that integral pairing having their head turned by Spanish giants Real Madrid, who are among the favourites for this year’s Champions League.

Jose Mourinho is expected to leave the club, 12/5 to lift the European Cup, this summer, but the Bernabeu hierarchy are hopeful of ushering in the City double act as the first of a wave of new Galacticos.

Real initially wanted Aguero when the Citizens paid Atletico Madrid £38m for his services two years ago, but missed out when their local rivals refused to do business with them.

They continued to monitor the 24-year-old’s progress ever since though, and have been alerted by the Argentinian’s family troubles since the break-up of his marriage to Diego Maradona’s daughter.

Indeed, Aguero’s son Ben is now spending much of his time in Madrid, with the striker keen to return to Spain in order to be closer to him.

And should Los Blancos firm up their interest in the diminutive forward with a £45m bid, as rumoured, ‘Kun’ would likely welcome the opportunity to link up with Cristiano Ronaldo and co.

Meanwhile, the situation regarding Toure’s contract has peaked Real’s interest also, and they are believed to be leading the chase for the Ivorian in company with Chelsea.

The imposing midfielder has two years remaining on his Etihad deal, but has outlined his intentions to buy himself out of the agreement if City fail to renew the terms by the weekend.

As two years remain on the contract, the Sky Blues would be due £22m in compensation for the 29-year-old, but Real would be willing to pay that to ensure they land the former Barcelona star in May.

Mourinho’s likely impending departure from the La Liga champions could negate their chances of signing him somewhat, but it is believed that a player of Toure’s stature would still be welcomed to the nine-time European champions.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.