Saints star one Man City alternative to Jack Wilshere
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The British revolution is coming at Manchester City. After a trophy-laden spell intertwined with foreign recruitment, the end of their squad’s shelf life will signal a more homegrown transfer strategy when their expected summer shopping spree begins.
Jack Wilshere, a £30m Citizens target, will reportedly be the marquee signing of such a drive. Having missed yet more action through an ankle injury though, the England international is hardly a reliable star to pin hopes of future success on.
Instead, there are far cheaper British options to explore, as City look to shape their playing staff to fit the Premier League’s pending “homegrown player” rules. Here are just three:
James Ward-Prowse – Southampton
The 20-year-old only signed a new contract with the St Mary’s outfit in January, but regular rumour readers will know that such a stumbling block hasn’t deterred City, who have been mooted as £20m suitors.
A season of continued development on the south coast has seen the England U21 star register six assists and one goal in just 14 Premier League starts. His ability on the ball will provide Wilshere with a rival in Roy Hodgson’s senior side before long.
James McCarthy – Everton
Many would assume that Ross Barkley would be the Toffees middle-man that City would desire most, but McCarthy would actually be a better fit for the Etihad outfit.
The Irishman’s all-round ability from a deeper position in the middle of the park would allow Manuel Pellegrini to play his preferred 4-4-2 formation more confidently next season, if he’s still around. The club would be free to cash in on one of Fernando or Fernandinho should McCarthy arrive too.
Jack Colback – Newcastle
When switching Sunderland red and white for the arch-rival black-and-white strip of Newcastle last summer, Colback would have planned for greater reward than yet another relegation fight.
Despite the Magpies’ struggles, the flame-haired Killingworth native has dazzled. An England call-up was a reward for a campaign containing five assists and four goals, although his league-leading 12 yellow cards is a concern.
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