Premier League scrap to begin for Manchester City defender

As many as five Premier League clubs are in the running to sign Manchester City reject Nedum Onuoha.

Despite wanting to stay and battle for his place at Eastlands, Onuoha has been shunned by Roberto Mancini.

Alongside not being given a squad number and being left out of the Manchester City squad to have embarked on a pre-season tour of the USA, Onuoha has also discovered that he has no locker at the club’s training ground.

The 24-year-old enjoyed a successful loan spell at Sunderland last season and a host of Premier League clubs believe that Onuoha would prove a welcome addition to their squads.

However, with Manchester City valuing the defender at £8m offers have so far been in short supply.

Everton appear to be at the front of the queue and with Leighton Baines appealing to Manchester City, there is the possibility that the clubs can agree to some type of swap deal.

Blackburn have already been linked with a bid for £6.5m, which may test Manchester City’s resolve, while Bolton may consider a move if they sell Gary Cahill this summer.

Aston Villa are the other club thought to be interested, although they may have used all of their available resources after signing Shay Given and Charles N’Zogbia, who is on the brink of agreeing terms.

All of these clubs will have aspirations of finishing in the top ten of the Premier League, while Everton and Villa may harbour hopes of sneaking into the top six.

Blackburn are 9/2 in the Premier League betting to finish in the top ten this season, with local rivals Bolton slightly shorter at 11/4 and Aston Villa odds-on at 8/15.

However, Villa are 5/1 to show that last season was a temporary blip and regain their spot in the top six, with Everton 7/2 to finish in these positions.