Manchester City Transfer News: 5 Players Blues Need to Sell

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Manchester City’s exuberance in last year's transfer market resulted in Premier League success in 2011-12.

A last-gasp winner against QPR ensured that Roberto Mancini’s men topped the division on goal difference.

Despite their perennial gung-ho approach in signing new players, the champions have been very quiet to date this summer, with the Etihad Stadium club wary of UEFA’s upcoming financial fair-play rules.

With Mancini’s radar honing in on the likes of Robin van Persie, the Italian boss has been told that he must sell before he can buy.

Here are five players that look to be on their way out of the club—players whom fans will be happy to part with if it means new superstars coming aboard.

Roque Santa Cruz

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One of former manager Mark Hughes’ signings, the Paraguay international never really managed to duplicate the impressive performances that made him a star at Blackburn.

With the arrival of more-recognized attackers, Santa Cruz spent last term on loan in Spain with Real Betis.

He is certainly surplus to requirements.

Adam Johnson

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On his day Johnson is as good a left winger as England can boast.

Unfortunately, the ex-Middlesbrough wideman does not show his true ability on a regular basis.

Inconsistency, poor delivery and a questionable work ethic means that City fans are more often than not frustrated with Johnson’s performances.

With Samir Nasri, David Silva and others taking the starting berths at the Etihad, expect Johnson to be sold this summer.

Edin Dzeko

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Has blown hot and cold since his big-money move from Wolfsburg and is now fourth-choice striker behind Sergio Aguero, Mario Balotelli and Carlos Tevez.

Although the Bosnian popped up with important goals throughout last season, the targetman is eager to play regular first-team football and could well try to find this opportunity elsewhere.

City fans would happily sacrifice Dzeko, if it aided Van Persie’s arrival.

Emmanuel Adebayor

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Ostracized by Mancini, the African frontman was deemed to be unneeded and loaned to Tottenham for the entire 2011-12 campaign.

With City paying for half the Togolese forward’s wages during his spell at White Hart Lane, and the ex-Arsenal man making it clear that he does not intend to return to the club, the Etihad Stadium crowd will hope a deal to sell Adebayor is completed soon.

Kolo Toure

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Initially an important player in the City revolution, Toure has not been the same player following his lengthy ban for testing positive for a prohibited substance.

The former Arsenal centre-back is now a backup to Vincent Kompany and Joleon Lescott, and with a new defender on the summer hit list—and the likes of Deydrick Boyata coming through the ranks—City fans may well believe that the Ivorian should be sold this summer.