Manchester City Transfer News: Juventus Keen on Yaya Toure, Top Rumours
Juventus are reportedly keen on signing Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure during the January transfer window. Reports from Italy suggest the Serie A giants are considering Toure as one of two possible transfer targets to bolster their midfield ranks.
Italian source Calciomercato (h/t TalkSport) has credited Juve with interest in 33-year-old Toure: "The Italian champions are in the market for a new midfielder and they are hoping to sign Zenit St Petersburg's Axel Witsel on a free next summer.Ā But as well as the Belgian, Juve are now reportedly also hoping to bolster their ranks by snapping up Toure in January."
The reports indicate Toure's recent return to form has helped swell the queue of potential suitors. He began the season struggling for playing time after Pep Guardiola succeeded Manuel Pellegrini as manager.
Yet Guardiola has turned Toure's way recently, and with successful results. The Ivory Coast powerhouse scored twice in a 2-1 away win against Crystal Palace in the Premier League. He also featured in another 2-1 away victory, this one over Burnley.
In the process, Toure has reminded City of his immense value. When he's on form, few players can handle Toure's combination of awesome physical power and outrageous flair and skill. He also still boasts one of the keenest eyes for goal in the game.
Those are qualities any top club in Europe would welcome, even one housing Juve's quality in the middle. The Old Lady has several star turns in midfield, players such as Hernanes, Miralem Pjanic and Sami Khedira.
There's also oft-injured Italy international Claudio Marchisio. The 30-year-old has made four appearances in Serie A and the UEFA Champions League this season, scoring a goal and providing an assist, per WhoScored.com.
Marchisio is a terrific No. 8, but his lengthy injury history sadly means he's not a player Juve can rely on. ManagerĀ Massimiliano Allegri may want to bolster his depth in the middle.
Allegri has already made it clear he'd like more power in the squad, after bemoaning a soft showing from his side during a recent 3-1 defeat to Genoa, according to Goal's Ryan Benson.
Yet genuine depth and strength are also qualities City need in midfield. The Citizens have the talent to win both the Premier League and UEFA Champions League this season.
However, neither will be possible unless Guardiola makes full use of all the talent in his squad. It means keeping a midfielder as effective and versatile as Toure beyond January.
City Linked with Ipswich Town Teenager
Veteran experience is great, but Guardiola reportedly already has one eye on the future. City have been linked with Ipswich Town's England U15 international Ben Knight, according to the Daily Telegraph's James Ducker.
Knight is described as a "left-footed 'No. 10' who is viewed as of the brightest young prospects in English football." Ducker also noted how City have been on the player's case for a while, indicating interest stretching back months.
The Citizens are said to be hopeful about adding Knight to their own academy, an institution with a solid reputation for developing young and talented players.
Guardiola built a similar reputation during his time with Barcelona, when he helped several youth graduates make the step up to the senior first team. Players such as Sergio Busquets and Pedro made the jump on Guardiola's watch.
It will be important for the Spaniard to underpin City with a similar core of precocious talent.
Toure represents City's current potential for success. But the club must also ensure it stays strong enough to continue competing for major prizes for years to come.
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