Manchester City Transfers: Huge Names That Could Still Land at City This Summer

Jack Rodwell’s arrival at the Etihad may not have provided Man City fans with the world-class talent they crave, but it did show that the Citizens are active in the transfer market despite the reported tension between Roberto Mancini and Brian Marwood.  

Although no new talent is likely to be added ahead of the season opener against Southampton, the transfer window remains open for another two weeks. In that time, there are a number of on-going transfer sagas to be resolved, and this slideshow will document the five most exciting talents linked the Citizens.

Fernando Llorente

It has been confirmed that Fernando Llorente will not sign an extension to his contract when it expires at the end of the season.

The 27-year-old striker has been with Athletic Bilbao since he joined their academy at the age of 11, and will leave the club after 16 years of service without earning silverware.  

A disgruntled Josu Urrutia, President of Bilbao, confirmed the striker’s imminent departure on Monday:

“He and his agent informed us that his decision was that he would not extend his contract.

"Essentially there was no economic reason and what had the most weight was choosing to take part in a different type of competition with more chances of success." (Reuters)

The Spanish striker seems to favour Juventus as his preferred destination (Marca), but a wealth of English clubs have been placed on red alert following the ‘lion king’s’ refusal to commit to Bilbao.

Naturally Manchester City have been linked with the 6’5'' striker (Daily Express, the Metro) but the same sources also mention Chelsea and Tottenham as potential suitors.

If Manchester City were to make a move for the Spaniard, they would have to free up space in their 25 man squad. As long as Emmanuel Adebayor and Roque Santa Cruz remain Citizens, there seems to be little logic in adding another striker to the wage bill.

Daniel Agger

"I know there has been interest from Manchester City, but I don't know what Liverpool are responding to it. I am fine with my situation. The club will have to find out what they want to do. I've heard nothing from them. I'd rather stay but that decision is not up to me at the moment."

"Yes, Liverpool can do a deal even though I have two years on my contract. But no, I haven't changed my mind on the subject. Some times you can end up in a position where it's not your decision. I don't want to be somewhere I am not wanted but I would prefer if they want me to stay. That is my first priority." (The Guardian)

Those were the words of Daniel Agger shortly after he failed to make the starting 11 in Liverpool’s friendly against Bayer Leverkusen.

The Dane’s omission from the squad prompted suggestions that Liverpool were in the process of negotiating a transfer fee with Manchester City for the centre back’s services.

It has since emerged that a £20 million bid has been rejected, with the Reds holding out for £27 million. (The Guardian)

Agger currently has two years remaining on Anfield his contract and became the most expensive player in the history of the Danish League when Liverpool signed him for £6 million in 2006.

Despite this, it seems abundantly clear that Agger’s future is out of his hands. Manchester City have shown on past occasions that they do have the means to finance such a move which has effectively put Roberto Mancini and the Manchester City board in a comfortable position.

Earlier in the transfer window Manchester City were heavily linked with Martin Skrtel, but speculation surrounding a bid for the Serbian seems to have diffused.

Perhaps Liverpool are more willing for Agger to leave than Skrtel.

Scott Sinclair

With a midfield as potent as Manchester City’s, only a critical mind could find weakness in their tactical options.

Perhaps one area for improvement however would be their options on the wing. At present, Adam Johnson is the only natural winger in the squad, but Scott Sinclair has reportedly been highlighted by Mancini as a potential solution to this problem. (The Sun)

Since Brendan Rodger’s departure to Liverpool, Sinclair’s future at Swansea has come under the media spotlight.

ESPN speculates that the Etihad may not be the best destination for the 23-year-old wide man, but a firm enquiry has been made by the Citizens nonetheless. (This is South Wales) It is thought that this enquiry may have involved an £8 million bid (Daily Mail) but subsequent progress has not yet been documented in the media.

Swansea boss Michael Laudrup remains as unsure on the future of his star asset as the rest of us. In a recent interview he told reporters the following:

“I really don't know whether Manchester City want Scott. I don't know if there has been a real offer—I have only read the papers like everyone else.”

“I have just had a little chat with Scott and I will talk to him again in the next few days.” (Generation FM)

Daniele De Rossi

Roberto Mancini is a long-term admirer of the Italian midfielder’s talent.

In the January transfer window, the Manchester City coach described De Rossi as a ‘perfect fit’ for his Manchester City side, but was fruitless in his efforts to sign him. (Daily Mail) Instead, the loan services of David Pizzaro had to suffice until the end of the season.

Six months on and it seems that there is potential for the transfer to finally become a reality.

Walter Sabatini, sporting director of AS Roma, has recently said:

'If Daniele came to us saying that he wanted to leave, or if a club offered an amount we can't refuse, it should be considered.

'That is not to say we would give in to Daniel, but at least we would talk about it. 

'Roma cannot be detached from the reality that the movement of players may be necessary for survival' (Daily Mail)

The 28-year-old holding midfielder is reported to be valued in the region of £25 million (goal.com), however no formal bids have yet been made.

 If De Rossi was to arrive in Manchester it is likely that his presence will force Nigel de Jong to move away, with Inter Milan reportedly ready to offer £6 million for the Dutchman’s services. (The Telegraph)

What is unclear however is whether Man City still want the Roma vice- captain’s services having recently signed Jack Rodwell from Everton.

Leandro Damiao

Long-term Spurs’ target Leandro Damiao was perhaps Brazil’s best player at the Olympic Games, but failed to make an impression in the crucial Gold Medal match.

On Brazil’s campaign to the final, however, the Internacional striker netted six times, including braces against Honduras and South Korea.

It seems that that goal-scoring form has captured the admiration of Roberto Mancini, who isn’t exactly short of options up front. (Daily Mail)

Although papers speculate, it seems that the Italian coach is yet to formally comment on the 23-year-old striker. Perhaps the arrival of Robin van Persie to Manchester United, however, will be enough to convince the City board that a big name response is needed to eclipse Sir Alex Ferguson’s accomplishment.

If Damiao was to arrive, what would it mean for Eden Dzeko?