Breaking Down the Odds on Latest Manchester City Transfer Rumors

With the official start of the transfer window less than two weeks away, Manchester City's wheeling and dealing is fully in the spotlight. Already they've signed two top-class players in Jesus Navas and Fernandinho, and will certainly be looking to add more.

There's also the possibility of players leaving the squad as new manager Manuel Pellegrini looks to shape his club to his liking. Read on to take a look at some of the biggest rumors hovering around the City camp in recent times, and how likely it is they will actually come to fruition.

Isco to City

Pellegrini's young phenom at Malaga, Isco has been a top target for Manchester City seemingly since he burst onto the scene in the Champions League. And that has not slowed down since Roberto Mancini was sacked and Pellegrini became the top candidate to replace him.

Indeed, the Daily Mail reports that a deal to bring the 21-year-old to the Etihad could be completed over the weekend. He would be joining an expanding Spanish-speaking contingent, joining the likes of Navas and David Silva as well as Argentines like Sergio Aguero, Carlos Tevez and Pablo Zabaleta.

However, the one wrench that could be thrown into this plan is the presence of Real Madrid. The Telegraph reports that Madrid director of football Zinedine Zidane has tried to assure Isco's camp that the youngster will see plenty of action at the Bernabeu.

Frankly, this is hard to see happening with an attacking midfield trio of Cristiano Ronaldo, Mesut Ozil and Angel di Maria well-established. There is also the presence of the likes of Luka Modric, Kaka and the possible recruitment of Gareth Bale to consider.

At City, Isco would easily slot right into the left side of a 4-2-3-1 formation with Silva and Navas joining him behind Aguero. His versatility could also see him interchange with the former throughout matches, providing even more danger to the opposition.

It would be surprising if a deal is not struck within the week.

Chances of happening: 99%

Carlos Tevez to Serie A

One of the biggest question marks surrounding City in recent weeks is the future of striker Carlos Tevez. The 29-year-old Argentine has just one year left on his contract, and it is possible that club executives will want to cash in on him before it's too late.

Two of Italy's biggest clubs, Juventus and AC Milan, are being touted as possible suitors for the attacker. Milan CEO Adriano Galliani has been a long-time fan of Tevez, dating back to nearly acquiring the player while he was on a "sabbatical" in Argentina a couple of seasons ago.

The Daily Express is reporting continued interest from the San Siro side, with wage demands seemingly not a problem for Galliani. What might be a problem is fitting him into a group already containing names like former City man Mario Balotelli, Stephan El Shaarawy, Giampaolo Pazzini and M'Baye Niang.

The Rossoneri may also have to fight off interest from domestic rivals Juventus, who are also looking to bolster a squad coming off consecutive league titles. The link is also being reported by the Express, as the champions seek to add to their signing of Fernando Llorente.

There is always the possibility that Tevez could stick around, if Pellegrini can convince him to extend his contract for another couple of years. But with a top striking option being targeted—as we'll see in the next slide—the Argentine could end up being shipped off to finance a new signing.

Chances of happening: 70%

Edinson Cavani to City

The top striking option City have been chasing is Napoli striker Edinson Cavani. There are a number of clubs interested in the prolific attacker, and given the player's sky-high release clause, City and their financial assets is one of those clubs.

One of City's biggest downfalls last season was a depressed scoring rate. The likes of Balotelli, Aguero, Tevez and Edin Dzeko were sporadic at best, so it's no wonder Pellegrini's side have long been linked to the Uruguayan hitman.

City have already made their intentions known, with negotiations previously in place for a deal that would send Dzeko and cash in exchange for Cavani. However, per a Goal.com report, that deal has hit a standstill as Napoli hold out for more money.

This has left the door open for clubs like Chelsea and Real Madrid to swoop in and acquire Cavani's services. They too boast the financial ability to bring him in and would certainly benefit from his presence on the pitch.

Given these factors, it is tough to see a deal getting done with City too soon. If Madrid lose Gonzalo Higuain to Arsenal, expect them to step up their pursuit of Cavani before long. But if Tevez is sold, City could jump right back in.

Chances of happening: 30% 

Aleksandar Kolarov to Juventus

Another player potentially on the City-Serie A pipeline is defender Aleksandar Kolarov. The Serbian has fallen down the pecking order at his position, with Gael Clichy entrenched as the first choice left back and Maicon still around.

As such, Kolarov's future is well up in the air. Juventus are the primary pursuers in this case, with the Daily Mail reporting the interest. Antonio Conte's side typically utilize a formation that involves wing-backs, and Kolarov fits the bill perfectly with his attacking mentality.

The Bianconeri do also have an established presence at left wing-back, with Kwadwo Asamoah's co-ownership deal with Udinese recently made permanent. However, it is possible that Conte could push through this deal as insurance and added depth with the Champions League and Coppa Italia considered.

It is for the same reason that City may be reluctant to sell, with four major competitions on the horizon calling for great depth. But if he is deemed surplus to requirements, then the free-kick specialist could easily be moved on.

Chances of happening: 60%