Calling True or False on 5 Recent Manchester City Transfer Rumours

It could be a busy summer for Manchester City. With a host of players set to leave, and with the club likely to be free from the FFP sanctions that capped their spending last summer, there could be something of a shakeup at the Etihad.

Micah Richards, Alvaro Negredo, Scott Sinclair and John Guidetti are certain to leave, and James Milner and Bacary Sagna could well follow.

An injection of youth and pace is needed, and there's already plenty of rumours about who will join Manuel Pellegrini's squad during the next transfer window. Here we look at five players who have been linked with City and look to decide whether or not the club are actually interested in signing them.

1. Paul Pogba

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One player who City will almost certainly be interested in is Paul Pogba. According to Anthony Jepson at the Manchester Evening News, Pogba's agent, Mino Raiola, recently said his client could be sold to City "in a heartbeat."

Pogba has proven since his move to Juventus in 2012 that he is one the finest midfielders in Europe, with a blend of attributes that suggest he is capable of replacing Yaya Toure when the Ivorian leaves City.

The problem City face is the interest in Pogba will be huge. Every major club in Europe is likely to want to sign him should he come available, and fighting their way to the front of the queue won't be easy.

It's fair to say, though, they are interested.

Verdict: FACT

2. Kevin De Bruyne

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Former Chelsea man Kevin De Bruyne has been making a big impression in the Bundesliga this season with Wolfsburg, and according to Stuart Brennan in the Manchester Evening News, he is high up the club's wish list of summer targets.

He's scored nine and assisted 17 in 27 league matches this season, a record which has seen interest in him soar. The problem for City is the price tag. At £40 million, which is the fee Brennan believes City would have to pay to prise him from Wolfsburg's grasp, it's a huge financial commitment.

It's clear City have a strong interest, but there are stumbling blocks in the way.

Verdict: FACT

3. Jay Rodriguez

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Jay Rodriguez, the Southampton forward, is set to return from a year-long injury layoff before the end of the season. The 26-year-old, who injured his knee in a game against City last season, was impressive for Saints before spending an extended period on the sidelines.

According to James Robson at the Manchester Evening News, City are set to monitor his progress, but given the length of time he has spent out of action, it seems unlikely they will make an approach this summer.

Verdict: FICTION

4. Ross Barkley

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One player linked consistently with City in recent months has been Ross Barkley, the Everton and England midfielder.

According to Simon Mullock of the Mirror, City made an inquiry at the end of last season but were put off by a £50 million fee.

His displays for England over the summer likely hardened City's interest, but since then his form has dropped off badly, and City's interest surely has too.

Verdict: FICTION

5. Raheem Sterling

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Given Raheem Sterling recently rejected a contract extension at Liverpool, which he revealed in an interview with the BBC, interest in him is likely to be intense this summer.

Sterling is the finest young English player around, a talent capable of fulfilling his world-class potential. City, according to Rob Shepherd at the Mail, are interested. They'd be mad not to make a move.

Verdict: FACT