Mancini: Toure can leave

There have been intense rumours surrounding the future of Kolo Toure over recent weeks, with reports suggesting that Bursaspor are keen suitors of the former Arsenal defender. It now appears as though any move will be permitted by Manchester City, with Roberto Mancini stating that it is up to the player to decide his future.

The Turkish outfit claimed a couple of weeks ago that they had been in discussions over a possible move for Toure, with figures between £3m and £6m being branded about. However, while Mancini has given permission for the central defender to leave, he has questioned whether or not Bursaspor have the required finances to launch a permanent move for the Ivory Coast interntional. Mancini said, “It is up to Kolo to decide if he wants to go to Bursaspor or not. However, can they meet his demands?”

The rumours surrounding Toure’s departure have hardly come as a surprise, with the player no longer considered a regular in the City eleven. While he was a prominent fixture following his £16m transfer from Arsenal back in 2009, his ban for failing a drugs test in 2011 has hindered his opportunities significantly and he is now down the pecking order. In fact, the 31-year-old only made fourteen appearances for City last term, with Vincent Kompany and Joleon Lescott the preferred centre half pairing.

It is understood that Toure is one of the high earners at City and competing clubs will always struggle to match his demands. As well as Bursaspor, speculation is also suggesting that Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal are interested in acquiring his services. However, now that Mancini has publically admitted that he would be happy for Toure to move on, he may be faced with interest from several other clubs who could create something of a transfer auction.

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