Toure set to leave?

Even though most of the emphasis from City supporters has been on incoming players this summer, it looks as though one player could be on his way out. Having somewhat lost his way in the City first team, Kolo Toure has attracted interest from abroad and Turkish outfit Bursaspor have already confirmed that they are in negotiations to sign the 31-year-old.

Some City supporters certainly won’t be surprised at a possible exit for Toure, who has become something of a fringe player following his 6-month suspension for failing a drugs test last year. Even though he was a regular prior to that ban, Roberto Mancini has now turned to other options and the fact that Toure made just fourteen appearances last term speaks volumes about his squad status.

Still, after joining the club for £16m back in 2009, his ability has not deteriorated substantially and City are surely looking to recoup a decent figure for the central defender. If reports are to be believed, Mancini values the Ivory Coast international at somewhere between £3m and £6m and fortunately, he already has a taker.

Following rumours linking the former Arsenal defender with a move to Bursaspor, the club’s manager, Ertugrul Saglam, has now stated that he hopes a deal can be concluded in the very near future. He said, “We have been in talks with Kolo Touré over the past two days – it would be one of the most important transfers to be completed by an Anatolian side. Obviously nothing is certain until he signs pen to paper however, we are working hard to try finalise a deal.”

It remains to be seen whether or not Toure would be open to a move away from the Etihad Stadium. While he will definitely be interested in the prospect of more first team football, Kolo has made no secret of the fact that he loves playing for the same club as his brother Yaya and he may therefore decide to fight for a place in Roberto Mancini’s plans.

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