There’s a bit of a strange story in Italy on Monday claiming Manchester City are interested in AS Roma’s Kostas Manolas.
It’s not weird in the sense we can’t see them being interested in the Greek defender, but more the fact it’s the first we’ve seen this story in a very, very long time.
Three years or so ago, the Cityzens were reportedly after the Roma centre-back, at least according to his agent, but since then, it’s mostly been Chelsea, Arsenal or local rivals Manchester United.
However, Corriere dello Sport on Monday explain the Serie A side need to sell €45m worth of assets by the end of the month, and shipping off Manolas (with his €35m+) release clause would be an easy way to get a large chunk of the money.
They state Juventus, with Maurizio Sarri in charge, could be an option, but that ‘in England, Manchester City continue to be the club the most interested’.
It’s the way they say it that’s strange, almost like Pep Guardiola’s chase of the Greece international has been a long, never-ending saga, when it really hasn’t.
There’s no hiding Manchester City could be in need of some defensive reinforcements following the departure of Vincent Kompany and Nicolas Otamendi reportedly being a bit unsettled, and Manolas would represent an easy target to acquire with no negotiations needed.
We’ll keep an eye on it, but this has come a bit out of nowhere.
