EXCLUSIVE: West Ham, Leeds linked as Man City decide to sell defender
Manchester City are set to accept defeat in their bid to keep Tosin Adarabioyo at the club and will reluctantly decide to sell the defender, TEAMtalk understands.
Adarabioyo has spent the last two seasons on loan in the Championship with West Brom and Blackburn. A number of impressive performances has seen the 6ft 5in star’s stock rise.
But with just over nine months left on his current deal, City have been trying to persuade the defender to sign a new contract.
Pep Guardiola is said to be an admirer and ready to allow the player the chance to compete for a place in the first-team squad.
However, and not unlike his teammate Eric Garcia, he sees his future away from the Etihad.
As such, we’re informed Adarabioyo keeps rejecting their proposals and City are ready to accept defeat.
Now City are ready to sell and interest is mounting in the 22-year-old with a host of Premier League clubs looking closely at him.
We understand that West Ham, Everton, Newcastle, Fulham and Leeds have all spoken with City about a potential deal.
It was reported earlier this year that Carlo Ancelotti’s Everton were leading the chase.
City were reported to told West Ham that Adarabioyo is available for just £8m earlier this week.
Guardiola comments on failed Messi bid
Guardiola was asked about City’s failed pursuit of Lionel Messi at his press conference on Friday.
City were heavily linked with Messi recently. However, a move for the six-time world player of the year did not materialise. That’s after the Argentinian opted to stay with Barcelona.
It looked at one stage as though City were in pole position for the superstar when it emerged he was calling time on his Barca career.
But just days after City were given encouragement, it was announced that Messi would be staying to play at the Camp Nou this season.
It proved to be a false dawn for City. Guardiola, however, was not willing to discuss how seriously City entertained signing Messi.
The former Barcelona boss said: “I think I don’t have to explain anything. Leo explained quite well his feelings and I don’t have have anything to add.
“He is a football player for Barcelona, the club I love.”
