Manchester City have told Manuel Akanji he can leave the Etihad before Monday’s transfer deadline, with the defender considering whether to quit amid interest from Tottenham.
TBR Football understands that Pep Guardiola has told Akanji that he can depart City as he looks to trim his bloated squad. Akanji was omitted from the squad for last weekend’s defeat to Spurs with Guardiola forced to leave out players each week.
Now, Tottenham have entered the race to sign Akanji before Monday’s deadline and TBR Football understand there is a good chance the Switzerland international will move.
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Galatasaray and AC Milan are also in the market for Akanji, while his defensive teammate Nathan Ake may also be set for a late City exit in the coming days.
Manuel Akanji ‘tempted’ by transfer as Manchester City tell defender to make decision on future
TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey reports that Akanji is considering whether to quit City before Monday after being told by Pep Guardiola that he can leave.
Now a number of clubs have held talks including Turkish giants Galatasaray, but the two clubs showing the most interest are AC Milan and Tottenham Hotspur.
Bailey says: “Akanji could stay, he loves it at City but I am told he is tempted by Milan and now Tottenham and there is a good chance he moves.”
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“His wages are an issue for the Italian club. However, they are happy to meet the asking price for the player which is around £15million.
“Now Tottenham have entered the conversation and are holding talks – unlike Milan they don’t have an issue with his salary.”
Pep Guardiola ‘pushing’ more Man City exits as Nathan Ake attracts Spurs interest
Bailey also reports that City have also been considering whether to allow Nathan Ake to leave, with interest again being shown by Tottenham.
Games Goals Assists Major trophies
Manuel Akanji 138 5 3 7
Nathan Ake 146 10 3 10
Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake records for Manchester City. (Source: Transfermarkt)
He says: “Pep Guardiola doesn’t want players sat in the stands and that has been made clear to Manuel Akanji, but others too including Nathan Ake.
“We have already seen a changing of the guard at City this summer but come Monday night, we could see some more club stalwarts moved out. Pep is really pushing through the change.”
One player not expected to leave is Savinho, who has been denied a move to Tottenham this week. The Brazilian posted an image to social media of him celebrating a goal for City with the caption: ‘longing’.