Tuesday 3 November 2009

Another Yaya Touré rumour

In The Sun today:

The Manchester City boss is eyeing a swoop for Yaya Toure after Barcelona hinted they are ready to let him go in January.

The Ivory Coast midfielder, brother of City skipper Kolo, has been on Sparky's hitlist for the best part of 12 months.

Mark Hughes' admiration for Yaya Touré is no secret. And there would be a certain attraction in doing what Arsène Wenger could not in uniting the Touré brothers. They could be to the 2010s what the Brightwells were to the 1990s. Dominant physical presence - one, but not the only quality of Touré minor, is the one thing lacking from our midfield options (don't say Michael Johnson.)

But I still can't see this happening, at least not in January. Barcelona are currently competing on four fronts and aren't exactly overburdened with midfield options. Xavi and Iniesta are obviously brilliant, and Touré, Busquets and Seydou Keita are all very good. But five midfielders, three slots and four competitions does not add up. They need at least one more in January (Mascherano is possible, but they might want someone cheaper), particularly given that they are losing Keita and Yaya to the African Nations Cup. So I just can't see it.

Next summer though? Yeah, why not.

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