Taiwo linked with City summer switch

Marseille defender Taye Taiwo wants to leave the Stade Velodrome in the summer amid reports of interest from Manchester City.

The Nigerian will be out of contract at the end of the season and could therefore move to a new club as a free agent.

Atletico Madrid failed in an attempt to sign Taiwo last summer and could return for the 25-year-old, but City boss Roberto Mancini is also rumoured to be paying attention. The full-back claims that he is already in negotiations regarding a move, however, he is not prepared to reveal the identity of the club.

Taiwo told Nigerian newspaper La Nation, “I have decided not to extend my deal. In June I want to change club. I don’t want to reveal who we are negotiating with, but it’s a club that plays in one of the three major European leagues.”

According to French sources, City are willing to give the 25-year-old a five-year deal worth €4 million a season.

Tottenham, Juventus and Real Madrid are also interested in the Nigerian.

Despite tactical problems, Taiwo’s power and athleticism give him huge potential. He is strong, tenacious, quick, good in the air and boasts a powerful left-foot shot, including from free-kicks.