Transfer Update: Kolarov, Garrido, Milner, Ireland, Richards

Further to yesterday’s post which detailed the possible arrival of Wolfsburg striker Edin Džeko along with the rejections from Liverpool and Barcelona concerning Fernando Torres and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, with this article, I hope to provide a complete summary of the transfer business that has involved Man City during the past few days.

Starting with the imminent arrival of Aleksandar Kolarov, the Serbia and Lazio full-back, City are on the verge of adding yet another top quality signing to their already impressive squad. Kolarov is an attacking left back, who is also adept at playing on the left of midfield, and has been compared to the former Brazil star Roberto Carlos due to his willingness to provide an attacking outlet down the left and for his powerful shot. City have reportedly had a £16 million bid accepted by the Italian side and are now waiting on the agreement of terms between the club and player.

If and when he signs, Kolarov’s arrival may signal the departure from Eastlands of Javier Garrido, the Spaniard who helped facilitate the signing of David Silva. Having met Garrido’s parents, they are a lovely family, and despite never truly convincing in a City shirt, Javier was a popular member of the squad and would leave with the best wishes of the club.

Aston Villa midfielder James Milner, one of the few bright sparks from England’s disastrous World Cup campaign, has long been talked about as a possible arrival to the Blues. Roberto Mancini is known to be a huge admirer of the former Leeds and Newscastle winger-cum-central midfielder, and having had a couple of bids turned down already, City are sure to make a new offer before giving up on the promising tee-total international.

Former player of the season and academy graduate Stephen Ireland has this week been linked with a move to Sunderland, with some reports even claiming that Steve Bruce will offer the captaincy to the Irishman, after the departure of erstwhile leader Lorik Cana to Galatasaray. Ireland’s form last season was never convincing, as he failed to reach the heights of the 08-09 season when his superlative performances earned him the coveted Player of the Season award. This move may well appeal to Ireland as he is not guaranteed a slot in City’s team, whilst he would become a leading figure for the Black Cats.

Finally this week, Micah Richards has declared that he has no intention of leaving City, despite a whole host of rumours linking him with Arsenal and Tottenham. Admittedly, I’m not one of his biggest fans, but with the homegrown rule coming into play in Europe, and still with time on his hands, it may be a wise move to keep hold of the athletic defender. In his interviews, he comes across as realistic and personable, so hopefully Mancini can impart his tactical wisdom and knowledge on Richards and make him realise his potential.

So, that sums up the week’s transfer gossip at Eastlands. Thanks for reading and please leave a comment if you have any thoughts.