New York City have reportedly entered negotiations over the potential signing of Yaya Toure from Manchester City.
The legendary Andrea Pirlo hung up his boots last week, following a 4-3 aggregate defeat to Columbus Crew, which prevented NYCFC from progressing to the next stage in the MLS play-offs.
With a designated player spot available, the Bronx Blues are eyeing up a very big replacement for the iconic midfielder and are looking to use their relationship with Manchester City to land Toure.
Image: PA
The two City Football Group outfits have done plenty of business in the past, varying from City sending young players on loan to the Big Apple, to NYCFC allowing Frank Lampard to delay his debut in the States and instead turn out for City.
And according to journalist Jeff Reuter, preliminary discussions have begun for Toure to become the latest marquee mover to the MLS. NYCFC would prefer to snap him up and have him in the ranks in January, two months before the 2018 MLS season commences.
However, City are more interested in a summer deal so that the Ivorian can see out the 2017/18 with the club.
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Having been initially cast aside by Pep Guardiola last season following constant outburst from Toure's agent Dimitri Seluk, the former Barcelona man worked his way back into the fold and finished the season strongly - deservedly earning himself a one-year deal.
But there have been concerns about his physical condition, and with City's table-toppers looking as sharp as ever, Toure has played just 29 minutes of Premier League football this term, in addition to captaining the side and playing the full duration of Carabao Cup wins over West Brom and Wolves.
Image: PA
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A £24 million signing from Barcelona in 2010, Toure is viewed as one of City's greatest ever players, regularly delivering in high-pressure scenarios and coming up with important goals when it matters most.
He has made 303 appearances for the club, scoring 82 goals and lifting two Premier League titles, two League Cups and one FA Cup. If a switch to New York is indeed his next career move, he will play under his former City teammate Patrick Vieira, who is in charge at the club.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Manchester City, Patrick Vieira, Andrea Pirlo, Yaya Toure
