Man City tell player to leave club days before start of season but teammates have 'tried to talk him into staying'

As the final days of the window approach, Manchester City have told Nico Gonzalez he can leave the club, although some of the Spaniard's teammates have 'tried to talk him into staying', according to reports.

Earlier this week, it was reported that Newcastle have opened talks to sign Gonzalez as they desperately search for a new midfielder following the sales of Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes.

The Magpies have engaged in so-called 'exploratory conversations' over a deal to sign the 24-year-old, according to The Athletic.

Gonzalez joined Manchester City from FC Porto in January last year for £52 million but struggled to pick up regular first-team minutes under Pep Guardiola last season, with Rodri and Mateo Kovacic being preferred.

Now, it appears the player is considering a move. In fact, journalist Craig Hope from the Daily Mail claims Gonzalez is 'open' to joining Newcastle, but some City teammates have 'tried to talk him into staying'.

Gonzalez, meanwhile, is believed to be one of three midfield options Newcastle are considering, although the Spaniard is the 'leading target' at this stage.

Nico Gonzalez is reportedly open to joining Newcastle. Image credit: Getty

In terms of City's stance on the matter, they have told Gonzalez that he can leave following the arrival of Elliot Anderson. The club are also in advanced talks with Lille over a move for Ayyoub Bouaddi.

Nico Gonzalez spoke about his Manchester City future before rumours of exit

Some believed the appointment of Enzo Maresca could have a positive impact on his situation, but it appears as though Gonzalez is behind Mateo Kovacic in the pecking order after last weekend's Community Shield.

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At the start of the month, he stressed that he wanted to stay with City and had no issue with his reduction in minutes.

Speaking after a friendly win over K-League All Stars in South Korea, Gonzalez admitted: “I’m happy here. I don’t want to leave and I think the club wants me to stay. I haven’t seen anything, but I’m happy here.

“I don’t think any player has the position guaranteed for all the matches. Everyone has to work hard. We are one of the best teams in the world and obviously there is competition in every position."

He added: "That is what makes us be in the position that we are, winning so many Premier Leagues and competing for everything.”