With 72 goals and 45 assists for Manchester City, Yaya Toure has become nothing short of a club legend with the Sky Blues in recent years.
But after near on two seasons of struggling to recreate the form that grew global recognition, Toure has been open to a move away from the Etihad in the summer window.
The announcement of Pep Guardiola’s takeover has also been a contributing factor to the Toure rumours.
In 2008, Pep became Barcelona’s first team coach and quickly threw former Catalan servant Yaya into the deadwood pile, favouring Sergio Busquets in the defensive midfield role. Toure would likely be in a similar position if he were to stay with the Citizens with his ability to track back been called into question more often then not.
However, Toure boasts over 100 caps for the Ivory Coast and has won African Player of the Year four times, consequentially all when he played for City. The 32-year-old would be a strong addition to many top sides and Transfer Tavern have analysed five teams who could sign the Ivorian in the summer…
Hit Toure below to see FIVE clubs that could sign him this summer!
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Inter Milan
Inter Milan have registered strong interest since the turn of the year for Toure who enjoyed success under Milan manager Roberto Mancini during the Italian’s reign the City dugout.
Italian media has reported that the midfielder may have to take anywhere up to a 50% pay cut if a move to Italy is to unfold, but City are handing Toure a reported £240,000 a week meaning it is likely he will have to take a cut if a move is to generate elsewhere.
PSG
Rumours of PSG’s interest are in recent media circulation with suggestions that Thiago Motta could be on his way out of France this summer.
Toure is likely to play a deep lying role in more defensive fashion now he’s getting older and Motta’s move could force a deal with Toure to see out his last few years of his career.
Chinese Super League
Three Chinese clubs including Jiangsu Suning have taken an interest in Yaya with a deal reportedly worth £30million-a-year on the cards. That would make Toure the third highest paid player in the world behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
A move to China is not uncommon in the modern game with Ramires and Ezequiel Lavezzi both making a recent move to the East.
West Ham United
The Daily Telegraph have reported Toure is on the Hammers’ radar who have also registered interest in out of contract Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
It is understood Toure may be reluctant to leave the UK so not to relocate his family. West Ham United, who will occupy the British Olympic Stadium next year, are still in the mix for Champions League football next year with midfielder unlikely to choose a club without European top-tier football.
Juventus
With rumours speculating a Paul Pogba big money move to Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, Toure could be brought in to fill the void.
Recent speculation suggests Juventus could bring in the midfielder on a two-year-contract, which would see Toure’s services penned to Italy until after he turns 35.
