Manchester City round-up: Defender confirms his exit; Anderlecht midfielder to snub City; Aguero’s future discussed

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According to reports in The Sun over the past day, Manchester City defender Gael Clichy has confirmed that he will be leaving the club over the summer transfer window.

The 31-year-old’s contract at the Etihad Stadium runs out in July, and with manager Pep Guardiola not seeing him as part of his future plans at the club Clichy has announced he will be moving on.

It’s now believed that this could spark a mass exodus from the Etihad, with the likes of Willy Caballero, Bacary Sagna, Aleksander Kolarov and Jesus Navas all out of contract over the summer.

Speaking on Monday afternoon, The Sun reports that the French international said:

“It’s hard. I’m not sure whether or not Joe will be here next season, and I won’t be here next season.”

Clichy has made 25 Premier League appearances this season, being preferred to Aleksander Kolarov in the left-back position, but his age doesn’t fit in with Guardiola’s plans of investing in youth.

The Sun have also reported that highly-rated Anderlecht midfielder Youri Tielemans is set to snub a move to Manchester City and instead join up with French Ligue One side Monaco.

Pep Guardiola – alongside Premier League rivals Chelsea and Manchester United – had been believed to be after the 20-year-old but reports now suggest that Monaco are arranging terms.

The transfer fee for the exciting youngster is believed to rise to as high as £21.2 million, and will break the record for the most expensive move out of the Belgian Jupiler Pro League.

The reports claims that Anderlecht general director Herman Van Holsbeeck has confirmed that a move to France is imminent, with a deal expected to be completed by the end of the week.

Speaking to Belgian TV outlet VTM, as referred to in The Sun’s report and by Goal, Holsbeeck said:

“There are still a few details that need to be ironed out, but Youri will normally leave the club before the end of the week.

“His move to Monaco is not 100 per cent done yet, but they are the club that has shown they are very eager to sign Youri.”

City boss Guardiola had been believed to be interested in bringing in Tielemans ahead of a push for the Champions League next season, but the Spaniard will now have to start looking elsewhere.

Meanwhile, according to Goal, Manchester City star striker Sergio Aguero will be playing his football in Manchester next season – despite speculation linking him with a move away.

The report suggests that manager Pep Guardiola has insisted that there is very little chance of a move away from the Etihad, no matter what team decides to show interest in the Argentine.

Speaking after securing Champions League football for next year, Guardiola said:

“In Manchester maybe 10 or 15. I am not repeating. They are players for Manchester City and will be at Manchester City next season.

“Were you in my press conference in Manchester? Every press conference. Ok guys. He will be here next season. Happy? Good. Perfect.”

The 28-year-old has scored 20 Premier League goals this season – as well as over 30 across all competitions – to help fire the Citizens to a top four finish, and will be a key part again next year if he remains.

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