Manchester City round-up: Kolarov to depart; Brazilian set to join; Mbappe claims denied

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Pep Guardiola now has only one recognised full-back in his Manchester City squad after revealing that Aleksander Kolarov is poised to join Roma.

As reported in today’s Mirror, Kolarov wants to return to Italy, despite having one year remaining on his contract at the Etihad.

Guardiola has already discarded Bacary Sagna, Gael Clichy and Pablo Zabaleta as he remodels his defence. Kyle Walker has signed from Tottenham Hotspur and City are chasing Benjamin Mendy from Monaco, who have rejected a £44.5 million bid for the left-back, according to The Guardian.

Monaco, whose squad has been decimated this summer and who have already sold Bernardo Silva to the Citizens, are believed to be holding out for more than £50 million for the Frenchman, says the same source.

However, City are close to announcing the arrival of a new defender according to Spanish newspaper Marca, which claims that Real Madrid have agreed to sell Danilo to them for £27 million (30 million euros).

The report says Danilo, who has made 15 appearances for Brazil, has agreed a five-year deal to relocate to Manchester, where he will compete with newcomer Walker for a place in the starting-XI.

City had previously been linked with Dani Alves, who played under Guardiola at Barcelona, but his decision to join Paris St Germain meant Guardiola has been forced to turn his attentions elsewhere.

Meanwhile, City believe they are innocent over claims that Kylian Mbappe has been illegally approached. Monaco are unhappy at the conduct of some European clubs in regards to the 18-year-old superstar.

In a statement reported in the Manchester Evening News, the Ligue 1 outfit said: “AS Monaco regretfully notice that important European football clubs made contacts with Kylian Mbappe (and his entourage) without its authorisation. To put an end to this unacceptable situation, AS Monaco consider asking the French Football League and the FIFA to commit disciplinary procedures against clubs offenders.”

Guardiola is an admirer of Mbappe, who lit up European football last season and has attracted attention from a host of heavyweights including Real Madrid and Arsenal.

City are convinced they have done nothing wrong, however, and have acted within the rules.