Manchester City round-up: Torino want Joe Hart stay; Leonardo Bonucci drops hint; Madrid’s James Rodriguez linked

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Reports on Sky Sports over the last day have suggested that Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart could remain at Torino once the end of the season after the Italian side have asked for him to stay.

It’s believed that Torino have formally requested for the 29-year-old to remain in Italy once his season-long loan comes to an end next month, although his future still hangs in the balance.

The England number one moved to the Serie A side last summer after falling out with new manager Pep Guardiola, and it’s expected that Hart isn’t part of his plans for next season at the Etihad.

The report also alleges that Everton and current Premier League champions Leicester City are interested in Hart, with a move back to England believed to be best for his international prospects.

Whilst Hart is expected to leave Manchester City for good at the end of the season, one player potentially on his way into the Etihad is Juventus and Italy centre-back Leonardo Bonucci.

City manager Pep Guardiola has been a long-term admirer of the rugged centre-back and believes that the 29-year-old could be the man to bring the best out of summer signing John Stones.

Now, according to The Mirror, the Juventus defender has dropped a potential hint over a summer move to the Premier League after admitting how he finds the English top flight ‘fascinating’. Speaking yesterday, Bonucci said:

“When I can, I watch English games, and not only for the quality of the players on display.

“I’m hot-headed, and I love the passion that exudes from their packed stands. It’s for that kind of thing that I’m the first on the training pitch and the last to return the changing room.”

Bonucci starred on Tuesday evening as Juventus dismantled Barcelona in a 3-0 victory in their Champions League quarter-final first-leg, keeping Lionel Messi and co. at bay all evening.

According to Spanish reports, Manchester City are also currently holding secret talks with Real Madrid sensation James Rodriguez ahead of a potential £50 million move this summer.

El Diario claims that Guardiola has shortlisted the Colombian as the man to help his side challenge for the Premier League next season, and with the Spaniard set to be given funds a move is possible.

Rodriguez, 25, has failed to nail down a spot in the Real Madrid starting eleven this season up against the likes of Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, Isco and Marco Asensio and could leave the Bernabeu.

The attacking midfielder has made 15 appearances for Los Blancos this season in La Liga – scoring three times –  only starting just over half of these (eight).

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