Manchester United are eyeing Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland.
The Observer says City's Ireland is set to leave Eastlands, with Roberto Mancini determined to splash out on a new attacking midfielder this summer.
It leaves the tantalising question of whether City will allow the 23-year-old to join Manchester United, whose manager Sir Alex Ferguson is a huge admirer.
Liverpool and Spurs would also be interested in the Irishman.
omg he is such a talent man, anyone shld just try to get him
notice that roberto doesnt fancy playing Stephen& i dont know why.
he's that creative spark within city's midfield, imo
I believe its the works of the tabloids. I dun think Mancini wants to sell him.
Originally posted by Poignant:notice that roberto doesnt fancy playing Stephen& i dont know why.
he's that creative spark within city's midfield, imo
well, Roberto inherited this team, I think he prefers to play his own style, his players, maybe, we shall see a big exodus..
Dumb city! At tis rate, all their potential youngsters R going @ bargain 4 other clubs.
Stephen Ireland insists he is happier under Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini, then predecessor Mark Hughes.
Ireland was a vocal supporter of Hughes while the Welshman was in charge.
And the midfield star has not been a regular starter under Mancini, leading to speculation he would seek a move in the summer.
But Ireland says he understands the need to rotate in midfield.
"The first six months under Mark Hughes were very frustrating, playing out of position as a holding midfielder,
or on the right or left wing - it just wasn't me," Ireland told the Manchester Evening News.
"I couldn't be myself, but now I feel like the chains are off."
Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland has blamed former boss Mark Hughes for his loss of form this season.
The 23-year-old was named as City's player of the year for 2008-09 but, following the arrival of Carlos Tevez as a deep-lying striker this season, Hughes moved the Republic of Ireland international into unfamiliar positions, and he admits that the tinkering took its toll.
City slicker: Stephen Ireland has praised the job done by Roberto Mancini since his arrival in December
'The last six months under Mark Hughes was very frustrating for me,' says Ireland. 'I was being played out of position. Maybe as a holding midfielder, left wing, right wing. It is not me.
'You have to adjust and think 'I have to do it' but if you want the best out of me you have to play me in my best position. Then I can be myself because the chains are off.'
Mark of frustration: Ireland admits he was disappointed by Hughes' decision to change his position this season
Under new manager Roberto Mancini, Ireland has been given the opportunity to revert to his favoured attacking midfield role, and he is full of praise for the job carried out by the Italian since he replaced Hughes in December.
'It is difficult for anyone to come into a club, turn it round and get it going their way' said Ireland.
'The manager is doing different things but he has done a really positive job so far. We are still scoring goals but we have not conceded as many and are working hard.'
Ireland's displays are believed to have caught
the eye of Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson but, for now, the
midfielder remains loyal to City, a club he feels welded
into despite his roots on the other side of the Irish Sea.
I have really worked hard over the last two years to build up my relationship with the fans,' he said.
'Even when I was doing a signing session a few months ago I ended up staying for over three hours. It comes naturally to me. Even though I came over from Ireland, the fans still regard me as one of them. I am very grateful for that.'