Chelsea and Liverpool Among Options as Yaya Toure Ponders Manchester City Exit

Chelsea and Liverpool are reportedly on high alert after Manchester City star Yaya Toure is believed to be keen on leaving the club in the ongoing transfer window.

The Daily Express claims that the Merseyside club and the west Londoners are aiming to swoop for the Ivory Coast international in the backdrop of discrepancies over the behaviour of his current employers.

In May, the midfielder's agent had criticised the club for not wishing Toure on his birthday. Additionally, Toure fuelled speculations of his departure from the Etihad by expressing his admiration for Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain.

Following the demise of his brother Ibrahim Toure, the 31-year-old lashed out at the Citizens for not letting him stay with his ailing brother during his final days. The report states that the situation between the club and the player remains tense. It also suggests that Toure is demanding a move or want the officials to give him an improved contract.

Meanwhile, Le Parisien reports that the former Barcelona star is insistent on leaving next season and has PSG, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United among his options.

The French newspaper quotes an anonymous Ivory Coast teammate of Toure saying, "He has accumulated too many grudges against [Manchester City's] leaders and he will not stay with them. He will do everything to ensure his departure this summer."

It would be very difficult to imagine whether the English champions will consider selling their star player to a direct rival. It also remains to be seen whether Toure will continue plying his trade at the Etihad or leave this summer.

However, the Daily Mail states that Manuel Pellegrini's side are not keen on losing their midfield ace, who netted 20 goals in the league last season. They also claim that City have been working behind the scenes to support his family and are also in communication with his brother Kolo Toure, who currently plays for Liverpool, to assist with their needs.