Manchester City Transfer Rumour: Mancini Targets La Liga Midfielder

Manchester City are considering a move for Sevilla midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia at the end of the season, according to the Metro.

The report claims the Premier League champions has long been monitoring the French U-20 player. The Citizens have now stepped up their interest and are preparing a £8m bid in bringing the midfielder to the Etihad this summer as a long-term replacement for England international Gareth Barry.

The 20-year-old joined Sevilla from Ligue 1 club Lens in the summer of 2012 and has been in impressive form for the La Liga outfit this term. His recent form has attracted interest from the top clubs in England. Both the north London clubs Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur along with Everton are also interested in signing Kondogbia apart from Roberto Mancini's side.

Despite the interest from other Premier League clubs, it is set to understand City are understood to be favourites for Kondogbia's signature. The Citizens have already contacted Sevilla in bringing the midfielder to the Etihad at the end of the season. Meanwhile, the 20-year-old was flattered by the reports linking him with a move to the English champions.

"I am flattered to hear of such interest, but to be honest I am not thinking about leaving Sevilla. Man City is a very big team with lots of resources and also big players, but I am well here," Kondogbia told Sky Sports.

Platt Claims Mancini is Appreciated by City Owners

Meanwhile, City's first team coach David Platt has revealed the Italian manager has the backing of the club's owners. The Premier League champions lost their weekend tie to Everton. With their latest defeat, the Citizens are second in the league table with 59 points from 29 games, trailing Manchester United by 15 points, who are on top of the table.

"There is an appreciation of Roberto from the supporters and the owners. The expectancy levels of Roberto Mancini are a lot higher than what people think. If people want to talk about rumours and negatives that is up to them. We can't stop that. If people want to do things like that, they can. All I know is that during his career he has won things. That is what his focus, desire and intensity is about," Goal.com quoted Platt as saying.