Yaya Toure

Football Transfer News - The Sun reports that Manchester City boss Mark Hughes is mooting a swoop for Barcelona star Yaya Toure in a bid to link up the Ivory Coast international with brother Kolo at Eastlands.

The Citizens manager watched the Blaugrana play against Osasuna at the weekend and was tipped to have been scouting home defender Cesar Azpilicueta. However, it seems he also had an eye on other stars.

With Barcelona publicly stating their interest in Robinho, Hughes knows that if he is willing to let the Brazilian go then he could turn the deal in his favour.

Despite already having Nigel de Jong and Gareth Barry to play in the midfield holding role, the Welsh trainer thinks the calming influence of Yaya Toure would boost his options, The Sun states.

Barca may consider the move seriously in the summer and could include a first refusal option with City if they make a move to loan Robinho in January.

One problem that Hughes may have is Toure’s desire to play for the Catalan giants for the rest of his career, something which he made clear when penning a new contract at Camp Nou last summer.

With a buy-out clause of €100 million included in his new deal, Barcelona have made it clear that they value the midfielder highly and that he is seen by coach Pep Guardiola as a key member of the squad.