Manchester City have softened their stance on the potential departure of defender Matija Nastasic and are willing to sell him once they land Porto’s Eliaquim Mangala, Football Express News understands.
A source close to the Etihad Stadium told FEN the Blues were previously reluctant to part company with the 21-year-old, who burst onto the Premier League scene two years ago but endured a difficult 2013-14 campaign.
However, with France international Mangala on the verge of joining the club after undergoing a medical at the Bridgewater Hospital, Nastasic will slip even further down the pecking order.
The insider informed FEN that Serie A duo Juventus and Roma are long-term admirers and are keen to lure the ex-Fiorentina stopper back to Italy before the summer transfer window slams shut.
Nastasic thrived under former City manager Roberto Mancini following his arrival in England but has enjoyed significantly less success under the Italian’s predecessor, Manuel Pellegrini.
The Serbia international lost his place in the starting line-up to veteran Martin Demichelis, who became a solid performer after a shaky start to life in the North-West.
Mangala’s expected arrival on a long-term deal, coupled with the return of highly-rated Holland youngster Karim Rekik following a loan spell at PSV Eindhoven, means the writing is on the wall for Nastasic.
He has not started for City since the defeat to Chelsea on February 3 due to a persistent knee problem.