Man City Transfer News: Citizens Set To Miss Out On Isco

The Guardian. But the deposed Premier League champions, who also look likely to miss out Edinson Cavani, another of their summer targets, are relaxed about the situation and do not view either player as "essential signings". The prospect of signing Cavani from Napoli is receding by the day and while former City boss Roberto Mancini was a big admirer of the Uruguayan, his successor Manual Pellegrini does not hold him in quite the same esteem. If Isco is signed by Madrid meanwhile and turns down the option of playing once more under the former Malaga boss at the Etihad next season, Pellegrini will not ring the alarm bells and is thought to be content with the resources he has available. City's plan to play 4-3-3 next season puts in context their contentment with their current midfield, which boasts the likes of Yaya Toure, David Silva, James Milner, Samir Nasri and new signings Jesus Navas and Brazil international Fernandinho. Also, as Carlos Tevez and Sergio Agüero can play anywhere across the attacking line, the need to bring in Isco and Cavani is not being viewed as essential. Pellegrini has been speaking for the first time about his first two signings as City boss, Navas and Fernandinho. He told mcfc.co.uk:

"Jesus is a player I know well from La Liga. He is quick, has excellent technique and City fans will enjoy watching him. He will provide a variety of attacking options for us and can also score goals as well as create them."
Of the Brazilian, Pellegrini continued:
"I made Fernandinho one of the top priorities. He has impressed me on a number of occasions over the past few years and is another player I've taken a keen interest in. He is an experienced international who will further strengthen our midfield and I think he will be well suited to the Premier League. He is a superb athlete with a wide range of passing, can score goals and most importantly, can quickly turn defence into attack. "I am looking forward to working with both our new signings and with the players who have already won a Premier League title together. We have a very strong pool and together we aim to achieve great things."

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Joseph is an accredited football journalist and has interviewed nearly all of the current 20 Barclay's Premier League managers. He is also a correspondent for Bleacher Report and has written for Caught Offside and Give Me Football.