CITY SET FOR REAL MADRID RAID

By Staff Writer
Updated: 6 February, 2012

Manchester City are lining up a summer move for Raul Albiol, according to media reports.

Roberto Mancini has shown an interest in the Real Madrid defender as he searches for defensive reinforcements at the Etihad Stadium, and Inside Futbol claim City could make a move for the player in the summer.

Albiol has fallen down the pecking order at the La liga club and is said to be disgruntled with his situation at the Bernabeu, where French youngster Raphael Varane has been favoured over the former Valencia player by Jose Mourinho.

The 26-year-old has played 31 times for the Spanish national side and is in his fourth season at the current La Liga leaders who he joined for €15 million.

City have suffered injury problems this season with Mancini also losing Kolo Toure to the African Cup of Nations and key man, Vincent Kompany to suspension following a controversial red card in the Manchester derby.

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