CITY STAR SET FOR TRANSFER TUG OF WAR

By Staff Writer
Updated: 16 February, 2012

Manchester City winger Vladimir Weiss is set to be the centre of a tug of war when his season-long loan at Espanyol comes to an end in June.

The Slovakian international could still be part of Roberto Mancini’s plans at the Etihad Stadium, despite spending the past two season away from City at Bolton Wanderers, Rangers and Espanyol, but his excellent form in la liga this season has led to a number of clubs showing an interest in securing his services in the summer.

Weiss has played 19 times for Espanyol this term and scored two goals as the Barcelona club search for a top four finish and a coveted place in next season’s Champions League.

This form has lead to interest from Serie A sides Bologna and Cagliari, according to Italian media site ItaSportPress, although Espanyol coach Mauricio Pochettino is keen to keep the 22-year-old at the Cornella-El Prat next term, especially if they have a European campaign to fight.

However Pochettino is also said to be under no illusion as to the difficulty in keeping Weiss at the Blanquiblaus.

Mancini meanwhile is understood to still see Weiss as part of his long-term plans at the Etihad Stadium, although the player has had limited opportunity at City so far and has only managed one start and four substitute appearances in all competitions.

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