Blues hope to raise funds by sale of deadwood

CITY are facing a fight to clear out their rejects this summer.

Pep Guardiola is undertaking the biggest squad overhaul in the club’s history – aiming to spend £300m on new recruits.

But his plans also include the sales of a host of unwanted players, which City hoped would recoup them close to £150m.

With high earners like Samir Nasri and Eliaquim Mangala still at the club, and even joining Guardiola’s squad on the flight to Houston on Monday, City are facing the prospect of having to drastically reduce some of their valuations to tempt buyers.

Joe Hart has joined West Ham on loan but City were anticipating bids of £25m for the England No.1. If his move to the London Stadium becomes permanent, it is expected to be at a cut price £10m.

City are struggling to find a buyer for Nasri despite lowering their initial asking price from £21m to just £10m.

Mangala is valued at £18m, but despite strong interest from Valencia, Lyon and Newcastle, the French defender joined Nasri on the plane to the US.

It is hoped Kelechi Iheanacho will raise £25m from his proposed move to Leicester, and Fabian Delph is valued at £15m despite suffering an injuryplagued time at City.

The Blues are also open to offers for Fernando, and Claudio Bravo could also be heading for the exit. A MANCHESTER derby is a Manchester derby and – make no mistake – both teams will want to win in Houston, Texas.

But the main aim of the game is to sharpen fitness after the summer holidays.

United are already ahead in that regard, having played two friendlies against MLS opposition, while this will be City’s first game of pre-season.

But once the whistle blows, and despite the fact both managers will use substitutes liberally, the old Red vs Blue mentality will kick in.

Pep Guardiola has shown a degree of disinterest in Manchester bragging rights, having played a virtual second string in the EFL Cup tie at Old Trafford last season – and seeing it lose narrowly to a strong United team.

Guardiola is likely to be unmoved by the fans’ desire to beat United, and will use the game to give as many players as possible a run-out.

But if he does start with his strongest available team, what will it look like?

He is without new signing Bernardo Silva and Claudio Bravo, both unlikely to join the squad until the end of the tour, while Yaya Toure and Leroy Sane may arrive in Texas too late for consideration.

But suppose Guardiola does seek to field his strongest team from the squad already in Houston, it would look pretty strong – certainly going forward.

We think it would look something like this: EDERSON The Brazil goalkeeper is the instant number one choice after his £35m move, and will be hoping for a better debut against United than Bravo had at Old Trafford in September. WALKER As the only recognised right-back on the books, the £45m capture is a shoo-in but he is not likely to play more than 45 minutes. STONES He and Walker have an understanding from England international squads, and with Nicolas Otamendi arriving today, just has the edge. KOMPANY The big skipper proved his importance to the Blues at the end of last season. KOLAROV With the Benjamin Mendy saga ongoing, Kolarov is the only recognised left back. FERNANDINHO He will want to prove himself in that holding midfield role, and with Yaya Toure another expected latecomer e should get that chance. DE BRUYNE Adapted well to his new, deeper midfield role last season and remains vital to Guardiola’s blueprint. DAVID SILVA There may be a younger Silva arriving in a week or two, but the Spaniard remains City’s best creative force. JESUS After he and Aguero proved they can play together last season, he has to be the man in possession of the right-sided striking role. AGUERO Fifteen goals in 17 games to finish the season proved he is still the king of the Premier League. STERLING With Leroy Sane due to be a late arrival, Sterling may get a chance.