Yaya ‘must leave for first-team football’

YAYA Toure has been told to quit City after finding himself relegated to a bit-part role.

The veteran midfielder – talisman of two Premier League title wins – has been largely restricted to the bench by manager Pep Guardiola so far this season.

The Ivorian veteran has played just 29 minutes Premier League action – and two EFL Cup games – as Fernandinho has held sway in the midfield holding role.

And Toure’s former Ivory Coast team-mate Emmanuel Eboue has told him it is time to leave City, with the Blues’ sister club New York City a possible escape route.

The ex-Arsenal star believes the 34-year-old still has plenty to offer - and should move on to find playing time.

“I’m not sure that he is going to stay because he wants to play,” he said.

“If he still there he’s not going to play so I think for him it is better to leave – to go to play.

“He’s a good player so every week when you stay on the bench and you don’t play, it’s hard in your head.

“It’s time for him to leave. When you see City this year, the players they have are good – good midfielders, good strikers.

“So for me it is time to for him to leave.”

Reports in the US claim preliminary talks have taken place for Toure to move to New York, who would reportedly like to take him in January.