WHAT S THE SCORE
Yaya Toure could become the first world-famous player to buy himself out of his contract if Manchester City try to keep him for the final year of his deal.
City have refused to give the Ivory Coast midfielder a new three-year contract. He could now use Article 17 of FIFA’s transfer regulations – known as the Webster Ruling after Andy Webster’s test- case dispute with Hearts – to pay compensation to City. Toure earns £230,000 a week at the Etihad – almost £12million a year – but his agent Dimit r i Seluk thinks he could prise his man away for less than £10m.
That’s a figure the 32-year- old Toure would easily recoup through a signing-on fee at another club. Everton will allow Romelu Lukaku to leave – for £65m. The Belgian striker has made it clear he wants to join a club chasing honours.
If Lukaku stays in England – Manchester United are emerging as favourites to sign the 22-year-old. The fee will shatter the British record of £ 60m the Reds set when they signed Angel Di Maria from Real Madrid in the summer of 2014. Arsenal and Man United are on red- alert for PSG defender Marquinhos. The 21-year- old Brazil international was angry at being left on the bench as Laurent Blanc’s team drew 2-2 with Man City in the Champions League in midweek and has made it clear he will assess his future in the summer. Spurs legend Gary Mabbutt is convinced Mauricio Pochettino will stay at White Hart Lane – even if his team don’t win the league.
Pochettino has been linked to today’s opponents Man United but Mabbutt said: “Why would he go? He has a group of young lads who are coming through together.” Michael Carrick wants to stay at Man United but the 34-year-old midfielder has had no new contract offer and his deal is up in June. Rangers target Kevin McDonald still has a big future at Wolves despite being told to train with the kids, according to Kenny Jackett.
The boss has stressed he has no intention of selling the 27-year-old exDundee midfielder.
Jacket t said: “He’s in my plans. He has to keep working away, keep his attitude right and battle to get back into the team.” Raith Rovers’ stars of the past will play at Stark’s Park today (2.30pm) in a match in memory of club stalwart Ally Gourlay who died in February from cancer.
wants three-year deal
angry at PSG
Rangers target