Nasri set for City - but wants to join United
Samir Nasri is joining Manchester City - but he would PREFER to sign for their bitter rivals Manchester United.
Nasri has told friends that his dream was to sign for United, who were his preferred destination - along with Real Madrid and Barcelona - when he made his mind up to quit Arsenal this summer.
Despite City’s FA Cup success last season, and qualification for the Champions League, Nasri feels United are still the country’s top team and offer the best chance of winning the top honours.
The midfielder was understood to be so keen on a move to Old Trafford that he was willing to sit out the last year of his contract at Arsenal and join United on a Bosman next summer.
However, Sir Alex Ferguson did not firm up his initial interest with an offer and neither Real nor Barca made a move, leaving City as Nasri's only option.
The 24-year-old is happy to join City in a £22million move, however, and knows they are better placed to win trophies than Arsenal.
The Blues are also prepared to treble his wages to £180,000-a-week and will offer him a five-year contract.
City boss Roberto Mancini has been championing the deal which now, much to the Itaian's frustration, is dragging on, with the latest delay understood to be down to agents’ fees.
The City hierarchy are determined to change the perception that they are a soft touch in negotiations and are taking a tough line in the talks.
Nasri has yet to undergo his medical and the deal may not be completed before Sunday’s top-of-the-table clash with Bolton.
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