Matija Nastasic had such a good first season with Manchester City that he looked certain to become one of the Premier League's best central defenders for years to come. He only turned 21 years of age in March but the season previous he'd been excellent for Manchester City, the supporters took to him quickly and he was an example of the club doing good business in the transfer window rather than throwing silly money around.
It was all set up for Nastasic to go on and prove himself to be one of the best central defenders in the country but the odds began to stack against the player. Injury certainly didn't help and his progress was stunted, the arrival of Martin Demichelis won't have helped either and Manuel Pellegrini didn't see Nastasic as a first team starter.
The prolonged chase of Eliaquim Mangala has somewhat underlined that, as well as strong links with Mehdi Benatia. Whilst the latter may be down to simple transfer window gossip, Mangala has already been seen at Manchester City's training facilities, so whilst a deal hasn't been completed, there can be no denying the club's interest in him.
Juventus are trying to take advantage of the Nastasic situation and Turin newspaper Tuttosport say on Wednesday that Manchester City have set out their conditions for a move. Juventus, continually tight, wanted a loan but Manchester City say they will only agree to that if there is the guarantee Juve will buy the player, at a set price, in the next summer transfer window.
If true, it shows just how keen Manchester City are to sell Nastasic. Not so long ago that would have sounded farcical.
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