On the move: Aleksandar Kolarov (right) tussles
with Thomas Muller during Serbia's 1-0 victory over
Germany
Manchester City’s amazing summer spree continued last
night when they had a £17million bid accepted for Lazio left back
Aleksandar Kolarov.
The Serbia defender is set to become Roberto Mancini’s fourth
signing of the close
season and take City’s outlay so far to £75m, following the
arrivals of David Silva (£24m), Yaya Toure (£24m) and Jerome
Boateng (£10m).
And while City carry on spending, their fiercest rivals
Manchester United could be in danger of losing Kolarov's Serbian
team-mate Nemanja Vidic, who is believed to be the subject of
serious interest from Real Madrid.
Vidic has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford since
last year after reports emerged that his wife was unhappy living in
Manchester, and new Real boss Jose Mourinho is said to have put the
28-year-old at the top of his list as he aims to add some defensive
steel to his collection of Galacticos at the Bernabeu.
Iron man: Nemanja Vidic (right) is wanted at the
Bernabeu to shore up a defence that conceded 35 league goals last
season
Vidic's agent Paolo Fabbri has refused to confirm that
the defender will definitely be at United next season, and
suggested only last month that a transfer might take place once the
World Cup had finished.
'We have requested some time from Manchester United to think
about things,' said Fabbri. 'Nemanja does not want to look at
things now. Any eventual transfer will only take place after the
World Cup.'
Another knock-on effect from City's latest deal could be the
transfer of Ashley Cole to Real Madrid.
The Spaniards had previously been linked with Kolarov and may
now step up their efforts to prise England star Cole from
Chelsea.
Jumping ship: Ashley Cole unleashed a foul
mouthed-rant about his hatred for England before the World Cup -
could Kolarov's transfer hasten a move to Spain?
Cult hero: Kolarov followed in the steps of fellow
Serb Sinisa Mihajlovic at the Stadio Olympico
Kolarov impressed at the World Cup this summer, even
though Serbia finished bottom of their group behind Germany, Ghana
and Australia.
The tall, powerful defender can also play in midfield and is
renowned for his long distance shooting and willingness to
attack.
Nicknamed the Serbian Roberto Carlos due to his fondness for
spectacular strikes,
Kolarov came to prominence as part of the Serbia team that reached
the European
Under 21 Championship final in 2007.
His stunning long-range winner in the semi-final against Belgium
helped win him a move to Serie
A, where he earned hero status among Lazio fans.
