Friday, 3rd August, 2012

English champions Manchester City are interested in snapping up highly-rated Cameroonian defender Nicolas N’Koulou from cash-strapped Marseille.

N’Koulou is a major candidate to leave Marseille this summer in order to help solve continuing financial issues at the French side and also hand new boss Elie Baup funds to rebuild for the 2012/13 season.

Marseille have suffered liquidity problems of late and with Baup eyeing several fresh faces, including Sochaux’s Ryad Boudebouz, there may have to be departures from the Stade Velodrome.


Now the opportunity for a cash injection could come Marseille’s way, as according to French daily Le Parisien, Roberto Mancini’s Manchester City are pondering a move for N’Koulou in order to strengthen their defensive line.

With Kolo Toure expected to depart Eastlands this summer, the Citizens are in the market for a centre-back and were recently linked with Liverpool’s Daniel Agger.

Unlike the established Reds defender, who has been dogged by injury problems in recent years, N’Koulou is a rising talent. He has had scouts gushing about his potential after watching his displays on the French south coast last season.

The 22-year-old Cameroon international has three years remaining on his Marseille current deal, after signing for Les Phoceens last summer, and if the Citizens decide to make a move then Baup will surely be looking for an amount that can help his rebuilding project and address the club’s financial issues.

N’Koulou started his career with Monaco in 2004 and after consistent displays for the 2004 Champions League finalists, moved to Marseille in 2011.

The youngster was hugely impressive last season and produced solid defensive performances in his 30 appearances in Ligue 1, despite Marseille’s disappointing campaign.

At international level, N’Koulou has earned 25 caps for Cameroon.

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