City Defender Happy After Mancini Talks Despite Galatasaray Interest
Kolo Toure happy to stay at Manchester City after talks with manager Roberto Mancini following interest from Turkish giants Galatasaray
Manchester City defender Kolo Toure is happy to stay with the Premier League champions despite interest from Galatasaray.
The Ivory Coast international played just 14 times for City in the league last season, which saw captain Vincent Kompany and Joleon Lescott preferred in defence.
Despite the English transfer window closing on Friday, the Turkish window doesn't end until Wednesday evening, giving the 18-time domestic champions extra time to secure a deal for the 31 year old.
But Toure's agent, Saif Rubie, said: "Kolo is flattered by the interest from Galatasaray but he is happy at Man City.
"Kolo has spoken to the manager and owners (of City) and he remains as committed to the club as the day he signed.
"All Kolo's focus is on helping Manchester City be successful this season in every competition they are going for.
"Kolo is happy to stay and play his part and is looking forward to the next game after the international break."
The former Arsenal defender was joined by Serbian defender Matija Nastasic during the transfer window also, and while the 19 year old isn't likely to break into the first team in his first season at the Etihad Stadium, Toure will have additional competition for places.
Toure played with international compatriot Emmanuel Eboue, who is now with Galatasaray, during his days at Arsenal and head coach Fatih Terim hopes the full-back can tempt the City defender to the club.
"We have to bring someone in, obviously a defender," he said.
"We're interested in Kolo Toure from Manchester City. We can ask help from Eboue if we need."
"There are 24 hours left, Kolo Toure is one of the players we are considering," deputy president Ali Durust added.
Brazilian full-back Maicon also joined during the summer transfer window, adding to the competition for places in the City defence, with the likes of Micah Richards likely to be handed more opportunities in the centre of defence.
City, who possessed the best defensive record in the Premier League last season, have conceded five goals already this term, but have retained an 100% record in staying unbeaten in all three of their league games.
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