Manchester City close to agreeing transfer deals for forwards worth £40 million.
Manchester City are closing in on the signings of two forwards to boost their attacking line, with Fiorentina star Stevan Jovetic and Alvaro Negredo of Sevilla the players in question according to the Sun.
Negredo is well known to new City boss Manuel Pellegrini, who has seen plenty of the Spain striker whilst in charge of Malaga CF, and will be able to make a call on whether he will adapt to the more physical football of the Premier League.
His goal tally is certainly impressive, with 25 strikes in 34 La Liga starts. Of those, nine goals came with his left foot, three with his right, six were headers, four were converted penalties and two were bundled in from close range, indicating a fine all round finisher.
Jovetic is the wildcard of the two, an impressive combination of playmaker and goalscorer roles from a position of withdrawn striker.
According to CNN and Gazzetta dello Sport journalist Tancredi Palmeri, the 23 year-old may already have played his last game for Fiorentina.
Jovetic has not been called-up by Fiorentina for the pre-season
— Tancredi Palmeri (@tancredipalmeri) July 15, 2013
As well as scoring 13 goals and supplying five assists in his 31 Serie A appearances, Jovetic created the fifth most chances in Serie A last season, and his creativity could be a real boon.
His movement is top class too; the Montenegrin dropping deep to avoid being picked up by opposition defence or midfield, or moving into channels to find space or create room for others.
At his best he can dictate the play – a rare quality for someone in such an advanced role, and former AS Monaco sporting director and current Guardian journalist Tor-Kristian Karlsen believes that Man City will be making a tremendous signing.
With Stevan Jovetic expected to sign for Man City within next 48 hours, this could be the one signing that tips title race in their favour
— Tor-Kristian Karlsen (@karlsentk) July 15, 2013
Jovetic: one of the world’s top 15-20 players imo. Among few capable of deciding games through sheer “talent” & individual brilliance
— Tor-Kristian Karlsen (@karlsentk) July 15, 2013
Many seem unconvinced by Jovetic’s goal scoring record. One in every three games (Serie A); more than decent for a withdrawn forward/”10″
— Tor-Kristian Karlsen (@karlsentk) July 15, 2013
The two players will cost Manchester City a combined total of £40 million.
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