Italian international lined up as Nastasic picks up injury.
Manchester City are reportedly tracking Cagliari and Italy defender Davide Astori after Matija Nastasic suffered an injury.
The Serbian international is expected to miss the start of the Premier League season after an MRI scan revealed he will be out for up to three weeks after picking up an ankle injury during the Asia Trophy final against Sunderland.
While Vincent Kompany will continue to lead the club as captain, it is believed that Joleon Lescott could be given an opportunity to re-establish himself, while Real Madrid’s Pepe also remains an option.
However, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, City boss Manuel Pellegrini has identified Astori as another potential target, with the 26-year-old linked with a move away from Sardinia this summer.
AC Milan have also been credited with an interest this summer, although Cagliari owner Massimo Cellino has been clear throughout the speculation that the Italian international would not be leaving the club ahead of the new campaign.
Astori has emerged as a solid performer for the Serie A outfit, and his club form has been rewarded with a regular spot in Cesare Prandelli’s Italy squad.
The centre-half featured in the Confederations Cup last month, scoring in the third-place play-off against Uruguay. However, there are still doubts in Italy over his ability to perform at a high level consistently, while his valuation is said to also have warned off potential suitors.
There has yet to be any official word from either club on the rumours, but it remains to be seen whether Cellino will allow the defender to leave for England.
COMMENTS