By Fab4.
Outgoing Barcelona president Joan Laporta has revealed that talks to sell midfielder Yaya Toure are at a ‘very advanced’ stage, fuelling speculation that he is bound for the Premier League with Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City all said to be interested.
The Ivory Coast international fell out of favour with Barca coach Pepe Guardiola last season, with both Seydou Keita and Sergio Busquets preferred ahead of him. Toure has been touted as a possible make-weight in any transfer involving Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas and has stated his desire to play in the Premier League one day. It seems that day may be sooner rather than later, after Laporta confirmed his sale is close.
“The sale of Toure is very advanced,” said Laporta.
Toure reiterated his liking for the Premiership only yesterday, but stressed he is focused on representing Ivory Coast at the World Cup and will decide his future after the tournament has finished.
He said on Sky Sports News: “I have said for a long time that I want to play in the Premier League.
“For me, the Premier League is a very good competition and I love that.
“After the World Cup I will decide what I want to do.”
With Arsenal and Barcelona in deadlock over the transfer of Cesc Fabregas, it seems likely that any move to England would be to either Chelsea or Manchester City, where Yaya would link up with his brother Kolo.
