Galatasaray consider shock January swoop for Manchester City summer signing

Manchester City midfielder Mateo Kovacic is subject to transfer interest from Galatasaray, despite only moving to the Etihad Stadium in the summer.

The Croatian international completed an initial £25 million move to Manchester City from Chelsea in June, becoming Pep Guardiola’s first summer signing and replacing departed club captain Ilkay Gundogan.

Kovacic featured 37 times for Chelsea last season and is a four-time UEFA Champions League winner, having won the competition during his time at Stamford Bridge and with La Liga giants Real Madrid.

The 29-year-old has made 16 appearances and 11 starts for Manchester City so far this campaign, with the experienced central midfielder featuring in the Blues’ last three Premier League matches.

Guardiola’s side are currently at risk of faltering in their pursuit of a fourth consecutive Premier League title, with Manchester City winless since early November and seven points behind league leaders Liverpool.

Kovacic was one of four summer signings at the Etihad Stadium but has been sensationally linked with a potential January exit, as Galatasaray plot a shock move for the Manchester City midfielder.

Sport Witness relay a report from Turkish outlet TV100, who claim that Galatasaray are one of a number of clubs eying an audacious January bid, after the 29-year-olds lack of minutes for the treble-winners.

Galatasaray are reportedly looking at proposing a “loan formula” to Manchester City next month, with the club’s Vice-President working on a possible deal.

Fellow Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips could also be set for a move away from the Etihad Stadium in the new year, as several clubs look to sign the England international after another underwhelming start to the campaign.

The 28-year-old opted against leaving the Etihad Stadium during the summer transfer window, but is searching for regular minutes ahead of the upcoming European Championships in Germany next summer.