Manchester City may be running away with the Premier League title and are still on course for an unprecedented quadruple, but that didn’t stop Pep Guardiola attempting to boost his squad with his pursuit of Riyad Mahrez.
Leicester City didn’t make it easy for the league leaders though, quoting a £95million asking price for the Algerian.
While City reportedly balked at that fee, they did offer a player plus cash deal in response.
Ultimately, the money wasn’t enough to persuade Leicester to sell but there’s been some speculation over which City player was offered in the proposal.
Here’s a look at three players who could’ve been offered as a makeweight in the bid, and could yet be used in a potential summer move as Guardiola has hinted at trying to sign the midfielder for a third time then.
ELIAQUIM MANGALA
Everton secured the loan signing of Eliaquim Mangala in the closing hours of the transfer window but the Frenchman could well have been offered to Leicester prior to that.
With Aymeric Laporte’s arrival and immediate induction into the first eleven, Mangala dropped further down the pecking order. Leicester could do with a boost in central defence as well with Wes Morgan pushing on at 34 now and only Harry Maguire proving to be a mainstay in that role.
However, The Foxes may have been in the hunt for a midfielder to help fill the void Mahrez’s departure would’ve left. Ultimately, a loan to the Toffees may have been the defender’s preferred option as well, one where he joins other high-profile acquisitions at Goodison Park and wouldn’t have to take a pay-cut.
Eliaquim Mangala has joined Everton for the rest of the season on loan.
YAYA TOURE
After being the colossal figure in midfield that ushered City into the Premier League’s elite alongside the likes of David Silva, Vincent Kompany and Sergio Aguero, Yaya Toure has been confined to the fringes of the first-team ever since Guardiola’s arrival.
He’s made only 11 appearances this season and just five in the league. While the 34-year-old is past his prime, he still has plenty to offer a mid-table side like Leicester and brings with him a wealth of experience as well.
There’s no doubt the veteran would have improved Leicester and Toure himself has been chasing more game time considering his decision to come out of international retirement. The main stumbling block over a potential switch, however, would have been his wage demands.
City legend: Yaya Toure.
TOSIN ADARABIOYO
With first-team opportunities limited at the Etihad Stadium, Tosin Adarabioyo would’ve been keen on a move away. The 20-year-old has made a handful of impressive appearances for the Citizens this season, one of them in the Carabao Cup win over the Foxes in December.
Adarabioyo would’ve offered Claude Puel’s side a solid option in defence and potentially been a fixture in their team for years to come. While his wages would fall more kindly within Leicester’s budget, his lack of experience would certainly have been a drawback.
Tosin Adarabioyo (L) has impressed when given a chance.
