Manchester City transfer news and updates: Garry Monk says Wilfried Bony talks continue, City monitor Luis Suarez, James Milner future

The latest transfer speculation surrounding the Etihad

Manchester City are close to signing Swansea's Wilfried Bony, who would cost at least £26m (AFP/Getty Images)

MANCHESTER CITY ARRIVALS…

Swansea manager Garry Monk has confirmed talks with Manchester City regarding a transfer for striker Wilfried Bony that could reach the £30m mark. City are determined to lower the fee before structuring a deal that would suit the Ivory Coast international, and Monk has admitted that he will not stand in the way of Bony if he chooses to leave the Swans. Monk said: “There are talks between clubs and at this moment in time it’s ongoing. It is what it is right now. But unless an agreement is made and club are happy, it remains ongoing. I don’t know the inner details. They have talked about fees but whether they are close or far apart is unclear at moment.”

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City are also keeping a close eye on Barcelona striker Luis Suarez, with reports in the Daily Mail claiming the 27-year-old could be under threat following the dismissal of Andoni Zubizarreta and resignation of Carlos Puyol. Suarez joined Barcelona last summer from Liverpool for £75m, but a return of three goals in 12 games following his return to action after his four-month ban has raised questions over his future.

HEADING FOR THE EXIT…

James Milner’s future is becoming increasingly uncertain with just six months left to run on his contract, which has prompted Liverpool to harbour hopes that they can sign the England midfielder this month for a reduced fee. Any move would require City to give their approval on the deal, but the Reds believe that the danger of losing him for nothing in the summer would work in their favour. Milner is frustrated with the lack of consistent first-team opportunities afforded to him by manager Manuel Pellegrini, and his versatility would give Liverpool a more strength in depth for the second half of the season.

City’s forgotten man Matija Nastasic looks to be on his way out of the club with a move to the Bundesliga. The Guardian reports that Schalke are leading the race to sign the Serbian, who was in the running for City’s player of the year just two seasons ago. The same report also suggests that Scott Sinclair will be on his way to Aston Villa for £2m, nearly £5m less than they paid in 2012.

Milner is a target for Liverpool

TWIST...

The Premier League has confirmed that City have not broken any rules in their decision to keep Frank Lampard at the club until the end of the season. Lampard was originally described to have joined the reigning champions on a loan deal, but the League has confirmed that no agreement is in place which forces him to play for New York City FC when the new MLS season begins, nor is there any problem with his registration.

Despite City’s move for Bony described to be imminent, the move could prove to be a fairly puzzling one. Bony is heading to the African Cup of Nations and won’t be back to either Swansea or City until next month, and both Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko have returned to training with Stevan Jovetic already recovered from injury.