City join Mbia race

Last updated : 18 March 2008 By Ben Collins
But the 21-year-old, who has two years left on his contract with French side Rennes, claims several other top European clubs are interested in his services.

The defensive midfielder, who can also play at right-back, caught the eye at the Africa Cup of Nations last month.

"I'll think at the end of the year if the big offers I'm receiving are still up to date," he told the Manchester Evening News.

"I've had contact from teams in England and Italy. There are contacts with Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool and in Spain there is Barcelona as well.

"For the moment I'm not thinking of it and I will stay with Rennes. I'll rely on people like general manager Pierre Dreossi, who knows me and my parents very well. Then it'll be me who takes a decision."

Sven is set to have a £30m transfer kitty available in the summer and is thought to be targeting a holding midfielder.