da jogodeouro： Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho is allegedly targeting Manchester City’s Nigel De Jong, after the Dutchman’s recent contract talks broke down. (Metro)
da pixbet： The midfielder’s performances in recent seasons have brought widespread admiration, and last season in particular De Jong was seen as a key player in Roberto Mancini’s side.
However, following another summer of investment by City, De Jong has struggled for a starting berth, with Mancini often preferring a more attacking line up with Gareth Barry given the holding role.
Now, following a recent breakdown in contract talks, De Jong’s days at City may be numbered. The defensive midfielder is rumoured to want at least double his current £55,000 a week deal, yet the City board are not willing to offer such a significant wage increase and will not be offering a new deal until the summer at the earliest.
City paid £18 million to land De Jong from Hamburg two seasons ago, and Real Madrid are believed to see a fee of around £20 million as value for money.
If De Jong is to leave City, it is likely Madrid will face competition from Europe’s other big guns for a player with significant international and European pedigree.