Sevilla winger Jesus Navas has fuelled rumours he is on his way to Manchester City in an interview with a Spanish TV channel.
The Spain international, who has a £29.5million release clause in his contract, is expected to follow Manuel Pellegrini to the Etihad Stadium, should the Malaga boss move to England.
And the 27-year-old did little to distance himself from these suggestions, during an interview with La Sexta.
“You can be excited when you are there and you dream, but we are going to wait until the season ends and for summer to come to see what happens,” Navas said.
“We would have to see if both clubs could come to an agreement.
“I am ready for everything. You want to keep growing and fighting for trophies when you are used to these nice things, but I am happy here.”
Pellegrini is odds-on favourite to replace outgoing manager Roberto Mancini, but a deal is yet to be concluded with the 59-year-old.
Tricky playmaker Isco is thought to be Pellegrini’s first transfer target as City boss, but Navas is also high on his list.
And the pacey winger was quick to praise the Malaga coach when rumours of a move to City were put to him during the interview.
“Pellegrini is a coach who has given a lot in every place he has been, with very nice football,” he added. “He looks like a great person.”
However, Navas’ manager at Sevilla, Unai Emery, chose to focus on the positive aspect of the rumours about his player.
“That there is talk about Jesus Navas is positive,” said Emery. “Nobody thinks he could leave here.
“All sevillistas and I want him to stay because of what Jesus represents. But that his name comes out and that big teams are interested means that Sevilla has prime assets.
“These rumours should not damage the mood at the club.”
Image courtesy of canalsur, via YouTube, with thanks.
For more on this story and many others, follow Mancunian Matters on Twitter and Facebook.
