Aleksandar Kolarov is “one step” away from joining Roma after seven years with Manchester City, manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed.
The Serbia international did not feature in City’s opening pre-season fixture on Thursday, a 2-0 defeat to rivals Manchester United in the International Champions Cup, with midfielder Fernandinho and out-of-favour central defender Eliaquim Mangala filling the left-back berth between them.
Kolarov was the only senior full-back to remain on City’s books at the end of last season, with Pablo Zabaleta, Gael Clichy and Bacary Sagna all released when their contracts expired.
England right-back Kyle Walker has arrived for an initial fee of £45million from Tottenham, and deals for Monaco left-back Benjamin Mendy and Real Madrid’s Danilo are believed to be in the works.
Nevertheless, Guardiola felt unable to select Kolarov against United after the 31-year-old former Lazio man informed him of his intention to leave – although the boss insisted there are no hard feelings between the pair.
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