Man City may be ready to sell Oleksandr Zinchenko as personal terms agreed – pundit
Man City may sanction the sale of Oleksandr Zinchenko once they complete a deal for Marc Cucurella, according to Noel Whelan.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Leeds United forward suggested Zinchenko should be used in a more advanced role by a potential new club.
A source told Football Insider (22 June) that City have agreed personal terms with Cucurella, 23, and are in advanced talks to finalise a deal with Brighton & Hove Albion.
Zinchenko, 25, has two years left on his contract and has been linked with a number of Premier League clubs this summer.
Asked whether the possible arrival of Cucurella could open the door for the Ukrainian to leave, Whelan told Football Insider‘s Connor Whitley: “Yes, there’s always that possibility when you bring in another full-back and a natural full-back.
“I don’t think Zinchenko is a full-back, I see him more as a wide player, left-sided and he can play in that inside role a bit further up the field.
“When it comes to that defensive ability, I don’t think it comes naturally to him. He can do it, absolutely, because you’ve got two experienced international centre-halves beside you. Even if you make a mistake, they will come around and bail you out.
“I think he’s more effective in that left-hand channel in the final third, getting on the ball and making things happen with great delivery from his left foot.
“He’s more attacking-minded player and because of his defensive ability, that’s why they want to get Cucurella.
“He ticks every single box if you want to play in that position.
“There’s always that possibility that you don’t want to oversaturate a squad with players you may not need.
“I think Zinchenko needs to play more, he doesn’t get enough game time but many players don’t at Man City because of the rotation and size of their squad.”
In other news, Vincent Kompany’s Burnley are in advanced talks to sign a Man City player.