Busy Manchester City eye Zlatan Ibrahimovic as Aston Villa reject £20m approach for James Milner

By Sportsmail Reporter Updated:

Manchester City will ramp up their bid to sign Barcelona striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic after the Spanish champions announced the £34million arrival of David Villa.

City have long been linked with a move for Villa but will now turn their attentions to the Sweden international, who looks destined to leave the Nou Camp this summer. 

The Blues have already been busy in the transfer market this month, with Aston Villa rejecting a £20m bid for England World Cup hopeful James Milner on Wednesday evening.

At the double: Ibrahimovic scored both of Barcelona's goals at the Emirates

At the double: Ibrahimovic scored both of Barcelona's goals at the Emirates

Last week Sportsmail exclusively revealed that Barcelona president Joan Laporta is keen to offload Ibrahimovic and has reportedly recruited agent and close friend Pini Zahavi to find a buyer willing to pay in excess of £40million.

On his way? Ibrahimovic is poised to leave Barcelona just one year after signing for the Spanish champions

On his way? Ibrahimovic is poised to leave Barcelona just one year after signing for the Spanish champions

But City will have to move fast to capture the former Inter Milan striker, after Cesc Fabregas revealed his desire to return to his boyhood club with Ibrahimovic mooted as part of a swap, plus cash deal.

Ibrahimovic signed for the Spanish champions last summer in a deal worth over £60m following the sale of Samuel Eto'o to Inter Milan.

Despite scoring 16 league goals, the lanky striker has struggled to win over the support of the Barcelona faithful and was accused of having 'a bad technique' by Barca great Johan Cruyff.

City have the funds to meet Barcelona's asking price but will carefully weigh up whether the 28-year old's occasionally sullen demeanour and fitful flair meets their requirements.



Most watched Sport videos