MANCHESTER CITY have held talks over acquiring a minority stake in Russian giants Spartak Moscow.
Representatives from City Football Group met last weekend with the general director of Spartak, whose current owner Leonid Fedun is looking to sell up.
Russian reports have suggested City are interested in buying 20 per cent of the capital-based outfit.
City sources confirmed preliminary talks have taken place but insist nothing has been decided.
Should a deal be agreed, it would extend the number of clubs in City Football Group’s worldwide roster to ELEVEN.
As well as flagship side Manchester City, the umbrella organisation also has stakes in New York City, Melbourne City, Yokohama F Marinos in Japan, Montevideo City Torque in Uruguay, Spanish side Girona, Sichuan Jiuniu in China, India’s Mumbai City, Lommel SK In Belgium and French minnows Esperance Sportive Troyes Aube Champagne.
Meanwhile, City superstar Kevin de Bruyne is sweating on his place for Saturday’s Manchester derby at Old Trafford.
The Belgian superstar, 30, has been the main man at the Etihad — and at times in the whole Premier League — for much of his six-year stay.
But KdB must be worried in the aftermath of Saturday’s shock 2-0 home defeat by Crystal Palace – because on form alone he currently would not get into City’s first XI.
Asked if giving De Bruyne a rest was possible, boss Pep Guardiola said: “Whether they play or rest is my decision because I know a lot of information.
“Our standards as a team, individually and collectively, are so high. We know how difficult it is to maintain it.
“Everything we have done in these years is thanks to a player like Kevin. He is such an important player for us and an excellent person.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
