Manchester City interested in Ibe as Anfield contract talks stall

Manchester City recently lost their Premier League crown to Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea, and the Etihad outfit are now aiming to build a core of English talent in a bid to retain the title next season, with Liverpool’s Jordon Ibe the latest reported target.

With Mourinho back at the Stamford Bridge helm, City’s domestic dominance was ended and, as Manuel Pellegrini’s future remains uncertain, the Sky Blues are 5/2 with Coral to reclaim the top-flight trophy next season.

The blue half of Manchester are keen to bolster their depth of English players for next term, with the likes of James Milner and Frank Lampard set to depart, and Ibe would provide the club with plenty of talent on their flanks.

Anfield’s 19-year-old prospect made his debut in 2013 and has went on to impress this season, having been handed his Premier League debut by Reds boss Brendan Rodgers, with his first appearance being a start against Merseyside rivals Everton at Goodison Park last February.

However, City are said to be monitoring the player’s current contract negotiations in Liverpool, with his current employers having shelved plans for a new deal until the end of this current campaign, despite being poised for an agreement last month.

Since his maiden senior top-flight debut, the England Under-20 international has made a further six league starts and is seen as a future club star, having signed from Wycombe Wanderers four years ago, and spending the first half of this season on loan at Championship side Derby County.

Ibe, who struck five times in 20 outings during his loan spell with the Rams, would be a great acquisition for City in their hunt to secure a host of young homegrown talent, but Liverpool are sure to do everything in their power to keep hold of such a promising player in the Anfield ranks.

Northern Irishman Rodgers will be hopeful of keeping his top stars, which also includes contract rebel Raheem Sterling, and the Reds are a 14/1 chance to win their first ever Premier League crown next term.