Aleksandar Kolarov on verge of leaving Manchester City for £3m Besiktas switch as part of Pep Guardiola’s summer shake-up
Serbian left-back set to end six-year Etihad stay later this week after being told he was surplus to requirements
MANCHESTER CITY defender Aleksandar Kolarov is set to join Turkish giant Besiktas later this week.
The Serbian star has agreed personal terms over a £50,000-a-week deal and will sign for around £3million after talks over the weekend.
Besiktas are hoping to wrap up the move within the next 48 hours so they can unveil him at a fan event at the end of the week.
The 30-year-old is not in new boss Pep Guardiola's plans and has been told he can leave the Etihad after six seasons at the club.
Former Red Star Belgrade trainee Kolarov joined City from Lazio for £16m in 2010.
The left-back has made 136 appearances at the Etihad and scored ten goals.
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Kolarov’s exit will come a surprise to City fans, with the Serb making 29 league appearances last season in comparison to rival Gael Clichy’s 12.
But the ex-Arsenal ace still counts as one of City’s required home-grown players, making Kolarov the prime candidate to leave as Guardiola searches for a new left-back.
However, the experienced international leaves as one of City’s most decorated players, having won two Premier League titles, two League Cups and an FA Cup during his time under Roberto Mancini and Manuel Pellegrini.
And City’s new signings will be hoping for equally-rewarding Etihad careers, with Nolito and Ilkay Gundogan both desperate to make an impact in English football.
But Guardiola’s spending is expected to continue as he looks to get one over on new Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho.
Everton centre-back John Stones is believed to be a £50m target, with a deal for Schalke’s Leroy Sane also growing closer.