Manchester City transfer news: PSG star linked – worth a bid?

Mino Raiola is up to his old tricks again. The man best known for masterminding move after mega move for Zlatan Ibrahimovic is now trying to pawn PSG midfielder Blaise Matuidi to Manchester City. That hasn't gone down well at the Parisian club, but it could be good news for City, given Matuidi's quality. talkSPORT's Transfer Spotlight has more...

Name: Blaise Matuidi
Date of birth: 9 April, 1987
Birthplace: Toulouse, France
Club: PSG
International appearances: 12 (France)
Honours: Ligue 1 (2012/13)

What's the latest?
Matuidi's PSG contract runs out in 2014, and it seems the young midfielder has enlisted Mino Raiola's services to try and find a new club, despite being under contract with his current agent until the end of June. In any case, reports in France say Manchester City are keen on the France international, who would be a useful defensive midfielder in their new 4-3-3 formation.

Did you know?

1) Matuidi was a PSG fan as a youngster, and was scouted by them early on in his career, but the Paris side opted not to bring him to the club. He played for no less than five different teams as a youth player, before finally settling at Troyes, where he made his professional debut in 2004.

2) The midfielder was compared to Claude Makelele after an outstanding debut season in Ligue 1 in 2005/06, when he played 31 games and helped Troyes to avoid relegation.

3) After another strong season, Saint-Etienne signed Matuidi for €5m (£4.3m) in 2007. His strong form continued and by the following summer he had been named club captain. The team struggled to make any kind of impact in Ligue 1 over the next three years however, and Paris Saint-Etienne made a €10m (£8.5m) offer they couldn't refuse in 2011.

4) At PSG, Matuidi has been a constant figure in the heart of midfield, playing alongside Thiago Motta, Clement Chantome and Marco Verratti. His attacking influence has increased hugely in Paris, with eight goals in all competitions last season, more than double of his previous best of three.

5) Laurent Blanc called Matuidi up to the senior France team for the first time in August 2010, but he had to wait until September for his debut, entering the field of play against Bosnia and Herzegovina in a 2-0 win. Didier Deschamps has recently made him France vice-captain.

They say
“Blaise had a great season, and has been very consistent. He achieved a very high level. Ibra was also very good, and scored a lot of goals, but for me, the best was Blaise.” PSG captain Thiago Silva hails Blaise as their player of the season.

“English club Manchester City would like to buy Matuidi, and could even make a substantial offer to Paris. It is believed that his new agent, Mino Raiola, has received offers from City. However, he is still tied with current agent Jean-Pierre Bernes until June 30, complicating matters.” Eurosport.fr on City's interest in Matuidi.

Video evidence

Would Matuidi be a good signing for City? Let us know below...