By Chris Wright
Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland has held ‘crunch talks’ with the club to discuss a summer transfer.
According to Goal UK, Ireland has met with City’s football administration officer Brian Marwood to outline his plans to leave at the end of the season after falling out of favour at Eastlands.
The 23-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2008-09, receiving the club’s Player of the Year award for his troubles, but has struggled to hold down a first team place this season – making only 16 league appearances.
Ireland himself has spoken publicly of his frustration this season, telling The Manchester Evening News;
“It’s been difficult because I’ve only played a handful of times which is nowhere near the amount I played last year. When I have played, I haven’t played in my position and it’s been a difficult and frustrating season for me.
I think there’s a question mark over next year for me and I don’t know what will happen, but it’s out of my hands.”
Although neither club have commented about the prospective transfer, it is widely thought that City’s bitter rivals Manchester United are leading the race to snap up Ireland, after being heavily linked with a move for the £12-million-rated midfielder over the past six months or so.