Gladbach lead Itakura race as Carson signs extension at Man City

Gladbach lead the race for Manchester City defender Ko Itakura amid interest from Fulham and Bournemouth as veteran keeper Scott Carson signs one-year extension at the Etihad

  • Manchester City defender Ko Itakura has been linked with an exit this summer
  • Borussia Monchengladbach ‘lead the race’ ahead of Fulham and Bournemouth 
  • The 25-year-old spent the last three seasons on loan at Groningen and Schalke
  • Scott Carson has also signed a one-year contract extension at the Etihad
  • The goalkeeper has made two appearances since signing for Man City in 2019 

Manchester City defender Ko Itakura is wanted by Borussia Monchengladbach, according to reports.

The Japanese centre-back arrived at the Etihad in June 2019 but has since completed a two-year loan spell at FC Groningen and a season-long loan with FC Schalke last season. 

Itakura is reportedly ready to exit Manchester permanently ahead of next season, with Fulham and Bournemouth both keen to land his signature. 

Japan defender Ko Itakura is linked with a permanent move away from the Etihad this summer

He spent a year-long loan at Schalke last season but is reportedly open to a permanent move

But Borussia Monchengladbach now lead the race for Itakura ahead of the newly-promoted Premier League outfits, according to Sky Sports journalist Lyall Thomas.

Schalke were reportedly unable to match the defender’s €6 million buy option due to financial complications and have since bowed out of the running.

Meanwhile, former England international Scott Carson has signed a one-year contract extension at the Etihad to remain Manchester City’s third-choice goalkeeper.

Despite playing just twice under Pep Guardiola since his arrival in 2019, the 36-year-old has brought a wealth of experience and presence to the City camp. 

Goalkeeper Scott Carson has signed a one-year contract extension with Manchester City

‘I’m delighted to be staying with City for another season,’ Carson told the club website.

‘To work with Pep, the coaches and such talented team-mates is a real honour and one I relish every day.

‘I have already gained so much from my time here and hopefully I can keep helping to push the club’s other goalkeepers to be the best they can be.’

The 36-year-old has only played two matches for the Premier League champions since 2019

Man City director Txiki Begiristain added: ‘Scott is an exemplary professional and his experience is of real benefit to the entire squad. 

‘His teammates, especially the goalkeepers, have great respect for his achievements in the game and his support has been a huge help to them.

‘As he has demonstrated, we know he is always ready to play should he be called upon.’




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