Kevin De Bruyne close to Manchester City deal

VfL Wolfsburg attacking midfielder Kevin De Bruyne’s transfer to Manchester City could be nearing completion, German and English media said on Thursday, with the player’s agent also hoping for the deal to be sealed soon.

City have made repeated offers for the German league’s player of the year and the 24-year-old is seen as all but certain to move to the Premier League this season for what is reported to be a record fee of €74 million for a Bundesliga player.

De Bruyne, who joined in 2014 from Chelsea after loan spells with Genk and Werder Bremen, has a contract at Wolfsburg until 2019.

His agent Patrick De Koster was quoted by several media outlets as saying the deal had not been completed but could be soon.

“We are relaxed about the situation and we will see what happens in the next day or two,” De Koster said. “Kevin is not desperate to leave Wolfsburg but hopefully there will be a conclusion soon.”

The Belgian international was in stellar form last season, scoring 10 goals and providing 21 assists as the Wolves finished Bundesliga runners-up last season.

Confirmed

Meanwhile striker Mario Balotelli has completed his season-long loan move to AC Milan from Liverpool, both clubs confirmed on Thursday.

The controversial striker failed to make an impact at Anfield last season and scored just one goal in 16 Premier League appearances as Liverpool finished sixth in the table.

He will have a good behaviour clause inserted into his contract with Milan, banning extravagant haircuts and clothing and committing him to a healthy lifestyle.

Released

West Ham United have confirmed that midfielder and former skipper Kevin Nolan has left the club by mutual consent, bringing an end to a four-year spell at the Hammers.

The 33-year-old scored 31 goals in 157 games for the club since joining from Newcastle United in June 2011.

He captained West Ham to promotion via a Championship playoff final in his first season and finished as the Hammers’ leading scorer in the 2012-13 and 2013-14 seasons.

However, Nolan has found his appearances limited under new manager Slaven Bilic and did not start any of the club's three Premier League games this season, with midfielder Mark Noble taking the armband instead.

“West Ham United would like to thank Kevin for his considerable effort and commitment over the past four seasons and wish him all the very best for the future, on and off the football pitch,” the club said in a statement on its website.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at West Ham United and will take some great memories with me. I’m now looking forward to the next challenge playing for a new club,” Nolan said.