Maicon leaves City for Roma

Brazilian full-back Maicon has joined Roma from Manchester City on a permanent deal.

The 31-year-old joined City last summer from Inter Milan but struggled to win a regular place in the first team, making only 11 appearances during last season, just four of those in the league.

The move back to Serie A was confirmed on City’s website this morning and the club said: “Everyone at Manchester City wishes Maicon good luck at his new club.”

Maicon found competition from Pablo Zabaleta and Micah Richards for that right-back spot too strong.

New City boss Manuel Pellegrini said at the weekend that Maicon was not part of his plans and the Brazilian did not take part in the pre-season tour of South Africa.

Pellegrini said: “Maicon didn’t come here to the pre-season and he will not be in the squad at Manchester City this year.”

City are also closing in on the signing of Sevilla striker Alvaro Negredo, who has announced he will be moving to the Etihad Stadium, subject to a medical.

Sevilla last night held a farewell press conference for a player who scored 25 Primera Division goals last season and whose transfer will cost a reported €23 million.

Negredo said on the club’s official website: “I think in football there are stages. For four years I have been very happy, but I think my time was here over.

“I am happy to go to a big team.”

The 27-year-old paid an emotional tribute to Sevilla for “four fantastic years” and added: “For me this will be my home for a lifetime.”

But he revealed he was relishing the chance to link up again with Jesus Navas, who has already moved to City from the Andalucian club.

He said: “I am happy to be spending another year with him.”

Sevilla president Jose Maria del Nido earlier revealed Negredo would sign the "contract of his life" at City.

He said: "Manchester City are buying a great player, the top-scoring Spaniard in La Liga. This is a big deal for Sevilla, the second most important in our history after we sold (now-Barcelona full-back) Daniel Alves, and the player will sign the contract of his life.

“Everyone should be happy; it is a great deal for all three parties.”

Should the deal go through, Negredo would become new City boss Manuel Pellegrini’s third signing of the summer following the arrivals of Navas and Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho.