While this summer will undoubtedly see some new faces arriving at Eastlands, the number of players going in the opposite direction is set to reach double figures as manager Roberto Mancini looks to trim his playing staff to a more manageable figure. The Manchester City boss will oversee the departure of several players he inherited from Mark Hughes in an effort to free up funds to bring in higher quality players, as the Italian knows that his squad will require even more depth next season. As well as an attempt at the Premier League title there is also the small matter of a Champions League campaign to be fought.
Craig Bellamy, Emmanuel Adebayor, Roque Santa Cruz, Wayne Bridge, Nedum Onuoha and Felipe Caicedo, all of whom were out on loan last season, are expected to be shown the exit door, while Patrick Vieira, Jo and Shaun Wright-Phillips will also be allowed to leave. Winger Vladimir Weiss, having spent the last 18 months on loan at both Bolton Wanderers and Glasgow Rangers, will again be permitted to gain further experience and is attracting interest from Espanyol.
In Caicedo´s case the club must be kicking themselves after giving Levante an option to buy the striker for just £900,000 after a season-long loan in Spain. The 22-year-old Ecuador international has been a revelation in La Liga this season, scoring 13 goals in 27 appearances to help Levante consolidate their top-flight status, and with the Spaniards exercising that option this week they are now prepared to sell to the highest bidder to ensure a large profit. There has already been interest from Villarreal, Atl
