Manchester City close in on Swansea City striker Wilfried Bony

Manchester City are reported to be in talks with Swansea City over the signing of striker Wilfried Bony.

Bony was linked with a move away from the Liberty Stadium in the summer but he remained with the club beyond the end of the transfer window and subsequently signed a new contract in November.

It is understood that the new contract eliminated a but-out clause in his previous deal and the striker is reported to have told Swansea chiefs that he wants to join a club competing in the Champions League.

City are believed to have contacted Swansea at the start of the week with the clubs in advanced talks over a deal.

The Ivory Coast striker is due to travel to the Middle East on Wednesday for a training camp with his country ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations and it remains it be seen if a deal can be reached before he departs.

Credit: Michelle/SportsMail