As many as six first team regulars could leave Manchester City on free transfersat the end of the season, amidst reports that the club will allow elder stars'contracts to run down, as theylook to promote youth and build the squad in manager Pep Guardiola's image.
Yaya Toure may bethe most high profile name to be denied a new deal, but the reports in theMirrorwill comeas little surprise to those who have followed the controversial Ivorian star's recent trajectory.
Toure has recently been handed an 18-month driving ban, and has also been at the centre of a highly-publicised three way spat with his agent (Dimitri Seluk) and Guardiola.
In addition to 33-year-old Toure, the Mirror reports that other players over the age of 30 including:Pablo Zabaleta, Gael Clichy, Bacary Sagna, Willy Caballero and Jesus Navas will also be shown the door in a summer revamp.
Brazilian Fernandinho, by contrast, is the only player over the 30-year barrier who is likely to be offered an extension to his current deal.
For better or worse,Guardiola has already demonstrated his commitment toinvesting in younger talent during his short tenure, acquiring 20-year-oldLeroy Sane, 19-year-oldGabriel Jesus and 22-year-old John Stones during the summer for in excess of £100m.
In addition, City's much-vaunted academy system is finally starting to produce talent capable of challenging for the first team after years of heavy investment.Kelechi Iheanacho has already broken into the first team, while England youth teamersTosin Adarabioyo andPhil Fodenare both hopeful of bright futures at the Etihad, with the former making his Champions League debut earlier this month.