Chelsea, Man Utd and Arsenal title BLOW as Yaya Toure lines up hard-hitting 'heir' at City

YAYA TOURE has lined up his successor at Manchester City.

Yaya Toure Player Profile

In a fresh revelation that all no doubt hand title rivals Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal a huge blow next season, City are reportedly considering a bid for Sampdoria's Afriyie Acquah.

Ghanian Acquah has gained a reputations in Serie A this season as a hard-hitting midfielder, having picked up nine yellow cards and a red in 18 appearances.

And the 23-year-old has revealed he speaks regularly to Toure, who was branded the midfielder "his heir at Manchester City".

Speaking to newspaper Secolo XIX about his recent Africa Cup of Nations clash with Ivorian Toure, Acquah said: “We went into a challenge, he dived and simulated injury. I wagged my finger at him. Yaya Toure was always my idol.

Afriyie Acquah playing for SampdoriaGETTY

Afriyie Acquah (left) is seen as the "heir" to Yaya Toure at Manchester City

“Once the game was over, he called me and we talked. He said that I played well and one day I’d be his heir at Manchester City.

“For now, my City is Samp. I am still in contact with Toure, though.”

Acquah's arrival at City would be a major blow to other Premier League title-chasing sides who are hoping Toure's departure will hamper Manuel Pellegrini's plans next season.

Toure's influence at City is clear. Manuel Pellegrini's men have won 61 per cent of games he has started, compared to 33 per cent when he was not in the first XI.

His seven league goals this season have contributed to 21 of City's 58 Premier League points, while he has also netted in the Champions League and League Cup this term.

He is expected to leave City this summer for Inter, who are managed by former title-winning manager Roberto Mancini.

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