City to sign left-back

LAZIO have accepted Manchester City’s bid of £17 million for defender Aleksandar Kolarov.

The 24-year-old played two games for Serbia in the World Cup and, if he signs for Roberto Mancini’s side, he will be in direct competition with Wayne Bridge for the left-back slot.

Meanwhile, Ryan Giggs believes it is essential Wayne Rooney and Manchester United’s other World Cup players come back refreshed from their break.

Rooney, Michael Carrick, Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra and Ji–Sung Park are all absent from United’s summer tour, beginning with a match against Celtic today.

Giggs said: “It is always difficult after a World Cup because the players who have been involved in the tournament have time off.

“You just hope there is no hangover from the World Cup and everyone can hit the ground running. Hopefully our players will come back refreshed and we can get off to a good start.”