"The left back situation," he said, without preamble. "It's a bust."
I waited.
"Kolarov is off the table," he said. "City have decided to sell him to Roma. The deal is done. He flies to Italy for his medical tomorrow."
I nodded. I had seen the rumour on Twitter that morning. It was not a surprise. Guardiola was rebuilding, and Kolarov was a valuable asset. Roma was a good move for him.
"Baines?" I asked.
"Everton won't budge," Freedman said. "Koeman wants him in his squad. He sees him as a leader, a key part of the dressing room. They were polite, but the door is closed. Non-negotiable."
"And Grimaldo?"
Freedman sighed. "Benfica hung up the phone. Not literally, but close enough. He's not for sale. Not at any price we can afford, anyway. They see him as the future of their defence."
