Albiol sighted by City, report says

Manchester City are eyeing a move for out of favour Real Madrid defender Raul Albiol, according to a report.

The Spaniard Albiol has fallen out of favour at the Bernabeu since the arrival of Portuguese boss Jose Mourinho in 2010, and in particular the signing of Mourinho’s compatriot Ricardo Carvalho, according to the Sun.

The 26-year-old has managed just five La Liga appearances so far this season, being consigned mainly to domestic cup competitions.

Whether the Spaniard does move to England could rely heavily on Mourinho’s future, which is reportedly in doubt after less than two seasons in charge.

City are said to be searching for defensive cover for Joleon Lescott and Vincent Kompany after several error-strewn performances from deputy Stefan Savic.

The departure of Kolo Toure to the African Cup of Nations has seen City struggle even further for central defensive cover, with full-back Micah Richards occasionally having to fill the gap in the middle.