Elite clubs targeting Ogbonna; Aguero would have chosen Real over City

Torino F.C. sporting director Gianluca Petrachi has revealed that Italy international defender Angelo Ogbonna is attracting interest from a bevy of Europe’s top football clubs, including English Premier League giants Manchester United, Sky Sports understands.

The 24-year-old centre-back earned his first international cap for Italy in 2011-12 before being named to the Azzurri’s Euro 2012 squad by manager Cesare Pradelli.

Ogbonna is under contract at the Stadio Olimpico until 2016, and could cost as much as £16 million, according to Petrachi.

“I can guarantee that there are observers of many foreign clubs who follow our games, including United’s scouts,” revealed the Granata sporting director.

“Most of the time they come just to see Ogbonna because he is a player who has great potential.

“Last year we refused £10million for him, but it is clear that he is worth more than £16million.

“When an offer arrives, the final word will be up to the player. Angelo certainly has the desire to do better, but I believe he should continue to grow with Torino because his primary goal is to improve himself with our team.”

Ogbonna has started each of the first three league matches of the 2012-13 campaign for the Serie A newcomers, helping his club keep two clean sheets against the likes of Siena and Pescara.

The versatile defender started Italy’s World Cup qualifier against Bulgaria on 7 September, but was eventually substituted in the 67th minute after he received a yellow card.

Ogbonna, a former Italy Under-21 international, has made four appearances for the Azzurri in 2012-13, resulting in three losses and one draw. Coincidence? Surely.

Aguero would have chosen Real over City

Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero has revealed that he would have joined Spanish giants Real Madrid if they had made an official approach for him in 2011, ESPN Soccernet reports.

The Argentina international decided to reveal his ambitions to reporters in Spain following City’s 3-2 loss to Real at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu on Tuesday.

The Premier League champions failed to hold two one-goal advantages against Real Madrid, who won the match at the death courtesy of a dipping striker from none other than Cristiano Ronaldo, a former Manchester United player.

“If Real Madrid had been interested in me, then I would be here,” Aguero told reporters. “I had no option but to join City.

“Now I want to take this opportunity to refute the information where I supposedly said that I would never play for Real Madrid because I played at Atletico. It was published in an English newspaper.”

Now then, can Aguero and City make it out of Group D — which includes Ajax Amsterdam, Borussia Dortmund, Manchester City and Real Madrid — following their disappointing outcome against the nine-time champions of Europe?