Galatasaray offer Wilfried Bony an escape route

Galatasaray have offered Wilfried Bony an escape route from Manchester City after the striker was deemed surplus to requirements at the Etihad Stadium.

The Ivory Coast international has failed to make an impact at the Etihad, scoring just 10 goals in 18 months at the club.

The 27-year-old was in superb form at Swansea before his move to Manchester in January 2015 for £28m, netting 35 goals in 70 appearances for the Swans in all competitions.

Bony scored just eight goals in 34 appearances for City last season, starting 18 times.

Swansea also have an interest in bringing the striker back to South Wales but he may favour a £3million loan spell with the Turkish giants.

If the Galatasaray transfer does go ahead, the Turkish club will be in pole position to land Bony on a permanent basis, if they are willing splash out £17m next summer.

The club have been banned from European competition by UEFA this season for breaking Financial Fair Play rules after missing their target of breaking even.

Bony is back training with Man City ahead of a new era under Pep Guardiola.

City source said: “The club think they can get a better deal somewhere else for straight cash but Bony will have a big say.”