Saturday 29 August 2015 21:17, UK
Kevin De Bruyne would face a challenge breaking into the Manchester City first team, according to Sky Sports pundit Phil Thompson.
The 24-year-old Belgian international is in Manchester for a medical and is expected to complete a club record transfer from Wolfsburg for a fee thought to be in excess of £50m.
But despite the hefty price tag, Thompson believes City's 100% record means the play maker might start his career at the Etihad on the bench with opportunities restricted to replacing Jesus Navas.
"We have complained about Navas before and that is where he [De Bruyne] is going to play,"Thompson told Soccer Saturday.
"But you have to give this side credit for the way it has played with Navas, with Sergio Aguero and with Raheem Sterling on the other side. They have done so well and that's why I am saying it."
Manager Manuel Pellegrini was tight-lipped when asked about the midfielder after the 2-0 win against Watford.
De Bruyne watched from the stands as the Bundesliga leaders beat Schalke 3-0 on Friday and Thompson believes he will struggle to displace Spaniard David Silva to play in his favoured 'number 10' position.
"Obviously when you pay all that money he is going to play where Navas is," the former Liverpool captain added.
"De Bruyne or David Silva? There is only one who is going to win there. Silva has been the best player in the Premier League. I would think he would probably play on the right."
