Reports in Japan suggest Manchester City are planning a shock move for Hidetoshi Nakata.
Former Bolton star could make Prem return
Reports in Japan suggest Manchester City are planning a shock move for Hidetoshi Nakata.
It is suggested City would seriously consider Nakata if the former Japanese superstar decides to come out of retirement.
According to
Sankei Sports, an unnamed Manchester City executive said the club would jump at the opportunity to sign the former Asian Player of the Year.
"We would welcome the signing if Nakata wished to return to competition. We'd be prepared to make him an offer," the Japanese daily quoted the executive as saying.
The 31 year-old has kept himself in excellent physical condition despite leaving the sport shortly after the 2006 World Cup.
Over the last two years he has been involved in numerous charity and social work events around the world.
Comeback
Nakata's agent Kentaro Tsubouchi admits Nakata is still undecided about a comeback, but believes the former Bolton midfielder would have no problems re-adjusting to top-level football.
"We are not sure how Nakata himself feels about a comeback," he said.
"But we know there are many people in the football business who say he can still do well out there."
Nakata is currently preparing to play for a team of former Japanese all-stars in a friendly match against a world selection, led by Internazionale manager Jose Mourinho, in Yokohama next Sunday.
Sankei Sports reported that he had trained for four weeks in Bangkok prior to the game in an arrangement made via an associate of Manchester City owner Thaksin Shinawatra.
