Another transfer saga looks set to end with the next few days, with a deal reportedly close between Manchester City and Wolfsburg.

German publication, Bild, claimed on Friday morning a fee for €70million (£50.4 million) had been agreed with personal terms for Kevin de Bruyne reportedly close to conclusion.

Way back when on 31^st January 2015, Mourinho had masterminded a 1-1 draw at home to defending champions Manchester City, seeing the London club maintain their five point lead at the top of the Premier League. Achieving this with a pragmatic style, taking the lead and managing to hold out for a draw.

Chelsea fans were undoubtedly pleased with the result, which went a long way towards their eventual title win. However, if they had set their eyes on Germany the previous day, they would have seen a demolition of giants Bayern Munich at the hands of Wolfsburg. The 4-1 loss for the Bavarians was orchestrated by Belgian winger Kevin de Bruyne, who scored twice and assisted a third.

Rewind another year to when Chelsea had sold de Bruyne for an initial £17.5million fee, it was seen as good business for Chelsea. Having bought him from Genk for £5.6million in January 2012, it seemed like natural progression, with him growing up in Belgium to a London born Mother. Making his debut at 17, he played over a century of games from 2009. On arrival at Chelsea he was immediately loaned out to Werder Bremen, scoring 10 and assisting nine in 33 appearances and looking very much a gifted young man. On his return to London, he made only nine competitive appearances, which lead to his departure to Wolfsburg.

Jose Mourinho has stated he has no regrets and had previously questioned de Bruyne’s mentality despite the Belgian winning 2014/15 Bundesliga player of the season in a league dominated by rivals Bayern Munich. Also impressing at the World Cup 2014, he has won 33 caps for Belgium, scoring eight. This preceded his best season last time out; finishing with 21 goals , with the best player award much deserved whilst reinforcing Manchester City’s interest.

Manchester City are in desperate need of a good season under Manuel Pellegrini after losing their title last term, and would benefit from the ability and vision of the 24-year-old. Preferring to play as an old fashioned inside left, he can play anywhere across the supporting attacking three, having played wide right for much of his Belgium career.

Certainly a player who could get the best out of Chelsea number 10, Eden Hazard, his compatriot said simply of De Bruyne: “He is a great player with tremendous qualities."

Backed up by his creative and finishing stats, De Bruyne boasts an impressive range of passing, which would surely ease the pressure on David Silva and Yaya Toure in the City midfield.

One man looking forward to this inevitable transfer is club captain Vincent Kompany, enthusing that De Bruyne is a “phenomenal, complete” player claiming “any team he goes to he will make them stronger.”

This transfer story has rumbled on since it became clear Manchester City were going to flex their financial muscle in the wake of FFP rules relaxation. Looking to reclaim the Premier League title this season they have spent almost £100million already. Earlier this week, it seemed the young Belgian wouldn’t come, with him stating: “I, Kevin De Bruyne, will definitely play at Wolfsburg this season.”

Later though, the player's agent Patrick De Koster was ‘furious’ and claimed his client was tricked into this by mischievous journalists.

Whilst Wolfsburg have been an immensely entertaining side in the past 18 months, it will be a pleasure to see what he can do in the Premier League, particularly after having a torrid experience at Chelsea.

Likely to be in a trio with David Silva and Raheem Sterling, playing behind Argentine hitman Sergio Aguero, it makes for a mouth-watering frontline. It  will be a match made in heaven as City build on their impressive start to mount a serious challenge for Chelsea’s crown.

Finishing above the Jose Mourinho's side will be Manchester City’s main obstacle but having smashed them 3-0 in their last outing, they would love to acquire one of Mourinho’s former charges to cement their formidable attacking prowess.

Surely already realising his mistake with the handling of De Bruyne, Mourinho will be bitter if he performs as he can for City.

Getting double figures in goals and assists again this term would go a long way to knocking Chelsea further off of their perch. Let’s hope this deal can get over the line, eh Citizens?

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