The case of Yaya Toure this season has been a very curious one. Rumours that the powerful midfielder is no longer happy at Manchester City have continued to circulate with a summer exit likely and Italy’s Inter Milan the favourites as a possible destination.

Toure has had five very successful years at the club finishing in the top four all five times and he has won the Premier League twice. Credibility is given to the transfer rumour as if the former Barcelona man does move to Inter Milan then he’d be reuniting with the manager who originally brought him to Eastlands, Roberto Mancini. But why does the 32-year-old even want to leave?

Toure is still regarded by some as a hugely talented player and there are numerous clubs, not just Inter, who are reported to want his signature. At times his form has been below par this season but as his two goals last weekend against Swansea suggest he still has a lot to offer and City will surely miss him if he does indeed go.

The club have been fiercely criticised this season for their complete inability to put up a fight to retain their title with the repercussions possibly being the sacking of current manager Manuel Pellegrini and another spending spree this summer. The condemnation is actually quite harsh as league winners Chelsea ran away with the domestic title early on and City have finished in the next best table position.

Toure, just like the club's top goalscorer Sergio Aguero, has been one of the main components of City’s title winning machine these last few years. Both have been instrumental in bringing trophies back to the club and I think that to lose either one would forever change how the team operates. The squad is aging so fresh blood is definitely welcomed this summer but while the new signings settle in it would be advantageous to have an experienced player like Toure to provide some stability.

This season Toure has made 28 league appearances for the club scoring 10 goals and making one assist. That means the Ivory Coast international has almost scored more than forwards Wilfried Bony, Edin Dzeko and Steven Jovetic who have a combined total of 11. Only David Silva has been more productive in City’s midfield finding the net 12 times and acting as provider on seven occasions. Though Toure has made almost 20 more shots and completed 274 more passes than the Spaniard despite playing less minutes. Even during what has been named an inconsistent season Toure still surpasses most of his team mates in all areas.

City’s home fixture against Southampton on Sunday may just be the last time Yaya Toure plays for the club. And while some Blues supporters may feel he is not the player he once was and that the club can thrive without him but I wouldn’t be surprised if they struggle next season without his strength, vision and ability to score important goals. Wherever he goes next you’d expect him to impress for at least a few more years and in that time City may regret not giving him more of a reason to stay.