Argentine club Independiente 'to snatch Aguero back from City this summer'

Argentine club Independiente are ramping up their efforts to snatch Sergio Aguero back from Manchester City this summer.

According to reports in South America, the seven-times Copa Libertadores winners have now launched 'Operation Aguero' in a bid to persuade the 31-year-old striker to return to the side that kick-started his career.

Independiente coach Lucas Pusineri, a former team-mate of Aguero's, has been at the centre of a charm offensive to tempt the former Atletico Madrid star back to Buenos Aires.

And he has spoken out again about the move happening.

Aguero's contract with City does not expire until 2021, but Pusineri insists that the player will walk away if he is offered the right project.

The Independiente boss even promised to save Aguero his favourite shirt.

Pusineri said: “We are saving him [Aguero] the No 10 shirt.

“I have a beautiful friendship with Kun and hopefully I can be his coach tomorrow.

“Hopefully I can meet him again at the club.

“He must be encouraged by a good project that will surround him well.

“I am excited to see him at Independiente again.

“I was once his team-mate and now I want to be his coach.

“The steps are being taken and hopefully he can return with good effect and give joy to the fans of the reds.”

Meanwhile Man City are preparing for another of their aging legends to move on, as David Silva heads towards the exit door.

The Spaniard has cemented his place as a legend in City's history, and youngster Phil Foden has been tipped to fill Silva's boots.

Teammate Bernardo Silva said: "I think Phil is a fantastic player and has a great future ahead of him.

“If he stays a long time definitely [his future is bright] and I think it’s a good opportunity for him when David goes for Phil to start to play more and to have a firm position in the team."