Yaya Toure ‘passes medical’ in London as he nears free transfer, claims agent Dimitry Seluk

Seluk ruled out the possibility of Toure joining West Ham or Crystal Palace

Jack de Menezes
Wednesday 29 August 2018 12:25 BST
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Yaya Toure is on the verge of sealing a free transfer after passing a medical in London, according to his agent.

Toure is currently without a club since leaving Manchester City at the end of last season, ending his eight years with the reigning Premier League champions. The 35-year-old has made it clear that he does not want to retire just yet, and has been exploring opportunities to remain in the English top flight given he remains available on a free transfer.

His agent, Dimitry Seluk, caused a stir on Tuesday evening when he announced on Twitter that the Ivory Coast international has already undergone a successful medical based in London with a club, but refused to name which club that is.

“@YayaToure has passed a medical in London,” Seluk wrote. “Yaya is close to signing a new contract.”

Despite refusing to name which club is supposedly about to sign Toure, Seluk did rule both West Ham United and Crystal Palace out of the running, despite the former being strongly linked with a move given Toure’s relationship with new manager Manuel Pellegrini from their time together at City.

“It’s not West Ham, 100%,” Seluk added. “Yaya is a champion. The last place is not for him.”

That leaves the three-time Premier League winner with three possible destinations in Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, while two unlikely options would be Watford and Fulham.

But Seluk is determined to find Toure a new home to keep his 17-year professional career going, and even admitted earlier in the summer that the midfielder is willing to pay back half of his wages if his performances are not up to the expected standard.

"Yaya is fit and desperate to prove he's still the best central midfielder in the Premier League," Seluk told Sky Sports in May.

"Ivory Coast will not be in Russia for the World Cup and next season he will be fit, rested and stronger than ever.

Yaya Toure is close to joining a new club, according to his agent
Yaya Toure is close to joining a new club, according to his agent (Getty)

"He's happy to accept a one-year deal to stay in England. And if his club are not satisfied with his performances, he will pay back half his wages, or the club can cancel his contract immediately, with no compensation."

However, the wording of Seluk's tweet should be taken into account, given that he only claimed that Toure's medical took place in London, and not specifically that the club it was with is based in the capital city.

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