Hargreaves to swap United for City in shock deal

Rivals Manchester City are close to concluding a deal that will see ex-Red Devils midfielder Owen Hargreaves make a shock move to Eastlands, subject of the results of a medical. The player is expected to sign a short-term, appearance-related contract with the F.A Cup holders in a deal which will stun many football pundits.

Hargreaves was released by United in May after a string of injury problems hampered his United career.

The former Bayern Munich man had been expected by many to retire - but instead launched a bold move to resurrect his professional career.

30-year-old Hargreaves came close to joining Leicester City, with West Bromwich Albion and Harry Redknapp's Spurs also linked with the player's services.

However, Man City have emerged as shock favourites to sign the player. He has undergone a medical at Eastlands and is expected to sign on a short-term deal, with pay dependent on the number of appearances made.

Roberto Mancini's men look set to challenge at the very top of the Premier League this season and present a real threat to United. The addition of Hargreaves to their squad would be a sensational deadline-day deal as the closure of the transfer window looms.