Atlanta Soccer News: Art, Music and Culture: Owen Hargreaves taken by Manchester City

Owen Hargreaves has Manchester City medical | Mail Online


Owen Hargreaves is on the brink of a sensational move to Manchester City.

After being discarded by arch rivals Manchester United this summer, the injury-ravaged midfielder is set to sign a one-year deal at the Etihad Stadium. He is expected to be unveiled later on Tuesday.

Hargreaves was pictured leaving the Bridgewater Hospital in Manchester at Tuesday lunchtime after three hours of tests.
City slicker: Owen Hargreaves leaves the Bridgewater Hospital after undergoing a three-hour medical ahead of his shock move to Manchester City

City slicker: Owen Hargreaves leaves the Bridgewater Hospital after undergoing a three-hour medical ahead of his shock move to Manchester City

He is now expected to join big-spending City in the most astonishing of the transfer window.

Hargreaves exclusively told Sportsmail on Saturday how he was confident of playing 40 games this season and making a late bid for England's squad for Euro 2012.

Tottenham and Aston Villa had joined West Bromwich Albion in the chase for the former England midfielder.

But it now appears that Roberto Mancini is set to complete his most fascinating transfer of the summer at the Barclays Premier League title chasers.
Crossing the divide: Free agent Hargreaves will look to rebuild his career at the Etihad Stadium after an injury ravaged spell at Old Trafford

Crossing the divide: Free agent Hargreaves will look to rebuild his career at the Etihad Stadium after an injury ravaged spell at Old Trafford

After sealing his £24million move for Samir Nasri last week, Mancini was told he could only bring players in on loan or on free transfers.

And after failing to lure Holland veteran Mark van Bommel away from AC Milan, he has now turned to Hargreaves.

The Canadian-born man, who joined United for £17m from Bayern Munich in 2007, is expected to fill a bit-part role like the one Patrick Vieira filled last season.

However, if his predictions given in an interview to Sportmail's Matt Lawton prove correct, he could emerge as the signing of the summer.
Walking away: Manchester United released England international Hargreaves earlier this summer

Walking away: Manchester United released England international Hargreaves earlier this summer

Hargreaves exclusively told Sportsmail last week: 'I'm going to blow people away.

'I'm coming back believing I can return to the level I was at before. My body feels great and my knees are perfect.

'I've just got this huge chip on my shoulder because I've been out for three years and people think I'm dead and buried.
Fitness first: Hargreaves posted videos on YouTube earlier this summer to show he is back in top condition

Fitness first: Hargreaves posted videos on YouTube earlier this summer to show he is back in top condition

I'd like to think I can play 40 games this season and with the right care I believe I can train every day.

'I hope to be back in the England side for the European Championship next summer. You have to have ambition.'

At England training on Tuesday, his former team-mate Wayne Rooney said: 'He's been out for a couple of years now and worked hard to try and get back. Hopefully he does get back playing. He's a great player.'