City close to Kompany deal
21 Aug 2008 - 17:18:02
Manchester City are closing in on the signing of Vincent Kompany after Hamburg revealed they had accepted an offer for the defender.
Kompany, 22, was touted as one of the brightest defensive talents in Europe when he joined the Bundesliga side from Anderlecht in 2006.
The Belgium international missed the majority of his first season with Hamburg due to an Achilles injury, but returned last term and was a commanding figure at the heart of the defence.
However, his relationship with the Hamburg hierarchy was soured in recent months over his insistence on taking part in the Olympic Games.
Kompany returned from Beijing in time for their first Bundesliga game of the season last weekend, but is now set to join the Citizens for a fee believed to be around the £8million mark.
"We wish Vincent all the best for his future," said Hamburg's director of football Dietmar Beiersdorfer.
Kompany would become new City boss Mark Hughes' third signing since taking over at Eastlands following his previous captures of Brazil striker Jo and Israel defender Tal Ben Haim.