Manchester City have sent further signals of their intent by signing Lazio left-back Aleksandar Kolarov for £17m.

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The Serbia international has been a revelation since he moved to Serie A three years ago, the same summer in which he starred for his country’s U21 team that reached the final of the European Championships.

His arrival will cast doubt over the future of Wayne Bridge who now has twice has been brought in by a club with a wealthy benefactor only to find himself ousted from the first team by a new recruit having experienced the same fate at Chelsea when the Londoners signed Ashley Cole.

Kolarov gives City more options in defence, an area where they are well stocked with Jerome Boateng also arriving this summer along with Yaya Toure who can play as a centre-back if required.

Competition for places in the back four will be fierce especially when one factors in last summer’s signings of Joleon Lescott and Kolo Toure.

Manager Roberto Mancini will have difficult job keeping such an array of talent happy as there are bound to be few disappointed figures around Eastlands.