City ship out Maicon to Roma

Manchester City said Thursday they have sold Brazilian full-back Maicon to Roma on a permanent deal.

City signed the 31-year-old Maion a year ago from Inter Milan. But he struggled to win a starting place and made only 11 appearances, just four in the league as he found competition from Pablo Zabaleta and Micah Richards too strong.

City confirmed the transfer on their website and stated: "Everyone at Manchester City wishes Maicon good luck at his new club."

New City boss Manuel Pellegrini said at the weekend that Maicon was not part of his plans and the Brazilian did not take part in the pre-season tour of South Africa.

Pellegrini said: "Maicon didn't come here to the pre-season and he will not be in the squad at Manchester City this year."

City are furthermore on the brink of signing Sevilla striker Alvaro Negredo, who is to move to the Etihad Stadium once he has completed a medical.

Sevilla held a farewell press conference late Wednesday for a player who scored 25 Primera Division goals last season and who will cost City a reported 23 million euros.

Negredo said on Sevilla's website he had enjoyed "four fantastic years" with the club but now wanted to move on.

He also revealed he was relishing the chance to link up again with Jesus Navas, who has already moved to City.

Negredo said: "I am happy to be spending another year with him."