CASE FOR THE DEFENCE Manchester City transfer news: Bacary Sagna, Gael Clichy and Pablo Zabaleta could leave Etihad after contract talks are shelved

The defenders are all in the last year of their deals and must prove themselves if they are to earn a new contract.

MANCHESTER City could release full-backs Pablo Zabaleta, Bacary Sagna and Gael Clichy next summer after contract talks were shelved with the three of them.

The trio are in the final year of their current deals and Pep Guardiola has told them they must prove themselves in his new style of play to get new contracts.

Pablo Zabaleta is one of the Manchester City players who could leave after this season

Bacary Sagna’s contract talks have also been shelved by the club

The defenders are all over the age of 30 and City believe they have youngsters who can replace them next season.

An Etihad source said: “There are no talks in pipeline to discuss possible contract extensions for Pablo Zabaleta, Bacary Sagna and Gael Clichy.

“All three are out of contract next summer but all given a reprieve by Pep Guardiola to prove themselves this season.