Ireland, Onuoha & Johnson thrown in to bid for Arteta
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CITY MAKE OUTRAGEOUS BID FOR ARTETA
Trio thrown in as part of offer
ARTETA: Manchester City targetMANCHESTER CITY have thrown Stephen Ireland, Nedum Onuoha and Michael Johnson into the package as part of a plan to sign Mikel Arteta.
All three have been offered in a swap deal to tempt Everton manager David Moyes to sell his star asset.
Despite City's swollen squad, they are trying to sign Arteta for a touch of magic in the centre of midfield.
The Spaniard, 28, is one of the most accomplished players in the Premier League but Moyes does not want to sell.
Ireland and Onuoha are expected to hold talks about their future with Italian coach Roberto Mancini this week.
But although Moyes does not want to lose Arteta, he is interested in a deal for Onuoha. The Toffees chief wants to strengthen his defence and believes the 23-year-old's versatility would be a big plus.
He plans to use Onuoha in a right-back role despite the former England Under-21 star normally turning out as a centre-half.
Onuoha has grown unhappy at his lack of chances at Eastlands and is keen for a move to kickstart his career.
He only made five Premier League starts last season under Mancini and has aired his frustrations in public.
Everton are willing to pay him £25,000 a week to switch down the M62 but it is the chance of a regular starting spot that will most appeal to the youngster.