News of the World reports that Toure has turned down a move to Manchester City and is instead keen on a move to Manchester United or Chelsea.

Barca president Joan Laporta admitted: "Personally it makes me feel very bad that Toure is leaving.

"It is difficult to find another player as versatile as him who has so much quality anywhere in Europe."

Laporta added: "We listened to them (Manchester City) because Toure's agent requested it."

Toure's agent Dmitri Seluk said: "Toure is still some way from City. He wants to play for a big club and, at the moment, that means Manchester United or Chelsea."