Vincent Kompany: Kevin De Bruyne would enhance us

Vincent Kompany insists Kevin De Bruyne would be a phenomenal signing for Manchester City.

The City captain believes his Belgium team-mate would give the side an extra edge if they finally strike a deal with Wolfsburg.

De Bruyne has been linked with a move to the Etihad this summer as City look to tempt him back to the Premier League.

Kompany has played alongside former Chelsea midfielder De Bruyne for their country and knows first hand what an influence he would be as City look to improve their squad.

“Let me put it this way, he’s definitely not going to make the team weaker. He’s a phenomenal player,” he said.

“Our squad can become stronger by getting everyone in the right direction.

“We had so many players — and I was one of them, especially at the end of last season — who didn’t perform and if they do then it’s like having six or seven new players. Then we do have a stronger squad.”

City host Chelsea on Sunday in an early clash between the title rivals after Monday’s 3-0 win at West Brom, where Kompany scored their third goal.

Victory would be an early marker in the title race but Kompany is content to let others take the spotlight after finishing runners-up to Chelsea last season.

“We are happy to let all the other ones be the favourites, for us it’s a different position to be in and maybe a good challenge for the team to take on.”

Meanwhile, Kompany’s new City team-mate Raheem Sterling expects the title race to be a closely fought affair.

“It’s going to be a really tough season,” the 20-year-old said. “Everyone has strengthened their squads and the Premier League is always hard to second guess.”

Sterling is relishing the prospect of making his debut at home to City.

“Chelsea are very strong in every department from their defence and midfield to their attack, but it should be a good game and I’m really looking forward to playing in this match..

“I’m hoping this one will go our way and it’s vital that it does. We’re on our own ground and with it being our first home game of the season, we want to get off on the right foot.”

Sterling was coy about his targets for the season as he wants to stay away from any added pressure.

“I’ve set myself targets for goals and assists and I know where I want to be but I don’t really want to reveal what they are because I’ll put myself under massive pressure,” he said.

“But I’ve got personal goals that I want to reach this season for City and hopefully I can meet them.”

The pressure on Sterling increased yesterday after City striker Edin Dzeko joined Roma on a season-long loan with a view to a permanent transfer.

The Bosnia international scored 72 goals in 189 appearances for City since joining from Wolfsburg in January 2011, but saw his influence wane in an interrupted 2014/15 campaign in which he scored only six times.

According to statements released by both clubs, Dzeko’s move to the Eternal City will become permanent if the 29-year-old meets certain targets in the coming season.

Dzeko said: “I came here to win titles with Roma. I hope we will win many trophies but first we have to work hard on the field and in the end, we can get where we want. I can only promise you one thing: I will give my best to this team in every game.”