Manchester City midfielder set for January switch

There is a growing belief that Manchester City will recall midfielder Tommy Doyle from his loan spell at Hamburg with at least three Championship clubs still vying for a loan signature of another one of their young talents.

With a move for James McAtee seemingly unlikely and the player likely to stay at the Ethiad beyond the January window attention may now be turned to Tommy Doyle as Russell Martin looks to extend his squad.

The Swans have already made contact with City to enquire about the potential availability of Doyle who has struggled for regular game time in German and – much as Liverpool are with Rhys Williams – City are frustrated by this and would prefer to see him getting regular game time.

Doyle is the grandson of two City legends in Mike Doyle and Glyn Pardoe who both wore the light blue shirt of the Citizens with pride in their own careers although Doyle does not feel any pressure being part of such a famous line.

“I don’t see it as a pressure because I am so proud of what they have done for this club,” he said when asked about his grandfather’s heritage.

“It is not an easy thing to do to go out and play games, especially the amount of games both my grandads played.  For me, having the Doyle and Pardoe in me, it is something that will never put pressure on me.

“It is something I am just so proud of and something I believe will almost be correct for me to bring on their legacy. It is the right thing to do.

“It is something they worked so hard for. It is something I have worked so hard for. Both of them, more so my grandad Glyn, have been a part of getting me where I am today.”

Doyle played against the Swans in the FA Cup last season where he was described after the game by Pep Guardiola as “A player with a special quality. He takes it, shoots. Another Man City fan. A historic family, the historic Doyle family.”

City full back Kyle Walker is another fan of the midfielder and he said after the win in South Wales “Tommy, what a great player.

“And a good lad as well. An exciting talent, he wants to learn and it’s a pleasure working with him. I’ve seen plenty of kids come through the ranks at numerous clubs with a chip on their shoulder but he’s very good and very down to earth.”

Blackpool and Barnsley are also supposed to have been in touch with City over a potential move for Doyle should they decide to exercise the recall clause in the loan contract and there is also interest from clubs in France and Spain although there is a growing feeling inside the Ethiad that a Championship move maybe a better option given how things have worked out in Germany.

The Swans could also face competition from both West Brom and Middlesbrough who were interested in Doyle back in the summer.  Doyle also has experience on the international stage, having represented England at Under-19, Under-20, and Under-21 level.