Newcastle United's on-loan Aston Villa midfielder Stephen Ireland says Manchester City have "lost their soul".

Ireland, 24, is desperate to get settled at St James' Park but is bitter at the way Roberto Mancini kicked him out of Eastlands.

He told So Foot: "I could easily have stayed with City for life.

"I wanted to become a hero there. Even Sheikh Mansour said I was his favourite player.

"Mancini never liked me. He wanted his own players, not Mark Hughes'.

"But he's got rid of everyone - even the cook left.

"The family club I spent nine years with does not exist any more. The club has lost its soul. The investors are playing a dangerous game, what with spending crazy amounts on average players.

"When you see Yaya Toure's wages. The next guy who comes along will never want to sign for £70k a week if the others are all on £200k."