Manchester City are ready to step up their bid for Arsenal defender Kolo Toure.

The Mirror says City boss Mark Hughes moved in for Toure in January but was knocked back by Arsenal, who did not want to lose him mid-season.

Toure, who struggled to get into the Arsenal team at times last season, is aware that City are willing to offer him a lucrative four-year deal at Eastlands to become the latest addition to their stellar cast.