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Transfer news: Jack Rodwell warns youngsters against Manchester City moves

Image: Jack Rodwell: Found regular football hard to come by at Manchester City

Jack Rodwell has warned youngsters contemplating a switch to Manchester City that such a move is not always the best option.

The 23-year-old midfielder can speak from experience having recently contemplated a £10million move from the reigning Premier League champions to Sunderland.

Rodwell spent two years at the Etihad Stadium, but saw first team opportunities limited by injuries and fierce competition for places.

Just because you’re English and young it doesn’t mean you’re not going to play for Manchester City.
Jack Rodwell

He admits he would now think twice about making a similar jump in the future and believes up-and-coming talents attracting interest from top flight heavyweights should put regular game time above personal gain when weighing up their options.

Asked what advice he would give those being courted by City: “I would ­probably say don’t sign now, I’d say get as much football as you can.

"The first thing I’d ask is, ‘how good are you?’ You just never know – you could go there, do really well and be winning league titles and everything.

“But just because you’re English and young it doesn’t mean you’re not going to play for Manchester City.

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“I would just say weigh up your options and ask yourself if you want to be playing regularly.”

Rodwell has also revealed that he had been looking to leave City in January, only to see a loan switch blocked by coach Manuel Pellegrini.

He added: “It was a difficult time. The previous manager (Roberto Mancini) told me just before he left I was a big part of his plans but then the new man came in with his own ways and brought in his own players.

"I tried to go out on loan but that wasn't allowed.It got blocked on the last day of January, in fact.

"But throughout the season, I was always thinking if a good opportunity came along, then I would have to take it."