Decision of Manchester City outcast to impact relegation market

Nedum Onuoha must already be preparing himself for a relegation fight for the end of this season, but the big decision will be whether he opts to sign for Wolves, West Brom or Bolton.

Roberto Mancini has indicated that the 25-year-old is one of a handful of players surplus to requirements at Manchester City and that he is aiming to sell in January.

Mancini has stated that loan deals are not an option for this list of players and has put a £4m price tag on the shoulders of Onuoha.

This is reportedly more than the Midlands duo are keen to spend, with Wolves and West Brom both having their own valuation closer to £3m.

But Mick McCarthy and Roy Hodgson will know the importance of tightening up defensively to boost their chances of Premier League survival and so may decide the extra £1m is worth parting with.

The pair are both on the periphery of the relegation places having kept only five clean sheets between them and Wolves in particular need to find a way to shut out the opposition on a more regular basis.

Only bottom two Blackburn and Bolton have conceded more than Wolves in the Premier League this season.

Despite their lowly position, it may be Bolton who are best positioned to sign Onuoha in January, especially if Gary Cahill departs the club as expected.

Cahill could leave for as much as £10m next month with Chelsea allegedly keen to make a bid and so Bolton will have the money and starting space for Onuoha to fit straight in.

Onuoha has collected vast Premier League experience from his time at both Manchester City and a loan spell at Sunderland and he is sure to make a positive impact on whichever club he opts to join.

Bolton are currently 4/5 in the Premier League odds to be relegated, with Wolves 9/5 and West Brom 10/1, although these prices may lengthen if Onuoha is signed.