Simpson and Emmanuel-Thomas chased by City

City are targeting loan deals for Arsenal starlets Jay Simpson and Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, according to the Bristol Evening Post.

With Danny Haynes and Nicky Maynard out injured, City boss Steve Coppell urgently needs to bolster his attacking options ahead of the weekend kick-off and had been linked with a similar move for Manchester United’s Danny Welbeck.

But sources at the Emirates say that Emmanuel-Thomas is in Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger’s plans this season but Simpson is deemed surplus to requirements and has been listed for loan.

Simpson, 21, spent last season on loan at QPR whilst 19-year-old Emmanuel-Thomas is familiar to City fans after his scintillating performance whilst on loan at Doncaster earlier this year.

Meanwhile, former City target Ryan Bertrand is expected to join Nottingham Forest after City’s interest cooled in the Chelsea left-back.