Vincent Kompany is in line to inherit the Manchester City captaincy

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Manchester City defender Vincent Kompany has told Carlos Tevez that the club will definitely be stronger next season – even if the Argentina striker leaves this summer.

Tevez is desperate to quit Roberto Mancini’s side due to family reasons, but he could be forced to stay at City following the collapse of his £40 million move to Brazilian side Corinthians.

No matter what the outcome of the saga, Belgium international Kompany believes City have what it takes to mount a title charge, with celebrated names such as Atletico Madrid’s Sergio Aguero heavily linked to the club.

“Until there is an actual signature and it is confirmed he is not a Manchester City player any more, I do not have to comment about Carlos,” Kompany said. “What I do know is that the group will be stronger next season, with or without him.

“Whether he stays or goes, it won’t change what we want to achieve. The goals remain the same. We’ve had great players here who have moved on. With them it’s great but without them we find a solution.”

Kompany is expected to inherit the captain’s armband irrespective of whether Tevez is around next season or not, but insists Mancini has not already given him the nod. “It would be a big honour for me,” he said.

“But until I hear differently, Carlos remains the captain. Whenever I’ve been captain, it’s always been a big honour. Yet it doesn’t change my role in the team. You don’t have to wear the armband to be a captain.”