Wednesday's B*l**x (updated)

[Chinners]

THE BOLLOX


Micah Richards in contract talks with Manchester City for a new four-year deal
Micah Richards will open talks with Manchester City this week over a new four-year contract at the Etihad Stadium.
With City recently securing the services of Sergio Aguero, Gael Clichy and Yaya Toure to extended contracts, Richards has been designated as the next player to be rewarded with a new deal, with Argentine full-back Pablo Zabaleta also expected to re-negotiate his current teams this summer.
Richards is currently halfway through the contract he signed under former manager Roberto Mancini in the summer of 2011, but having overcome a lengthy battle against injury last season, City director of football Txiki Begiristain has sanctioned a new long-term deal for the defender which will tie him to the club until the end of the 2016-17 campaign.
With Richards currently away on holiday, it is understood that the player’s advisors will begin negotiations with Begiristain this week after chairman Khaldoon al Mubarak informed the 24-year-old prior to last month’s FA Cup Final defeat against Wigan Athletic that he would be offered a new deal.
An ankle injury suffered while representing Team GB at London 2012, followed by knee ligament damage during a Premier League clash against Swansea last October, restricted the England full-back to just eight first-team appearances for City last season.
But despite the injuries that curtailed Richards’ involvement last term, City are determined to secure the services of a player who is highly-regarded within the club following his progression from the youth ranks to the first-team.
Meanwhile, the Napoli forward Edinson Cavani has dealt a blow to City’s hopes of tempting him to the Etihad by admitting his desire to play for Real Madrid.
"Madrid are a great club and every player dreams of playing there,” Cavani said. "I am a Napoli player for now, though, and I'm focused on the Confederations Cup (with Uruguay).
"It is not only up to me what the clubs decide. There are other factors that must be taken into account.
"There is a lot of talk about Madrid's interest, so we will see what happens. Nobody has said anything officially."

SNUB COUNT 73
EDINSON CAVANI TO SNUB MANCHESTER CITY
EDINSON CAVANI is set to snub Manchester City in favour of joining Real Madrid.
The Blues hope to lure Cavani to the Etihad in a blockbusting £55m deal.
New boss Manuel Pellegrini wants the Napoli striker (left) to spearhead his side’s assault on the Premier League and Champions League next season.
Owner Sheikh Mansour is willing to hand Cavani a bumper deal worth £275,000 a week that would make him one of the highest paid stars in Europe.
However, Uruguayan hitman Cavani has revealed his dream is to join Real in a move that would see him link up with Cristiano Ronaldo.
Cavani’s parents spoke out last week and both revealed their son wanted to go to the Bernabeu.
Now Cavani has made it clear he wants to join the Spanish giants.
He said: “I am very calm about my future. Madrid are a great club and every player dreams of playing there.
“I am a Napoli player for now, though and I’m focused on the Confederations Cup.”
Missing out on Cavani would be a blow to the Blues and pile the pressure on them to sign Isco.
The Spanish international has held talks with Blues bosses about a £30m move to the deposed champions from Malaga.
Real are also keen on signing Isco, but the Blues are confident of winning the race to land the attacking midfielder.
However, former Bayern Munich boss Jupp Heynckes has urged the German club to hijack Isco’s move to the Etihad.
Heynckes said: “Who should Bayern sign? There are some very interesting players out there – like Malaga star Isco. He’s a class act in midfield.”

The MuEN meanwhile puts a different spin on things ...

City set to ditch Cavani chase to secure Isco
Manchester City are set to ditch their bid for Napoli striker Edinson Cavani to make sure they capture brilliant Spain Under-21 star Isco.
Manchester City are poised to pull out of the chase for Napoli striker Edinson Cavani and focus their fire on brilliant Spain Under-21 star Isco.
The Blues have baulked at the £53million asking price for Uruguay star Cavani, and are preparing to leave the field clear for the striker to join Real Madrid.
And they hope that will exhaust Madrid’s transfer budget for the summer, and leave them as firm favourites to grab £30m-rated Isco, who helped Spain become European Under-21 champions on Wednesday night.
New boss Manuel Pellegrini has told City chief executive Ferran Soriano and football director Txiki Begiristain that he believes Edin Dzeko could thrive in the system he intends to introduce at City.
And that means the pursuit of Cavani has cooled, although City will still monitor the availability of a man who has scored 104 goals in the last three seasons.
The Blues are banking on the belief that Madrid – who also want Gareth Bale – cannot afford all three players in a summer where economic austerity is sweeping Spain, and with UEFA’s financial fair play rules set to kick in this season.
It means City are rapidly giving up on the idea that they could bag both Cavani and Isco, and Pellegrini appears calm on the possibility that he could end up with the same three strikers as last season – Dzeko, Sergio Aguero and Carlos Tevez.
Tevez now appears to be the most likely to leave, as City would rather cash in now than lose him for nothing when his contract expires next summer with AC Milan and Juventus both keen on the Argentine.
One player poised to move on is Roque Santa Cruz, set to move to Hamburg on a two-year deal.

Premier League fixture Bollox
New manager David Moyes begins his reign as Manchester United manager with a trip to Swansea on the opening weekend of the season.
Jose Mourinho starts his second spell at Chelsea with a home game against newly promoted Hull on 17 August.
Manuel Pellegrini's first game in charge of Manchester City is against Newcastle at the Etihad Stadium.
Following their promotion from the Championship, Cardiff travel to West Ham and Crystal Palace host Tottenham.
Relegated QPR start life in the Championship with a home game against Sheffield Wednesday on 3 August.
In Scotland, Celtic begin their defence of their SPL title with a home game against Ross County.
New Everton boss Roberto Martinez takes his team to Norwich on the opening weekend, while Liverpool host Mark Hughes' Stoke at Anfield.
Arsenal start with a home game against Aston Villa, Sunderland host Fulham and Southampton travel to West Brom.
After the game at Swansea, Moyes's United host Chelsea at Old Trafford before the former Everton manager returns to Merseyside to face Liverpool the following weekend.
City host United in the first Manchester derby of the season on the weekend of 22 September and they travel to Old Trafford for the return game on the weekend of 21 March.
Cardiff's first Premier League derby against Swansea takes place at the Cardiff City Stadium on 2 November and the Welsh sides meet again at the Liberty Stadium on 8 February.
On Boxing Day, Chelsea host Swansea, Manchester United head to Hull and Manchester City face Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium. Arsenal entertain Cardiff on New Year's Day, Manchester United face Tottenham at Old Trafford, Pellegrini's City travel to Swansea and Chelsea head to Southampton.
The season ends on 11 May, with Manchester United travelling to Southampton, Chelsea at Cardiff and Arsenal at Norwich, while Manchester City host West Ham. More on the fixtures elsewhere, no doubt

[spoiler][/spoiler]
Manchester United are favourites to sign Barcelona's Spanish midfielder Thiago Alacantara, 22, who would cost £15m. Thiago scored a hat-trick as Spain Under-21s beat Italy 4-2 in the final of the European Championships on Tuesday. Sun

Barcelona are targeting a £30m deal for Chelsea midfielder Juan Mata following rumours that new Blues manager Jose Mourinho is unconvinced by the Spaniard, 25. Daily Mirror

Liverpool are in advanced negotiations to sign Porto's Ghanaian winger Christian Atsu, 21. Guardian

The Reds also expect to complete the £6m transfer of Sevilla attacking midfielder Luis Alberto, 20, by Thursday. Independent

The package that takes England striker Andy Carroll from Liverpool to West Ham could cost the London club a total £55m. The 24-year-old, who has passed a medical at Upton Park, will cost up to £19m and will sign a six-year £100,000-a-week deal. Sun

Fulham hope to sign Liverpool defender Andre Wisdom, 20, on loan for next season. Daily Mirror

Aston Villa are looking to sell striker Darren Bent, 29, for a fee in excess of £8m. DSSC

Crystal Palace, Swansea, Fulham and Norwich have all made £2m offers for Birmingham and England Under-21 winger Nathan Redmond, 19. Daily Mirror

Everton are in talks with Granada to sign Brazilian left-back Guilherme Siqueira, 27. DSSC

Birmingham have dismissed speculation that Blackpool left-back Stephen Crainey, 31, could join them. Birmingham Mail

The 2014 FA Cup final will be played after the end of the Premier League season for the first time since 2010. DSSC

Joe Kinnear will not take on any scouting duties or negotiate contracts as director of football at Newcastle. His key responsibilities will be to sit in on meetings about the first team and transfers, as well as talking directly to owner Mike Ashley on behalf of the club's football staff. Kinnear has managed Wimbledon, Luton, Nottingham Forest and Newcastle The Journal

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew, 51, will seek clarification from Kinnear about his role at the club before committing to the new set-up. Daily Telegraph

The Football Association is in no rush to name a replacement for outgoing England Under-21 manager Stuart Pearce.

Michael Appleton, 37, who was sacked by Blackburn in March, is favourite to take over from Pearce. Daily Star

Former Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate, 42, is also a candidate for the role. Guardian

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore has promised to meet representatives of supporters who will protest in London on Wednesday about ticket prices. London Evening Standard

Borussia Dortmund are interested in Valencia's French defender Adil Rami, 27, who is also in the sights of Manchester City and Napoli. L'Equipe

AC Milan are interested in signing Dutch defender Bruno Martins, 21, currently of Feyenoord, following a strong showing in the Under-21 European Championship. Tuttosport

Levante have agreed in principle a deal with Moroccan international midfielder Issam El-Adwa, 26, of Portuguese side Vitoria. AS

Chelsea striker Fernando Torres, 29, has told Spanish radio that he "got caught up in the wave of antagonism" towards interim coach Rafael Benitez, and said he would like to speak to new boss Jose Mourinho about his plans for next season. Marca

Real Madrid have continued their charm offensive towards Tottenham's Gareth Bale by reserving the number 11 shirt for the Wales winger, 23. Mirror

[Original Dub]

Jose mourinho is "unconvinced by Mata".

You couldn't make this shit up.


Actually, scratch that. You could.

[Twobob]

Jose mourinho is "unconvinced by Mata".

You couldn't make this shit up.

Actually, scratch that. You could.

He isn't 7ft tall and built like a brick shit house.

[dick dastardley]

southgate for u-21 coach, almost as bad as pearce......

[john@staustell]

Jose mourinho is "unconvinced by Mata".

You couldn't make this shit up.


Actually, scratch that. You could.

He'll never make the new John Terry.

[Chinners]

BOLLOX UPDATES

Manuel Pellegrini faces tricky times at Manchester City
Pellegrini may find it difficult to implement his tactics amongst the current crop of players
After the sacking of Roberto Mancini following a below par season for cash-rich Manchester City, there was much hype as to who his successor would be.
The club recently stated that current Malaga coach Manuel Pellegrini was to take over the reins, confirming what most fans long suspected. Most football pundits were quick to state that the Chilean, who led Malaga to the quarter-inals of the Champions League in their maiden appearance in the competition, was the ideal man for the job.
But is this indeed the case? Can Pellegrini be the manager who can finally satisfy the immensely demanding owners of the club? We examine the fact here.
While Pellegrini has done a commendable job at almost every club he has managed, the experience at Manchester City is definite to be different from any that he has previously been at.
While he has managed clubs in his native Chile, Argentina and Spain with much distinction, the English game is one that is much different from the best of that in these countries.
Wherein these leagues predominantly play possession based football, the physical component gains predominance in the English game. Even though his players are well used to dealing with physically strong players day in and day out, it remains to be seen if the Chilean can implement his system and find success in a different type of league.
Another problem that may confront Pellegrini on the job is the difference in playing style. Contrary to common belief, Pellegrini did not pursue a possession-based game at Malaga, with the Andalusian club having had just 52% possession in their games throughout the season.
The same was the case at Real Madrid, who were a swift counter-attacking unit during Pellegrini's reign. This system, which was alien to most sides in Spain, was the major reason why his teams were always so successful; their competitors, being unused to this particular mode of play, had no answer to it. However, in the Premier League, all sides are used to this system and could present a tactical dilemma to the Chilean.
Also, the predominant style of play that Mancini has propagated in his three and a half years at the club has been possession based. This again presents as a problem for the Chilean, as most players will take time to adjust to the new system, if Pellegrini decides to go with his tried and tested methods.
Even though the players at the Etihad have enough class to quickly adapt to the new system, it still remains a question mark as to how they will perform.
The next challenge facing Pellegrini is to find the right players to adapt to his system if the current players fail to do so. Among the current crop of players, the defence should find no problems, as most of them are veterans of the Premier League who have played and succeeded in varying systems.
However, among the midfielders, arguably only Yaya Toure, Gareth Barry, James Milner and Javi Garcia are good fits into the system. The current wingers at City have too less of a defensive contribution to shine in the conservative system preferred by the Chilean, including new signing Jesus Navas.
And the aerial threat provided by the midfielders is also miniscule, with only Yaya Toure, Jack Rodwell and Javi Garcia being especially strong in the air. And among these, Garcia and Rodwell still have a lot to prove after disappointing first seasons with the club.
However, by far the biggest possible problem that Pellegrini could possibly face is the impatience of the owners. Despite the fans support of Mancini, and despite his decent track record in England, the Abu Dhabi investment group still went ahead and fired the Italian on the back of one bad season.
Mancini had his flaws, but it is not everyday that the a team fires a coach who had delivered the Premier League title just a season prior. Pellegrini is indeed a surety to succeed if given time, with the players certain to get used to his system at some point in the course of this season, or at maximum, the next. Time is indeed the key factor here, as it is yet unknown as to how much time the super-rich owners will be willing to give him.
However, all this said, it could end up that Pellegrini turns out to be a massive success at the Manchester club. Both the manager and the players at the Eastlands club have enough class to overcome these glitches and produce a champion team. But still, as of now, these glitches remain. And Pellegrini would do well to overcome them.

[spoiler]The delicious Scarlet Bouvier

[/spoiler]


'No Manchester City interest in Stefan Radu'
The agent of Lazio defender Stefan Radu has insisted that Manchester City have not made an offer for his client.
It had been reported that he 26-year-old was the subject of interest from the Premier League club, but Victor Becali has claimed that there has been no contact.
"Neither I nor Lazio know anything of Manchester City's interest in Radu," Becali told reporters in Italy.
"I have a great relationship with Txiki Begiristain. If City were interested in the player they surely would have called me."
Radu, who is primarily a left-back, can also play in central defence.

Premier League fixtures - Eight top five showdownsAs with any Premier League fixture list, supporters and clubs will pick out opening day fixtures, their schedule around the festive period and any pivotal clashes with the top clubs and the former ‘big four’ has been replaced by a ‘big five.’
So, here are eight showdowns between last season’s top five: Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.

Man Utd vs. Chelsea
Old Trafford: August 24, Stamford Bridge: January 18
If David Moyes was hoping for a gentle start in the Old Trafford hotseat, then he was to be seriously mistaken. A tough trip to Swansea on the opening day and an early season meeting with Liverpool sandwiches this encounter with Chelsea.
Mourinho had an excellent record in his first stint with the Blues against the defending champions, and it is a real baptism of fire for the new Red Devils boss. Win these games and he will have no problems settling in, but don’t be surprised to hear some murmurs around Old Trafford if Moyes loses these early season grudge matches.

Tottenham vs. Chelsea
White Hart Lane: September 28, Stamford Bridge: March 8
This fixture could become the biggest in the capital, especially if Tottenham continue to threaten the Champions League places. The match often doesn’t disappoint either. There were 10 goals were shared in the two fixtures last season, and it really will be a clash of the apprentice vs. the master.
Andre Villas-Boas was on Jose Mourinho’s coaching staff during the Special One’s first spell at Chelsea, and has adopted a lot of his methods into his sides. The September fixture is probably too early to judge where these clubs will fit into the final table, but March’s scheduled meeting at Stamford Bridge is likely to matter more.

Chelsea vs. Man City
Stamford Bridge: October 26, Etihad Stadium: February 1
Jose Mourinho and Manuel Pellegrini will know a lot about each other, having managed against one another in La Liga for the past three seasons. Both encourage attacking football, so let’s hope so for a fixture that has been lacking in appeal in recent seasons.
The game at Stamford Bridge back in November last season has to go down as one of the biggest disappointments of the campaign, with both sides woeful in attack from start to finish. However, it has to be said that one of these sides is most likely to challenge Manchester United, so gaining the upper hand in these two matches could be decisive.

Man Utd vs. Arsenal
Old Trafford: November 9, Emirates Stadium: February 11
For many seasons, Manchester United v Arsenal was the blockbuster fixture in the Premier League, largely because of the rivalry between Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger.
Recently, it has lacked the cutting edge, and that is down to the healthier respect between the two bosses and Arsenal’s silverware starvation. However, the history simply can’t be ignored, and many Gunners supporters will not forgive Robin van Persie for crossing the divide. The Emirates match in February will be a gruelling battle in a rare midweek set.

Arsenal vs. Chelsea
Emirates Stadium: December 21, Stamford Bridge: March 22
London’s current most prestigious clash is between Chelsea and Arsenal. Both sides will be keen to finish as top dog in the capital, and nowadays, that has to be seen as a minimum requirement.
The Christmas spirit will be on hold when they meet at the Emirates just four days before the presents, turkey and crackers. The Stamford Bridge meeting in March could be more decisive in context of a title battle. Of course, the return of a certain Portuguese manager means the Premier League will witness Mourinho vs Wenger again, and there was no love lost first time round.

Man City vs. Tottenham
Etihad Stadium: November 23, White Hart Lane: January 29
In recent seasons, it is Manchester City and Tottenham who have broken through from just above mid-table mediocrity into serious title contenders. The Citizens have won the league of course, and Tottenham aren’t far away, but that will probably depend on whether they can keep star asset Gareth Bale from the clutches of Real Madrid.
City will have a score to settle this season, as it was Tottenham who put the ultimate final nail in their title defence coffin back in April. Often an attractive fixture, these games shouldn’t disappoint.

Tottenham vs. Man Utd
White Hart Lane: November 30, Old Trafford: January 1
With only five weeks between the two games between Tottenham and Manchester United, there will be plenty of healthy winter rivalry between the two teams.
Andre Villas-Boas has a poor record against David Moyes, with just four points in four matches, and until last season, Tottenham’s Premier League record against the Red Devils was shocking. Be sure that levels of partying celebration of a New Year will be kept to a minimum when these sides lock horns at Old Trafford.

Man City vs. Arsenal
Etihad Stadium: December 14, Emirates Stadium: March 29
The fixture list could have been a little bit kinder for Arsenal fans, as they often face back-to-back clashes with top sides. Liverpool and Manchester United come in consecutive weekends in November, and in March, they face an even harder run against Tottenham, Chelsea and finally Manchester City.
Premier League history favours Arsenal here, although City’s comfortable victory at the Emirates in January showed the gulf between the two sides was becoming more apparent. The December clash at the Etihad comes in a month where football fans will really be spoilt for choice.

Manchester City left-back Aleksandar Kolarov on Galatasaray radar
Galatasaray are keeping tabs on Manchester City left-back Aleksandar Kolarov following reports that the Serbian international could be on his way out of the Premier League outfit.
The 27-year-old clashed with fans during City's 3-2 defeat against Norwich towards the end of the season and has attracted interest from a number of Italian clubs.
Kolarov has been linked with Inter Milan as well as Juventus and is valued in the region of €6 million.
Galatasaray have stepped up efforts to sign a new left-back, the Turkish Süper Lig champions have also been linked with Carlinos and Granada fullback Guilherme Siqueira.
The Lions played Albert Riera as a make shift left-back last season. Galatasaray manader Fatih Terim has made it his priority to strengthen the defence especially the left-back position.
Kolarov joined City from Lazio in 2010 for €22 million and still has two-years left on his contract. The Serian fullback scored three times and provided three assists in 30 appearances for the Citizens in 2012-13.


Malaga Warn City!
Malaga have warned those looking to snare highly-rated forward Isco that they will not be dropping their asking price.
The Spain U21 international, who helped his country to European U21 Championship success on Tuesday, has admitted to receiving offers from Manchester City and Real Madrid.
Two European heavyweights are ready to slug it out for Isco's signature, but they will also need to reach an agreement with his current employers for a transfer to be pushed through.
Malaga appreciate that talks are inevitable, but have made it clear that they will hold out for the best possible price.
Isco has a clause in his contract which requires interested parties to put €35million (£30m) on the table before discussions can begin, and vice-president Moayad Shatat says that fee will have to be matched if one of Spain's brightest young stars is to be on the move this summer.
"He's a magnificent player, very important to us and if the offers do not match what we are looking for then we will not sell the player," Shatat told reporters at the unveiling of new Malaga coach Bernd Schuster.
"We will only sell for the right price, and that price has been set.
"We have no need to sell if the price is not right."

AC Milan and Juventus to fight over Manchester City striker ... Zzzzzz
AC Milan and Juventus are locked in a bidding war to sign Carlos Tevez from Manchester City.
The Argentinian has long been linked with a move to Italy, and has been linked with Juventus and Milan heavily this summer.
Juventus are still on the look-out for a forward, while Milan view Tevez as a player who would be a viable replacement for Robinho.
Tuttosport report that Juventus want to pay €12m for the City forward over the course of three years, and that Juve director Beppe Marotta wants to insert Mirko Vucinic in the deal to further reduce the cost.
Milannews.it have reported that the Rossoneri have already struck a deal with Tevez and his agent to pay the striker €5.5m a year for three years, but will need to offload a player before they can pay for Tevez. It is thought that Robinho is that player, who is in negotiations with Santos regarding a return to Brazil.

[City64]

Oh baby !

[guv111]

Fucking "snub" - a word now used almost exclusively by arsehole headline writers.

Snub - to rebuff, ignore, or spurn disdainfully.

Choosing one club over another isn't "snubbing", it's about eventually having to make a choice of one out of several and it's often a very difficult, career defining choice.

Q: Cornflakes or toast this morning, dear?
A: Toast please.
Q: So, you're snubbing the cornflakes? You twat.

[Arjan Van Schotte]

Fucking "snub" - a word now used almost exclusively by arsehole headline writers.

Snub - to rebuff, ignore, or spurn disdainfully.

Choosing one club over another isn't "snubbing", it's about eventually having to make a choice of one out of several and it's often a very difficult, career defining choice.

Q: Cornflakes or toast this morning, dear?
A: Toast please.
Q: So, you're snubbing the cornflakes? You twat.

i was in the process of both laughing and agreeing until i saw who wrote that!

[Dameerto]

Fucking "snub" - a word now used almost exclusively by arsehole headline writers.

Snub - to rebuff, ignore, or spurn disdainfully.

Choosing one club over another isn't "snubbing", it's about eventually having to make a choice of one out of several and it's often a very difficult, career defining choice.

Q: Cornflakes or toast this morning, dear?
A: Toast please.
Q: So, you're snubbing the cornflakes? You twat.

I almost hate it as much as "warchest" - two overused football-hack cliches, three if you add in 'roar' (every time they want to imply defiance the manager/player 'roars' a quote in the papers)

[Peter Doherty (AGAIG)]

Chinners, surely the snub count should be one less as it looks like we're snubbing Cavani? I wonder what his snub count will be come the end of the summer....