It's no surprise that transfer rumours are sparse the day after a game but we do have a couple of nuggets for you to ponder over...
We'll start with the 'news' that Saint-Etienne vice-president Dominique Rocheteau has rubbished talks of defender Kurt Zouma joining City or Chelsea in January.
Chris Davie of Goal.com reports: "The French club claim the defender has attracted interest from several top sides but are adamant they have not received any offers for the 19-year-old, who is valued at £16.5m.
"Goal reported in November that City had conducted initial talks over a move for the 19-year-old, while the player’s agent has revealed the central defender would be keen on a switch to Chelsea.
“We talk about him now because he has talent,” Rocheteau told beIN Sport.
“It's true, many clubs are watching, it was the case last season, many foreign clubs came to see [him]. But today, there's no [chance] he leaves in the winter transfer window.
“He will remain with us until the end of the season.”
Elsewhere, Sports Direct News are claiming that Gareth Barry may join Italian side Napoli, when his loan deal with Everton expires at the end of the season.
According to Richard Flynn: "The Serie A side’s manager, Rafael Benitez, is a huge fan of the England international and tried to sign him for Liverpool during his Anfield tenure.
"The Spaniard missed out on his signature, with Barry instead leaving Aston Villa for City in 2009.
"He has been one of Everton’s most consistent performers this term following a summer loan switch hastened by the knowledge that he was not part of Blues boss Manuel Pellegrini’s plans at the Etihad Stadium.
"His contract will not be renewed and he looks set to be a free agent in the summer, but Barry is permitted to speak to foreign clubs now with a view to penning a pre-contract ahead of a summer move.
"Benitez’s club spies continue to monitor the player’s progress and an offer is in the pipeline. However, Napoli face stiff competition from Turkish giants Galatasaray, whose boss Roberto Mancini rates Barry highly from their time at City.
"The midfield man was an integral part of the Italian’s side during his spell in charge of the club."
Also in the headlines, Ed Malyon of the Mirror suggests that City and Liverpool have been offered the services of Ajax winger Ricardo Kishna.
Writes Malyon: "The 19-year-old is in the middle of contract negotiations with the Amsterdam club as he looks to extend a deal that runs out at the end of the season.
"But the talented wideman would be available for a minimal compensation package if signed by a Premier League club, and with only a few months remaining on his deal there is no barrier to talks with the likes of the Blues or the Anfield giants."
And finally, Manuel Pellegrini has dismissed reports that City are the favourites to sign Southampton's Luke Shaw - that's according to the Mirror's Alex Richards.
Liverpool and Manchester City offered transfer of Ricardo Kishna from Ajax on a bargain deal
Dutch giants' teenage winger is scheduled to be out of contract at the end of the season and would only cost a Premier League club a compensation fee
The 19-year-old is in the middle of contract negotiations with the Amsterdam club as he looks to extend a deal that runs out at the end of the season.
But the talented wideman would be available for a minimal compensation package if signed by a Premier League club, and with only a few months remaining on his deal there is no barrier to talks with the likes of the Blues or the Anfield giants.
Napoli have emerged as leading contenders to snap up Everton’s on-loan Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry
The Serie A side’s manager, Rafael Benitez, is a huge fan of the England international and tried to sign him for Liverpool during his Anfield tenure.
The Spaniard missed out on his signature, with Barry instead leaving Aston Villa for City in 2009.
He has been one of Everton’s most consistent performers this term following a summer loan switch hastened by the knowledge that he was not part of Blues boss Manuel Pellegrini’s plans at the Etihad Stadium.
His contract will not be renewed and he looks set to be a free agent in the summer, but Barry is permitted to speak to foreign clubs now with a view to penning a pre-contract ahead of a summer move.
Benitez’s club spies continue to monitor the player’s progress and an offer is in the pipeline. However, Napoli face stiff competition from Turkish giants Galatasaray, whose boss Roberto Mancini rates Barry highly from their time at City.
The midfield man was an integral part of the Italian’s side during his spell in charge of the club.
Ha ha ha
City boss Pellegrini has laughed off suggestions that the Premier League favourites are in for Southampton's Luke Shaw.
Asked about a possible move for the England under-21 defender, the Chilean refused to confirm any names of players that City may be interested in.
“No, no, no. I don’t confirm about any names because we are not concerned about that in this moment. We are just thinking about Cardiff and not the winter transfer window.
Chelsea& Manchester City target Zouma not leaving in January, says St Etienne chief
The French club claim the defender has attracted interest from several top sides but are adamant they have not received any offers for the 19-year-old, who is valued at £16.5m
Saint-Etienne vice president Dominique Rocheteau insists Manchester City and Chelsea target Kurt Zouma will not be leaving the club during the January transfer window.
Goal reported in November that City had conducted initial talks over a move for the 19-year-old, while the player’s agent has revealed the central defender would be keen on a switch to Chelsea.
“We talk about him now because he has talent,” Rocheteau told beIN Sport.
“It's true, many clubs are watching, it was the case last season, many foreign clubs came to see [him]. But today, there's no [chance] he leaves in the winter transfer window.
“He will remain with us until the end of the season.”
Earlier this week, Zouma claimed he had spoken directly with Jose Mourinho on the phone and that he would “immediately” join Chelsea if given the chance.
“Yes, we will not hide the fact that it came out in the press that Chelsea are actually interested in him,” Rocheteau added.
“But we have not received any concrete offers. [Is he worth] €20m (£16.5m)? You be the judge of that. Now, that is today’s market price.”
Manchester City star Alex Nimely charged over 3-car drink-drive smash
A MANCHESTER City star allegedly ploughed a Range Rover into three parked cars, nearly mowing down terrified clubbers after getting behind the wheel drunk.
Revellers spilling out of a club in the early hours cowered in terror as the car containing Liberian-born Alex Nimely, 22, headed towards them driving the wrong way down a one-way street, it is claimed.
Nimely, described by former England and City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson as the "best young player" he had ever seen, has been charged with drink-driving and faces a ban.
Witness Vincent Davis, 32, last night told the Daily Star Sunday he watched as the posh motor rammed his Mazda 3 sports car in Manchester.
Millionaire footie ace Nimely had a pal with him in the Range Rover.
Doorman Vincent said: "I went to pick up some wages at a club I work at.
“The driver was lucky the cars were there or people coming out of the club could have been hit”
Witness Vincent Davis, 32
"I was walking on the pavement and there were a load of clubbers coming out when I saw a car coming down the one-way street all over the place.
"It headed towards the crowd but hit a row of parked cars, including mine."
He added: "The driver was lucky the cars were there or people coming out of the club could have been hit.
"He had smashed the front and rear bumper of my car and the front wing.
"I rushed over to speak to the driver as he got out of the car with another lad.
"You could tell by his eyes he was pissed.
"Both occupants of the car blamed each other."
Police were called and arrested them at the scene.
Vincent said: "The driver tried to tell the police he was not behind the wheel and that it was one of his pals."
A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said: "Alex Nimely has been charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol."
Nimely is due to appear before magistrates on Friday.
CRASH VIDEO: http://bcove.me/j7efnavg
GOLDEN BOLLOX 19-1-2009
Craig Bellamy joins Manchester City
Having broken through as a youngster with Norwich City back in 1997, just 12 years later Craig Bellamy had played for seven clubs in total.
During that time, the much-travelled Welshman had forged himself a reputation as a striker with a fiery attitude, but one that could call upon plenty of natural ability.
It was those characteristics that tempted Manchester City manager Mark Hughes to part with £14m on this day five years ago to reunite himself with the West Ham United frontman. The pair had previously worked together at Blackburn Rovers and the Welsh national team.
"I am delighted to be working with Craig once more. He is an outstanding player who provides us with qualities that we are slightly lacking. He has blistering pace, has bags of enthusiasm and has a superb attitude to training. He will be a great addition to the squad," Hughes told the club's official website.
Meanwhile, West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola added: "I wish him all the best and I hope he does well and finds what he is looking for. I am very happy with what he has done for me and now he has decided to go somewhere else. We wanted to keep him but he wanted a new challenge and we respect that. For our fans, I can say again that we want to achieve a high level so we are looking for players that can help us make that happen."
Bellamy hit the ground running at the Etihad Stadium, scoring on his debut as City beat one of his former teams, Newcastle United, 2-1. He went on to score four goals in all competitions between then and the end of the campaign, before firing in 11 in 40 outings during the next season.
The summer of 2010 saw him join Cardiff City on a loan basis and then 12 months later he re-signed for Liverpool. His second spell at Anfield lasted just one term, though, with a permanent switch to Cardiff being secured in 2012.
Having helped the Bluebirds seal promotion to the Premier League, he yesterday featured during the 4-2 loss to Man City, receiving a positive reception from the home faithful in the process.
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]Manchester United manager David Moyes has been given £150m to spend in January and is preparing a bid for Paris Saint-Germain's 26-year-old Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani. Star
The Old Trafford club are monitoring seven top-class midfielders, including Everton's Ross Barkley, 20, and Southampton's Adam Lallana, 25. Star
But Manchester United boss David Moyes has been dealt another blow in the transfer market after Spanish midfielder Koke, 22, signed a new contract with Atletico Madrid. Express
Manchester United's Wilfried Zaha, 21, will be allowed to go out on loan - but only if United's injury problems ease. Fellow wingers Nani, 27, and Ashley Young, 28, are currently out of action. Manchester Evening News
Manchester United have switched their attentions to Seville left-back Alberto Moreno, 21, with Leighton Baines, 29, due to sign a new deal at Everton this week. Mirror
Tottenham are reportedly targeting a January deal for Napoli's Goran Pandev, with the 30-year-old striker thought to be keen on a move. Metro
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger wants Juventus striker Mirko Vucinic, 30, on loan to boost the club's title hopes - but the Italian club are trying to force through a £10m sale. dssc
Arsenal scouted 23-year-old Lille defender Pape Souare in the French club's 2-0 Ligue 1 defeat by Saint-Etienne on Friday. Inside Futbol
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce admits it is unlikely that Monaco striker Lacina Traore, 23, will sign. dssc
Chelsea attacking midfielder Juan Mata, 25, looks set to leave Stamford Bridge, with Manchester United and Spanish club Atletico Madrid poised. Mirror
Liverpool have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Basel winger Mohamed Salah, after the 21-year-old Egyptian revealed he is keen to join the Anfield club. Sun
Young Premier League stars could see their wages capped under radical plans being drawn up by the FA's commission into the future of English football. Mirror
West Brom goalkeeper Ben Foster, 30, feared his World Cup dream - and possibly career - was finished after he suffered a freak foot injury against Everton earlier this season. Star
Newcastle manager Alan Pardew will be a shock contender for the West Ham manager's job - if they sack current boss Sam Allardyce. Mirror
Wolfsburg midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, 22, has hit out at Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, who sold him to the German club for £16m. De Bruyne says Mourinho criticised him publicly but not in private. Sun
New Everton signing Aiden McGeady, who signed from Spartak Moscow this week, admits that parts of Russian life is like "20 years ago". dssc
David Moyes insists Manchester United will not sell striker Wayne Rooney, 28, to Chelsea as Blues boss Jose Mourinho accepts defeat in his pursuit of the England international. Daily Mirror
United's chances of signing Real Madrid defender Fabio Coentrao, 25, have been improved with news that the La Liga side are interested in signing Sevilla full-back Alberto Moreno, 21. Sky's TalkSHIT
Liverpool will have to wait until the summer to sign Barcelona's Cristian Tello, 22, after the Spanish forward said he wants to stay at the Nou Camp until the end of the season. Metro
The Reds are also considering a move for Lazio's 26-year-old midfielder Antonio Candreva.Express
Everton could beat West Ham to the loan signing of Monaco forward Lacina Traore. The Hammers were granted a work permit for the 23-year-old but have yet to push through the paperwork. DSSC
Arsenal are tracking Barcelona's young forward Munir El Haddadi, 18, with Paris St-Germain and Bayern Munich also interested. Metro
Manchester United manager David Moyes received an apology from Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho about his reported claims of "inside information" that there are a number of people unhappy at Old Trafford because of their start to the season. Guardian
Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke, 23, says Liverpool forward Luis Suarez, 26, is his role model. Mirror
West Brom's sponsors Zoopla have told the club to drop striker Nicolas Anelka, 34, over his controversial quenelle goal celebration or they could withdraw their sponsorship. Anelka made the gesture after scoring against West Ham in December. Times
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has hinted he will sign a new contract at the club. His current deal expires at the end of the season. Telegraph
Chelsea midfielder Eden Hazard has eyes on one day winning the Ballon d'Or but his Blues team-mates made sure he got a prize this year by presenting him with their version - the Ballon Wood. Express
more bollox soon
