Wednesday's B*ll*x
Posted: Wed Jul 21, 2010 6:03 amMan City in talks with £30m Brazil World Cup star after Milner deal stalls
Manchester City are in talks to sign Brazil's £30million-rated World Cup star Ramires from Benfica.
City have turned their attention to midfielder Ramires after hitting a brick wall in their pursuit of Aston Villa and England's James Milner.
Although City have not yet given up on Milner, boss Roberto Mancini is keen to sign Ramires following the 23-year-old's impressive form for Brazil in South Africa, where he featured in four of their games.
Real Madrid, Chelsea and Fiorentina have also looked at Ramires, who joined Benfica from Brazilian side Cruzeiro last summer for £5m and immediately established himself as a formidable midfield threat.
Mirror Sport understands there has been contact between Ramires' agent Giuliano Bertolucci and City, who have already done business with the £19m signing of striker Jo from CSKA Moscow.
Although Ramires has a £30m buy-out clause within his contract, City are hopeful of landing the player for a reduced fee of around £22m. Mirror
SWP aims to be quick out of the blocks after motivational speech from Carl Lewis
Shaun Wright-Phillips is determined to hit the ground running thanks to a motivational chat from Carl Lewis.
Wright-Phillips has joined Manchester City's pre-season training camp in America and wants to get over the crushing disappointment of England's woeful World Cup campaign.
The winger is focused on the new campaign and aims to be quick out of the blocks after listening to Lewis.
The US legendary athlete spoke to Wright-Phillips and his City team-mates at their training camp at Nike's HQ in Portland, Oregon, in his role as a Nike ambassador about the sacrifices needed to be a winner.
And the England international is pleased to be back at work following a short break down the coast in Los Angeles.
"It was disappointing what happened in the summer at the World Cup, but now it's time get the head down, pull on the boots and get on with it again," he said.
"I was in LA for a while being well looked after and now I'm ready to go.
There's not one problem and I'm looking forward to playing again. Training isn't work for me, it's a pleasure."
Behind the smiles, Wright-Phillips knows he faces a big season at City and he must battle Adam Johnson for the right-wing role.
His future is also uncertain because his contract wrangle with the club remains unresolved and he must convince Roberto Mancini he deserves to be a regular in his fast-evolving Blues team.
For now, Wright-Phillips is content to be back among his City pals after England's unhappy time in South Africa.
"My only focus is to get on the pitch and do my thing," he said. "I'm delighted to be back with the lads and straight into the craic and the banter.
"At the end of the day, playing football is all about enjoying yourself and if you cannot do that, you'll never be happy."
Wright-Phillips, 28, is the second of City's England World Cup players to return to training and the last - Gareth Barry - is due to meet up with the squad in the next 24 hours for the New York leg of their tour.
The Blues play Sporting Lisbon in New Jersey's Red Bull Arena on Friday and Micah Richards claims the arrival of the bubbly Wright-Phillips has lifted everyone in their travelling party.
"It was great to welcome Shaun back into the squad," said the defender.
"He was beaming when he arrived, in really good form, and always lifts the place.
"That's one of the great things about this tour that lads are coming in at different times and there's always a new face to have some banter with." Mirror
JOE HART has revealed how he cut short his summer holidays in a bid to nail down the No1 jersey for both club and country.
The Manchester City star took less than three weeks off following England's dismal World Cup exit before joining his club team-mates in America.
Having spent the tournament in South Africa kicking his heels on the bench, he is desperate to break into the national team.
And he is ready to go head-to-head with Shay Given for the role as Roberto Mancini's first-choice stopper at Eastlands.
His first task will be to get the nod from Fabio Capello as the Three Lions boss prepares to ring the changes for the friendly against Hungary on August 11.
Hart, 23, said: "What happened at the World Cup hurt everyone but we've got to move on.
"I was keen to get back. I've had a couple of weeks off and feel fine now.
"People say there'll be other World Cups ahead of me but I just want to be playing all the time.
"I enjoyed it in South Africa and tried to get behind Greeny and Jamo as best as I could. I tried to do my bit but I wanted to play.
"I kicked every ball, like a glorified fan, on the front row seat.
"I wanted the lads to do so well - everyone did - and it was such a shame it didn't go as we hoped.
"Out there, none of us had a clue what was going on. It was all kept to within two hours of the kick-off.
"We all prepared like we were playing and waited for the tap on the shoulder."
City loaned Hart out to Birmingham last season but now want him to battle it out with Given, who is nearing fitness after a shoulder injury.
Eastlands boss Mancini is ready to utilise his squad to the full, with a busy fixture list at home and in Europe on the horizon.
But Hart insists he has not come back to City to play a bit-part role and wants to keep Republic of Ireland legend Given on the sidelines.
Hart added: "I think Shay is fine. He'll definitely be fit for the start of the season so we'll have to see how it pans out. It's not really up to me.
"I just want to play and we'll have to see how it works out. At the moment, it feels great to be back here. It's like I've never been away.
"I just enjoyed playing at Birmingham, it's what I love doing."
Hart reckons it is an exciting time for him to be coming back to City as they embark on another major spending spree.
Yaya Toure, David Silva and Jerome Boateng have all arrived, with the prospect of more to follow in the next couple of weeks.
The former Shrewsbury keeper said: "I met the manager for the first time when I came out here and he seems good.
"He's got good intentions for the club and he's bringing the right people in.
"He's bought some great players and they have to be of that kind of calibre now, otherwise there's no point in signing them." Sun
Wolfsburg boss Steve McLaren fails in bid to sign Manchester City misfit Craig Bellamy on loan
Steve McClaren has failed in a fresh bid to take Craig Bellamy on a season's loan.
Wolfsburg's boss had originally hoped to strike a permanent deal for the Wales captain but was rebuffed six weeks ago. He returned over the weekend hoping to lure Bellamy to Germany on a temporary deal but that too has been rejected. Mail
ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC will snub Manchester City's interest in him and stay at Barcelona.
The Swedish striker has been linked with a move to Eastlands, with City boss Roberto Mancini keen to be reunited with the player he coached during their time at Inter Milan.
The 28-year-old joined Barca from the Serie A side last summer in a £60million deal which included Samuel Eto'o moving in the opposite direction.
Ibrahimovic scored 16 goals in 29 games in Spain last season but could find his starting place under threat following Barca's £35m acquisition of David Villa.
And Nou Camp boss Pep Guardiola has hinted he is prepared to listen to offers for the former Ajax forward.
But Ibrahimovic's agent, Mino Raiola insists his client will be staying with the Catalan side.
He said: "Zlatan has a contract with Barca and he wants to show his value 100 per cent.
"He is focused and he wants to start the season in style with Barcelona." Sun
Manchester City and United face late competition from Chelsea in Mario Balotelli chase as Blues seek alternative to Fernando Torres Chelsea could make a late bid to snatch Mario Balotelli from the clutches of Manchester United or City.
The 19-year-old is inching towards an exit from Inter Milan following talks between his agent and delegations from both Manchester clubs.
But with Carlo Ancelotti a self-confessed fan of Balotelli, reports in Italy claim Chelsea are being kept informed about negotiations in case their difficult bid to prise Fernando Torres from Liverpool fails. Mail
Didier Drogba's agent has also hinted there could be a surprise before the end of the transfer window, though Manchester City have rubbished reports that they have made a move for the Chelsea striker.
City are, though, very much in the running for Balotelli despite having an opening £20million bid rejected.
Inter are asking for £34m amid the increased interest, while reports in Italy say United are offering the best personal terms to the Italy Under 21 international.
City remain keen on Wolfsburg's Edin Dzeko, while Barcelona's Zlatan Ibrahimovic could yet be a fallback option.
Chelsea's No 1 priority remains Torres, but the Spain striker feels loyalty to the Reds and would be keen to stay if the club show signs of being competitive once more.
The Blues have also previously tracked Atletico Madrid's Sergio Aguero and Alexandre Pato of AC Milan, but Ancelotti recently admitted his admiration for Balotelli.
'It's difficult to find a young player with this quality,' said Ancelotti. 'Even England struggles to find a player at this level.' Mail
Sampdoria, meanwhile, are confident of signing City winger Vladimir Weiss. Mirror
Wolves, West Ham and Blackburn are locked in three-way tussle to sign striker Benjani, who is a free agent after leaving Manchester City. Mirror
WAG OF THE DAY
TRANSFER BOLLOX
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is back on the trail of Werder Bremen's German World Cup star Mezut Ozil. Ferguson missed out on signing midfielder Ozil as a teenager. the Sun
Chelsea have had a £16.9m offer for 18-year-old Brazilian forward Neymar turned down by Santos. Daily Mail
Blues chairman Bruce Buck has warned left-back Ashley Cole against a summer move to Real Madrid. the Guardian
Barcelona star Xavi has warned Arsenal they only have midfielder Cesc Fabregas "on loan" and that the Gunners captain will eventually return to the Nou Camp, where he started his career. Daily Express
Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer has been offered a player-coach role to join Arsenal. Daily Express
Liverpool want to sell David Ngog for £6m as they try to raise funds for new signings. Daily Mirror
Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko is on the verge of a season-long switch to Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon. Daily Mail
Spurs are at the head of the queue to sign Real Madrid striker Raul, who is available on a free transfer. the Sun
West Ham are set to finalise a move for Lyon defender Francois Clerc, who is available on a free transfer having seen out his contract with the French club. Daily Mirror
But Tal Ben-Haim's proposed move to West Ham and a reunion with former Portsmouth manager Avram Grant is on the verge of collapse after the defender failed a medical. (the Times)
And Nice have rejected the Hammers' £12.5m bid for Loic Remy as the London club battle with Liverpool and another unnamed Premier League side to sign the striker. the Independent
Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho is plotting a raid on former club Chelsea to sign defender Ricardo Carvalho, who he brought to Stamford Bridge from another of his former clubs Porto in 2004. Daily Mirror
Real Madrid midfielder Mahamadou Diarra has committed himself to the Spanish, club despite an approach from Newcastle. the Independent
Wigan centre-back Titus Bramble is set to complete a £1m move to Sunderland, where he will be reunited with ex-Latics boss Steve Bruce. Daily Telegraph
Everton striker Lukas Jutkiewicz is joining Coventry City on loan. Daily Mail
Blackpool are leading the race to sign former West Brom midfielder Robert Koren on a free transfer. Daily Mail
Celtic manager Neil Lennon has confirmed that Portsmouth goalkeeper David James is high on his list of targets to replace Artur Boruc, who has joined Fiorentina. (Daily Record)
OTHER BOLLOX
Chelsea keeper Petr Cech could be ruled out for the champions' Premier League opener against West Brom in August after suffering a calf injury in training on Tuesday. the Independent
Argentine news agency Telam is reporting that Diego Maradona will remain in charge of the national side, a decision he is expected to announce next week after meeting with Argentine Football Association president Julio Grondona. (Associated Press)
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes striker Wayne Rooney can put his World Cup misery with England behind him to become the complete player this season. Daily Mirror
Ferguson has accused the Football Association of handicapping the England team by refusing to introduce a winter break during the domestic season. the Guardian
West Ham's bid to move into the Olympic Stadium after the 2012 Games received a boost after the company behind the huge shopping centre that will dominate the entrance to the site said it would back the idea. the Guardian
AC Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi laid down the law to new coach Massimiliano Allegri at a press conference by demanding that he play two strikers. Berlusconi fell out with former coach Leonardo because of his lone striker tactics last season. the Guardian
A ban may be imposed on vuvuzelas at Wembley in time for the Community Shield and England's friendly against Hungary in August. (Daily Telegraph)
Striker Andy Carroll says he can handle the "spine-tingling" burden of following Alan Shearer, Malcolm Macdonald and Jackie Milburn by wearing the number nine shirt for Newcastle.Daily Mirror
Manchester City are in talks to sign Brazil's £30million-rated World Cup star Ramires from Benfica.
City have turned their attention to midfielder Ramires after hitting a brick wall in their pursuit of Aston Villa and England's James Milner.
Although City have not yet given up on Milner, boss Roberto Mancini is keen to sign Ramires following the 23-year-old's impressive form for Brazil in South Africa, where he featured in four of their games.
Real Madrid, Chelsea and Fiorentina have also looked at Ramires, who joined Benfica from Brazilian side Cruzeiro last summer for £5m and immediately established himself as a formidable midfield threat.
Mirror Sport understands there has been contact between Ramires' agent Giuliano Bertolucci and City, who have already done business with the £19m signing of striker Jo from CSKA Moscow.
Although Ramires has a £30m buy-out clause within his contract, City are hopeful of landing the player for a reduced fee of around £22m. Mirror
SWP aims to be quick out of the blocks after motivational speech from Carl Lewis
Shaun Wright-Phillips is determined to hit the ground running thanks to a motivational chat from Carl Lewis.
Wright-Phillips has joined Manchester City's pre-season training camp in America and wants to get over the crushing disappointment of England's woeful World Cup campaign.
The winger is focused on the new campaign and aims to be quick out of the blocks after listening to Lewis.
The US legendary athlete spoke to Wright-Phillips and his City team-mates at their training camp at Nike's HQ in Portland, Oregon, in his role as a Nike ambassador about the sacrifices needed to be a winner.
And the England international is pleased to be back at work following a short break down the coast in Los Angeles.
"It was disappointing what happened in the summer at the World Cup, but now it's time get the head down, pull on the boots and get on with it again," he said.
"I was in LA for a while being well looked after and now I'm ready to go.
There's not one problem and I'm looking forward to playing again. Training isn't work for me, it's a pleasure."
Behind the smiles, Wright-Phillips knows he faces a big season at City and he must battle Adam Johnson for the right-wing role.
His future is also uncertain because his contract wrangle with the club remains unresolved and he must convince Roberto Mancini he deserves to be a regular in his fast-evolving Blues team.
For now, Wright-Phillips is content to be back among his City pals after England's unhappy time in South Africa.
"My only focus is to get on the pitch and do my thing," he said. "I'm delighted to be back with the lads and straight into the craic and the banter.
"At the end of the day, playing football is all about enjoying yourself and if you cannot do that, you'll never be happy."
Wright-Phillips, 28, is the second of City's England World Cup players to return to training and the last - Gareth Barry - is due to meet up with the squad in the next 24 hours for the New York leg of their tour.
The Blues play Sporting Lisbon in New Jersey's Red Bull Arena on Friday and Micah Richards claims the arrival of the bubbly Wright-Phillips has lifted everyone in their travelling party.
"It was great to welcome Shaun back into the squad," said the defender.
"He was beaming when he arrived, in really good form, and always lifts the place.
"That's one of the great things about this tour that lads are coming in at different times and there's always a new face to have some banter with." Mirror
JOE HART has revealed how he cut short his summer holidays in a bid to nail down the No1 jersey for both club and country.
The Manchester City star took less than three weeks off following England's dismal World Cup exit before joining his club team-mates in America.
Having spent the tournament in South Africa kicking his heels on the bench, he is desperate to break into the national team.
And he is ready to go head-to-head with Shay Given for the role as Roberto Mancini's first-choice stopper at Eastlands.
His first task will be to get the nod from Fabio Capello as the Three Lions boss prepares to ring the changes for the friendly against Hungary on August 11.
Hart, 23, said: "What happened at the World Cup hurt everyone but we've got to move on.
"I was keen to get back. I've had a couple of weeks off and feel fine now.
"People say there'll be other World Cups ahead of me but I just want to be playing all the time.
"I enjoyed it in South Africa and tried to get behind Greeny and Jamo as best as I could. I tried to do my bit but I wanted to play.
"I kicked every ball, like a glorified fan, on the front row seat.
"I wanted the lads to do so well - everyone did - and it was such a shame it didn't go as we hoped.
"Out there, none of us had a clue what was going on. It was all kept to within two hours of the kick-off.
"We all prepared like we were playing and waited for the tap on the shoulder."
City loaned Hart out to Birmingham last season but now want him to battle it out with Given, who is nearing fitness after a shoulder injury.
Eastlands boss Mancini is ready to utilise his squad to the full, with a busy fixture list at home and in Europe on the horizon.
But Hart insists he has not come back to City to play a bit-part role and wants to keep Republic of Ireland legend Given on the sidelines.
Hart added: "I think Shay is fine. He'll definitely be fit for the start of the season so we'll have to see how it pans out. It's not really up to me.
"I just want to play and we'll have to see how it works out. At the moment, it feels great to be back here. It's like I've never been away.
"I just enjoyed playing at Birmingham, it's what I love doing."
Hart reckons it is an exciting time for him to be coming back to City as they embark on another major spending spree.
Yaya Toure, David Silva and Jerome Boateng have all arrived, with the prospect of more to follow in the next couple of weeks.
The former Shrewsbury keeper said: "I met the manager for the first time when I came out here and he seems good.
"He's got good intentions for the club and he's bringing the right people in.
"He's bought some great players and they have to be of that kind of calibre now, otherwise there's no point in signing them." Sun
Wolfsburg boss Steve McLaren fails in bid to sign Manchester City misfit Craig Bellamy on loan
Steve McClaren has failed in a fresh bid to take Craig Bellamy on a season's loan.
Wolfsburg's boss had originally hoped to strike a permanent deal for the Wales captain but was rebuffed six weeks ago. He returned over the weekend hoping to lure Bellamy to Germany on a temporary deal but that too has been rejected. Mail
ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC will snub Manchester City's interest in him and stay at Barcelona.
The Swedish striker has been linked with a move to Eastlands, with City boss Roberto Mancini keen to be reunited with the player he coached during their time at Inter Milan.
The 28-year-old joined Barca from the Serie A side last summer in a £60million deal which included Samuel Eto'o moving in the opposite direction.
Ibrahimovic scored 16 goals in 29 games in Spain last season but could find his starting place under threat following Barca's £35m acquisition of David Villa.
And Nou Camp boss Pep Guardiola has hinted he is prepared to listen to offers for the former Ajax forward.
But Ibrahimovic's agent, Mino Raiola insists his client will be staying with the Catalan side.
He said: "Zlatan has a contract with Barca and he wants to show his value 100 per cent.
"He is focused and he wants to start the season in style with Barcelona." Sun
Manchester City and United face late competition from Chelsea in Mario Balotelli chase as Blues seek alternative to Fernando Torres Chelsea could make a late bid to snatch Mario Balotelli from the clutches of Manchester United or City.
The 19-year-old is inching towards an exit from Inter Milan following talks between his agent and delegations from both Manchester clubs.
But with Carlo Ancelotti a self-confessed fan of Balotelli, reports in Italy claim Chelsea are being kept informed about negotiations in case their difficult bid to prise Fernando Torres from Liverpool fails. Mail
Didier Drogba's agent has also hinted there could be a surprise before the end of the transfer window, though Manchester City have rubbished reports that they have made a move for the Chelsea striker.
City are, though, very much in the running for Balotelli despite having an opening £20million bid rejected.
Inter are asking for £34m amid the increased interest, while reports in Italy say United are offering the best personal terms to the Italy Under 21 international.
City remain keen on Wolfsburg's Edin Dzeko, while Barcelona's Zlatan Ibrahimovic could yet be a fallback option.
Chelsea's No 1 priority remains Torres, but the Spain striker feels loyalty to the Reds and would be keen to stay if the club show signs of being competitive once more.
The Blues have also previously tracked Atletico Madrid's Sergio Aguero and Alexandre Pato of AC Milan, but Ancelotti recently admitted his admiration for Balotelli.
'It's difficult to find a young player with this quality,' said Ancelotti. 'Even England struggles to find a player at this level.' Mail
Sampdoria, meanwhile, are confident of signing City winger Vladimir Weiss. Mirror
Wolves, West Ham and Blackburn are locked in three-way tussle to sign striker Benjani, who is a free agent after leaving Manchester City. Mirror
WAG OF THE DAY
TRANSFER BOLLOX
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is back on the trail of Werder Bremen's German World Cup star Mezut Ozil. Ferguson missed out on signing midfielder Ozil as a teenager. the Sun
Chelsea have had a £16.9m offer for 18-year-old Brazilian forward Neymar turned down by Santos. Daily Mail
Blues chairman Bruce Buck has warned left-back Ashley Cole against a summer move to Real Madrid. the Guardian
Barcelona star Xavi has warned Arsenal they only have midfielder Cesc Fabregas "on loan" and that the Gunners captain will eventually return to the Nou Camp, where he started his career. Daily Express
Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer has been offered a player-coach role to join Arsenal. Daily Express
Liverpool want to sell David Ngog for £6m as they try to raise funds for new signings. Daily Mirror
Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko is on the verge of a season-long switch to Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon. Daily Mail
Spurs are at the head of the queue to sign Real Madrid striker Raul, who is available on a free transfer. the Sun
West Ham are set to finalise a move for Lyon defender Francois Clerc, who is available on a free transfer having seen out his contract with the French club. Daily Mirror
But Tal Ben-Haim's proposed move to West Ham and a reunion with former Portsmouth manager Avram Grant is on the verge of collapse after the defender failed a medical. (the Times)
And Nice have rejected the Hammers' £12.5m bid for Loic Remy as the London club battle with Liverpool and another unnamed Premier League side to sign the striker. the Independent
Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho is plotting a raid on former club Chelsea to sign defender Ricardo Carvalho, who he brought to Stamford Bridge from another of his former clubs Porto in 2004. Daily Mirror
Real Madrid midfielder Mahamadou Diarra has committed himself to the Spanish, club despite an approach from Newcastle. the Independent
Wigan centre-back Titus Bramble is set to complete a £1m move to Sunderland, where he will be reunited with ex-Latics boss Steve Bruce. Daily Telegraph
Everton striker Lukas Jutkiewicz is joining Coventry City on loan. Daily Mail
Blackpool are leading the race to sign former West Brom midfielder Robert Koren on a free transfer. Daily Mail
Celtic manager Neil Lennon has confirmed that Portsmouth goalkeeper David James is high on his list of targets to replace Artur Boruc, who has joined Fiorentina. (Daily Record)
OTHER BOLLOX
Chelsea keeper Petr Cech could be ruled out for the champions' Premier League opener against West Brom in August after suffering a calf injury in training on Tuesday. the Independent
Argentine news agency Telam is reporting that Diego Maradona will remain in charge of the national side, a decision he is expected to announce next week after meeting with Argentine Football Association president Julio Grondona. (Associated Press)
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes striker Wayne Rooney can put his World Cup misery with England behind him to become the complete player this season. Daily Mirror
Ferguson has accused the Football Association of handicapping the England team by refusing to introduce a winter break during the domestic season. the Guardian
West Ham's bid to move into the Olympic Stadium after the 2012 Games received a boost after the company behind the huge shopping centre that will dominate the entrance to the site said it would back the idea. the Guardian
AC Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi laid down the law to new coach Massimiliano Allegri at a press conference by demanding that he play two strikers. Berlusconi fell out with former coach Leonardo because of his lone striker tactics last season. the Guardian
A ban may be imposed on vuvuzelas at Wembley in time for the Community Shield and England's friendly against Hungary in August. (Daily Telegraph)
Striker Andy Carroll says he can handle the "spine-tingling" burden of following Alan Shearer, Malcolm Macdonald and Jackie Milburn by wearing the number nine shirt for Newcastle.Daily Mirror