Friday's B*ll*x (updated)
Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2011 7:14 amManchester United are willing to edge out rivals Manchester City by offering ‘top dollar’ for Napoli star Edinson Cavani, according to Italian news source Direttanews.
Cavani was strongly linked with a move to Manchester City, and despite the Uruguay international signing a five year contract with on-loan club Napoli, City were still reportedly prepared to make an offer to snare the striker.
Manchester City scouts attended a match during the season where Cavani scored a hattrick in a 4-3 win over Lazio, and the scouts were said to be very impressed with what they saw.
City coach Attilio Lombardo recently said that the Eastlands club were pursuing Cavani, with Arsenal and Tottenham also connected to the star.
"I hope there can be some negotiations between Napoli and Manchester City, especially as I'd see one of their three forwards would really suit City," Lombardo told reporters.
"The trio of Edinson Cavani, Marek Hamsik and Ezequiel Lavezzi would bring success to any club.”
But after word got around that Cavani could be a star in England, Manchester United have reportedly decided they want to make a bid for the star.
While City have a much higher budget than Manchester United, United have decided that money is no object as they chase Cavani.
The head-to-head battle for Cavani will bring up a long standing rivalry between United and City for signings, with the two clubs also currently competing for Alexis Sanchez, Javier Pastore, and Wesley Sneijder.
View from a blue
Why Garry Cook Should be Praised and not Ridiculed
It’s not often I’m provoked in writing an article based on what is produced in a paper. Occasionally, there might be a piece (normally by the pathetic Tony Cascarino) that slates City and so angers me into a response. But I’m writing this article as a sort of follow up to a fantastic interview I read in the Independent by Nick Szczepanik. It wasn’t even mainly focussed on City: instead, it was about Brentford’s new manager, and former City legend, Uwe Rösler.
In particular, it was a quote by the German that struck me and led me to write this. Questioned whether the character of the club had changed since Sheikh Mansour took over, Rösler said ”I have to say the new owners are very interested in keeping the tradition and history of the club. They looked after my family when we moved over, helped us out with schools – after all these years and with a lot of people in charge who never saw me play.”
For the part I’ve highlighted in bold, credit must be given to the likes of the oft-criticised Garry Cook and Brian Marwood. Cook has taken a lot of stick over the past couple of years for a number of high-profile gaffes, but behind the scenes, he is doing a superb job in various areas.
The work he does in retaining the strong links between the different generations of players should not be underestimated, as shown by the countless former Blues who were present at Wembley for both the semi final and then the final. Cook has been integral in maintaining the link between past and present, and it’s thanks to him that former City greats, such as Mike Summerbee and Tony Book, still maintain strong links with the club.
For a club with so much potential for the future, it would be all too easy to forget past achievements, but Cook and Khaldoon Al-Mubarak have worked tirelessly to look after former players and make sure their work won’t be forgotten. The emotional wave of support for and then subsequent moving tribute to Neil Young against Leicester with the introduction of red and black scarves, although initiated by the fans, was heavily supported by Cook.
The work he does away from the public eye often goes unnoticed but is a prime example of how successful our beloved football club can become. In creating links in America and Sierra Leone, where he has cultivated close relationships with children’s academies and supporters clubs, he has shown himself to be a man of great integrity and in the words of Tony Hernandez, the principal of the school to whom City dedicated a rooftop pitch, a ‘people’s person’.
Linking back to what Rösler said, it’s tough to imagine many other Premier League clubs supporting former players to the extent of helping them find appropriate schools for their children. They might provide tickets for the odd game here or there, but I get the impression that the likes of Mubarak, Cook, Marwood and others genuinely care about our former stars. We should be proud of the work our board is doing in making erstwhile figures proud of the current set-up, so instead of sending criticism his way, I believe it’s time the efforts of Garry Cook ought to be applauded.
Manchester City's Emmanuel Adebayor snubs Zenit interest
The striker insists that he loves Russia but concedes now is not the time in his career to ply his trade in eastern Europe
Manchester City's Emmanuel Adebayor has dismissed a potential move to Zenit St Petersburg after the Russian side registered their interest in the striker earlier this week.
Adebayor spent the second half of last season on loan at Real Madrid, after enduring a stuttering start to the campaign at Eastlands.
City are set to lose a significant part of their £25 million outlay as they look to offload the 27-year-old this summer, although his high wage demands have proved a stumbling block for any permanent switch to the Bernabeu.
"I want to make it clear in Africa, today, that there is no chance of me going to Zenit, so I think I have to be very clear to everyone that I, Adebayor Sheyi Emmanuel, will never be going to Zenit," Adebayor told Boss FM.
Despite the snub, Adebayor believes a potential move to Russia could be a possibility in the future.
"I even have an ex-girlfriend who is from Russia so there is nothing about Russia.
"I love the country but I dont think I can see myself playing in the Russia league.
"There is nothing bad about Russia, but I cannot see myself there playing football [at the moment].”
Adebayor is confident he has nothing to prove within the game and feels there is no pressure that accompanies his price tag.
"I just want to keep on enjoying my life," he said.
"I don’t have anything to prove to anybody anymore in football. I have done a lot of things in football.
"I have scored important goals and played in big games so for me, in my head, I don’t have any pressure at all."
The striker believes his loan spell at Jose Mourinho's side was a success and concedes he would be happy to remain at Eastlands next season.
"If I have to go to Man City, I will do that with pleasure and if I have to stay in Madrid, I will stay with pleasure because at the end of the day, what is important is, I want to play," he said.
"When I was not playing at Manchester [City], I knew there were lots of criticism and people were saying maybe I was not really good enough to play football and you know when I joined Madrid, I proved everyone that they were wrong so for me today, I’m very happy for that and it doesn’t really matter where I’m going to next season.
"Right now, I’m enjoying my holidays and I leave the rest of the job in my manager’s hand.
"He is there to find me a club, that is his job.”
Rosler's Bollox
Brentford boss Rosler planning raid of former club for Man City youngsters
Manchester City are considering an offer from former striker Uwe Rosler to take their most promising fringe talent to Brentford next season.
Rosler was unveiled as Brentford’s new manager last week and he is already plotting a multiple raid on his ex-employers.
The former City forward - who scored 65 goals for the club - has held discussions with Eastlands chief executive Garry Cook and football administrator Brian Marwood about taking the mega-rich club’s top youngsters on loan.
New man in charge: Rosler was unveiled at Brentford last week
Eastlands right-back Shaleum Logan is the League One club’s first target and Rosler is keen for more to follow.
Manchester City will scrap their reserve team ahead of the new season to focus on the NextGen Series - a new Under-19s tournament involving some of the top clubs in Europe.
But players who are not eligible to participate in the Champions League-style competition are facing up to the prospect of limited competitive football due to the club’s decision to ditch their second string.
With first-team chances limited, City intend to send their young fringe players out on loan to gain valuable first-team experience and Rosler has already stolen a march on rivals clubs who are also keen on attracting Eastlands’ youngsters.
Bees confirm Logan deal
BRENTFORD have confirmed the signing of former Manchester City full-back Shaleum Logan.
I exclusively revealed yesterday that the 23-year-old was set to become Uwe Rosler's first signing as Bees boss.
Logan came through the ranks at Eastland, but only only made a handful of appearances for the club, spending spells out on loan at Grimsby, Scunthorpe, Stockport and Tranmere.
He will provide competition for Mickey Spillane and Craig Woodman for the full-back berths.
Logan has agreed a one-year deal at Griffin Park, with a clause to extend the deal by a further year if he plays a certain number of games.
OTHER BOLLOX
Arsenal have rejected a £27m offer from Barcelona for midfielder Cesc Fabregas, with the London club placing a minimum £44m valuation on the 24-year-old. Daily Telegraph
Arsenal have reopened negotiations with Argentine side Velez Sarsfield regarding midfielder Ricardo Alvarez, who is also wanted by Inter Milan, Malaga, Sevilla, Roma and Schalke. Daily Mail
Tottenham have moved a step closer to signing former Manchester United forward Diego Forlan after Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo confirmed the striker's "first choice would be England". Metro
Chelsea will not pay £45m for highly rated Santos forward Neymar, who is also wanted by Real Madrid. Daily Express
Manchester United will not stop at the signing of Ashley Young with manager Sir Alex Ferguson set to break the £80m barrier for the summer by bringing in Atletico Madrid goalkeeper David De Gea and Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric. Metro
Atletico have found a replacement for De Gea but are locked in a battle with Chelsea for the signature of Genk's highly rated keeper Thibaut Courtois. talkSHIT
Manchester United may have signed Young but they have missed out on Lens defender Raphael Varane, who is to join Real Madrid this summer. Independent
Chelsea are closing in on the £26.5m signing of Porto striker Radamel Falcao after the 25-year-old accepted a £5m-a-year contract in principle. Daily Mail
New Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas could be open to the idea of striker Didier Drogba staying at Stamford Bridge, despite the imminent arrival of Falcao. Daily Telegraph
Liverpool are ready to sell midfielder Raul Meireles despite his fine end to last season with Juventus offering £13.5m for the Portuguese international. Metro
Former Real Madrid midfielder Mahamadou Diarra wants to join Fulham. Daily Star
Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish is preparing to join Wigan in the £5m battle for Bolton goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi. Daily Star
Newcastle winger Jonas Gutierrez is wanted by Spanish clubs Atletico Madrid and Sevilla. the Sun
Blackburn are prepared to double their £6m offer for Freiburg striker Papiss Cisse to fend off interest from Lokomotiv Moscow and Zenit St Petersberg. Daily Mail
However, Rovers defender Christopher Samba has asked the club to let him move to Arsenal, who are prepared to pay £12m for the 27-year-old. Daily Mirror
Stoke are the latest club linked with Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge, with manager Tony Pulis ready to make a £6m bid for the England Under-21 international. Daily Mirror
Pulis is also keen on Crystal Palace striker Wilfried Zaha, who is being tracked by Fulham. talkSHIT
Mexico striker Carlos Vela has been told by Arsenal that he will not be sold this summer. the Sun
Villarreal want to sign Tottenham midfielder Sandro for £12m. Daily Mirror
QPR are ready to make an offer for Portsmouth centre-back Tal Ben Haim. Daily Star
And Rangers boss Neil Warnock may bid £2m for Reading winger Jobi McAnuff. the Sun
Former England boss Steve McClaren is set to make ex-Derby and West Brom winger Giles Barnes his first signing at Nottingham Forest. Daily Mirror
West Ham defender Herita Ilunga is ready to turn down transfers to Bolton and QPR to join Greek champions Olympiakos. talkSHIT
Birmingham have stepped up their compensation bid against both Aston Villa and Alex McLeish and have sent final legal letters to both demanding cash.Daily Mirror
Manchester United winger Antonio Valencia has vowed to fight for his first-team place after the arrival of Ashley Young from Aston Villa.the Sun
England Women striker Kelly Smith has admitted in a frank interview that she had a drinking problem a few years ago. She says: "I'd drink every day until I passed out, vodka usually, and usually on my own, and every time I got another injury it would spiral more out of control." Independent
A freakish late equaliser scored by Canada goalkeeper Quillan Roberts from inside his own half denied England Under-17s the win that would have sealed their progress to the knockout stages of the World Cup in Mexico. Daily Mail
Cavani was strongly linked with a move to Manchester City, and despite the Uruguay international signing a five year contract with on-loan club Napoli, City were still reportedly prepared to make an offer to snare the striker.
Manchester City scouts attended a match during the season where Cavani scored a hattrick in a 4-3 win over Lazio, and the scouts were said to be very impressed with what they saw.
City coach Attilio Lombardo recently said that the Eastlands club were pursuing Cavani, with Arsenal and Tottenham also connected to the star.
"I hope there can be some negotiations between Napoli and Manchester City, especially as I'd see one of their three forwards would really suit City," Lombardo told reporters.
"The trio of Edinson Cavani, Marek Hamsik and Ezequiel Lavezzi would bring success to any club.”
But after word got around that Cavani could be a star in England, Manchester United have reportedly decided they want to make a bid for the star.
While City have a much higher budget than Manchester United, United have decided that money is no object as they chase Cavani.
The head-to-head battle for Cavani will bring up a long standing rivalry between United and City for signings, with the two clubs also currently competing for Alexis Sanchez, Javier Pastore, and Wesley Sneijder.
View from a blue
Why Garry Cook Should be Praised and not Ridiculed
It’s not often I’m provoked in writing an article based on what is produced in a paper. Occasionally, there might be a piece (normally by the pathetic Tony Cascarino) that slates City and so angers me into a response. But I’m writing this article as a sort of follow up to a fantastic interview I read in the Independent by Nick Szczepanik. It wasn’t even mainly focussed on City: instead, it was about Brentford’s new manager, and former City legend, Uwe Rösler.
In particular, it was a quote by the German that struck me and led me to write this. Questioned whether the character of the club had changed since Sheikh Mansour took over, Rösler said ”I have to say the new owners are very interested in keeping the tradition and history of the club. They looked after my family when we moved over, helped us out with schools – after all these years and with a lot of people in charge who never saw me play.”
For the part I’ve highlighted in bold, credit must be given to the likes of the oft-criticised Garry Cook and Brian Marwood. Cook has taken a lot of stick over the past couple of years for a number of high-profile gaffes, but behind the scenes, he is doing a superb job in various areas.
The work he does in retaining the strong links between the different generations of players should not be underestimated, as shown by the countless former Blues who were present at Wembley for both the semi final and then the final. Cook has been integral in maintaining the link between past and present, and it’s thanks to him that former City greats, such as Mike Summerbee and Tony Book, still maintain strong links with the club.
For a club with so much potential for the future, it would be all too easy to forget past achievements, but Cook and Khaldoon Al-Mubarak have worked tirelessly to look after former players and make sure their work won’t be forgotten. The emotional wave of support for and then subsequent moving tribute to Neil Young against Leicester with the introduction of red and black scarves, although initiated by the fans, was heavily supported by Cook.
The work he does away from the public eye often goes unnoticed but is a prime example of how successful our beloved football club can become. In creating links in America and Sierra Leone, where he has cultivated close relationships with children’s academies and supporters clubs, he has shown himself to be a man of great integrity and in the words of Tony Hernandez, the principal of the school to whom City dedicated a rooftop pitch, a ‘people’s person’.
Linking back to what Rösler said, it’s tough to imagine many other Premier League clubs supporting former players to the extent of helping them find appropriate schools for their children. They might provide tickets for the odd game here or there, but I get the impression that the likes of Mubarak, Cook, Marwood and others genuinely care about our former stars. We should be proud of the work our board is doing in making erstwhile figures proud of the current set-up, so instead of sending criticism his way, I believe it’s time the efforts of Garry Cook ought to be applauded.
Manchester City's Emmanuel Adebayor snubs Zenit interest
The striker insists that he loves Russia but concedes now is not the time in his career to ply his trade in eastern Europe
Manchester City's Emmanuel Adebayor has dismissed a potential move to Zenit St Petersburg after the Russian side registered their interest in the striker earlier this week.
Adebayor spent the second half of last season on loan at Real Madrid, after enduring a stuttering start to the campaign at Eastlands.
City are set to lose a significant part of their £25 million outlay as they look to offload the 27-year-old this summer, although his high wage demands have proved a stumbling block for any permanent switch to the Bernabeu.
"I want to make it clear in Africa, today, that there is no chance of me going to Zenit, so I think I have to be very clear to everyone that I, Adebayor Sheyi Emmanuel, will never be going to Zenit," Adebayor told Boss FM.
Despite the snub, Adebayor believes a potential move to Russia could be a possibility in the future.
"I even have an ex-girlfriend who is from Russia so there is nothing about Russia.
"I love the country but I dont think I can see myself playing in the Russia league.
"There is nothing bad about Russia, but I cannot see myself there playing football [at the moment].”
Adebayor is confident he has nothing to prove within the game and feels there is no pressure that accompanies his price tag.
"I just want to keep on enjoying my life," he said.
"I don’t have anything to prove to anybody anymore in football. I have done a lot of things in football.
"I have scored important goals and played in big games so for me, in my head, I don’t have any pressure at all."
The striker believes his loan spell at Jose Mourinho's side was a success and concedes he would be happy to remain at Eastlands next season.
"If I have to go to Man City, I will do that with pleasure and if I have to stay in Madrid, I will stay with pleasure because at the end of the day, what is important is, I want to play," he said.
"When I was not playing at Manchester [City], I knew there were lots of criticism and people were saying maybe I was not really good enough to play football and you know when I joined Madrid, I proved everyone that they were wrong so for me today, I’m very happy for that and it doesn’t really matter where I’m going to next season.
"Right now, I’m enjoying my holidays and I leave the rest of the job in my manager’s hand.
"He is there to find me a club, that is his job.”
Rosler's Bollox
Brentford boss Rosler planning raid of former club for Man City youngsters
Manchester City are considering an offer from former striker Uwe Rosler to take their most promising fringe talent to Brentford next season.
Rosler was unveiled as Brentford’s new manager last week and he is already plotting a multiple raid on his ex-employers.
The former City forward - who scored 65 goals for the club - has held discussions with Eastlands chief executive Garry Cook and football administrator Brian Marwood about taking the mega-rich club’s top youngsters on loan.
New man in charge: Rosler was unveiled at Brentford last week
Eastlands right-back Shaleum Logan is the League One club’s first target and Rosler is keen for more to follow.
Manchester City will scrap their reserve team ahead of the new season to focus on the NextGen Series - a new Under-19s tournament involving some of the top clubs in Europe.
But players who are not eligible to participate in the Champions League-style competition are facing up to the prospect of limited competitive football due to the club’s decision to ditch their second string.
With first-team chances limited, City intend to send their young fringe players out on loan to gain valuable first-team experience and Rosler has already stolen a march on rivals clubs who are also keen on attracting Eastlands’ youngsters.
Bees confirm Logan deal
BRENTFORD have confirmed the signing of former Manchester City full-back Shaleum Logan.
I exclusively revealed yesterday that the 23-year-old was set to become Uwe Rosler's first signing as Bees boss.
Logan came through the ranks at Eastland, but only only made a handful of appearances for the club, spending spells out on loan at Grimsby, Scunthorpe, Stockport and Tranmere.
He will provide competition for Mickey Spillane and Craig Woodman for the full-back berths.
Logan has agreed a one-year deal at Griffin Park, with a clause to extend the deal by a further year if he plays a certain number of games.
OTHER BOLLOX
Arsenal have rejected a £27m offer from Barcelona for midfielder Cesc Fabregas, with the London club placing a minimum £44m valuation on the 24-year-old. Daily Telegraph
Arsenal have reopened negotiations with Argentine side Velez Sarsfield regarding midfielder Ricardo Alvarez, who is also wanted by Inter Milan, Malaga, Sevilla, Roma and Schalke. Daily Mail
Tottenham have moved a step closer to signing former Manchester United forward Diego Forlan after Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo confirmed the striker's "first choice would be England". Metro
Chelsea will not pay £45m for highly rated Santos forward Neymar, who is also wanted by Real Madrid. Daily Express
Manchester United will not stop at the signing of Ashley Young with manager Sir Alex Ferguson set to break the £80m barrier for the summer by bringing in Atletico Madrid goalkeeper David De Gea and Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric. Metro
Atletico have found a replacement for De Gea but are locked in a battle with Chelsea for the signature of Genk's highly rated keeper Thibaut Courtois. talkSHIT
Manchester United may have signed Young but they have missed out on Lens defender Raphael Varane, who is to join Real Madrid this summer. Independent
Chelsea are closing in on the £26.5m signing of Porto striker Radamel Falcao after the 25-year-old accepted a £5m-a-year contract in principle. Daily Mail
New Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas could be open to the idea of striker Didier Drogba staying at Stamford Bridge, despite the imminent arrival of Falcao. Daily Telegraph
Liverpool are ready to sell midfielder Raul Meireles despite his fine end to last season with Juventus offering £13.5m for the Portuguese international. Metro
Former Real Madrid midfielder Mahamadou Diarra wants to join Fulham. Daily Star
Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish is preparing to join Wigan in the £5m battle for Bolton goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi. Daily Star
Newcastle winger Jonas Gutierrez is wanted by Spanish clubs Atletico Madrid and Sevilla. the Sun
Blackburn are prepared to double their £6m offer for Freiburg striker Papiss Cisse to fend off interest from Lokomotiv Moscow and Zenit St Petersberg. Daily Mail
However, Rovers defender Christopher Samba has asked the club to let him move to Arsenal, who are prepared to pay £12m for the 27-year-old. Daily Mirror
Stoke are the latest club linked with Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge, with manager Tony Pulis ready to make a £6m bid for the England Under-21 international. Daily Mirror
Pulis is also keen on Crystal Palace striker Wilfried Zaha, who is being tracked by Fulham. talkSHIT
Mexico striker Carlos Vela has been told by Arsenal that he will not be sold this summer. the Sun
Villarreal want to sign Tottenham midfielder Sandro for £12m. Daily Mirror
QPR are ready to make an offer for Portsmouth centre-back Tal Ben Haim. Daily Star
And Rangers boss Neil Warnock may bid £2m for Reading winger Jobi McAnuff. the Sun
Former England boss Steve McClaren is set to make ex-Derby and West Brom winger Giles Barnes his first signing at Nottingham Forest. Daily Mirror
West Ham defender Herita Ilunga is ready to turn down transfers to Bolton and QPR to join Greek champions Olympiakos. talkSHIT
Birmingham have stepped up their compensation bid against both Aston Villa and Alex McLeish and have sent final legal letters to both demanding cash.Daily Mirror
Manchester United winger Antonio Valencia has vowed to fight for his first-team place after the arrival of Ashley Young from Aston Villa.the Sun
England Women striker Kelly Smith has admitted in a frank interview that she had a drinking problem a few years ago. She says: "I'd drink every day until I passed out, vodka usually, and usually on my own, and every time I got another injury it would spiral more out of control." Independent
A freakish late equaliser scored by Canada goalkeeper Quillan Roberts from inside his own half denied England Under-17s the win that would have sealed their progress to the knockout stages of the World Cup in Mexico. Daily Mail