Thursday's B*ll*x
Posted: Thu Jan 05, 2012 12:29 pmDear reader (Gillie), apologies for the delay with todays B*ll*x but I think you will find todays edition plump and full to bursting ...
Kolo & Yaya Toure will miss Manchester City FA Cup tie
Ivory Coast coach Francois Zahoui has rejected Manchester City's request to play Yaya and Kolo Toure in Sunday's Manchester derby in the FA Cup.
"Clubs know the rules," Zahoui told BBC Africa. "I'm expecting them [the Toures] for the Fifa deadline."
City boss Mancini had asked Zahoui if the Toure brothers could play on Sunday before joining the Ivory Coast camp.
Under Fifa rules, players can be called up two weeks before the competition, which starts on 21 January.
City and United, currently first and second in the Premier League respectively, are meeting at Etihad Stadium in the FA Cup third round on Sunday.
In his news conference on Thursday morning, Mancini revealed he had requested for the Toure brothers to delay their departure for the Africa Cup of Nations.
But Zahoui has insisted they report for a meeting in Paris on Saturday before the squad flies out to Abu Dhabi for a two-week training camp, starting on Sunday.
The Toure brothers are pivotal players for Manchester City, and both started in the 3-0 Premier League victory over Liverpool on Tuesday night.
Yaya, whose powerful drives from midfield are a feature of City's attacking play, scored the winner in both the FA Cup semi-final and final last season, and has six goals in his last 13 games.
Kolo has displaced Joleon Lescott at the heart of City's defence since returning from a six-month ban for failing a drugs test.
Carlos Tevez exit could pave way for Roma midfielder to join Manchester City
Compare Sky TV Deals Roberto Mancini is planning a transfer market swoop for a midfielder – if Manchester City can shift Carlos Tevez in the next few days.
The Blues boss was tight-lipped about targets, but speculation is rife in Italy that Roma star Daniele de Rossi is heading for the exit door, and Mancini is a long-term admirer.
It has also been reported that Inter Milan’s sporting director Marco Branca has flown to England to talk to an “unnamed team” about a possible deal for Wesley Sneijder.
Inter Milan are said to be ready for a £21million bid for Tevez which might just start a bidding war with Juventus, AC Milan and Paris St Germain, with Corinthians also watching developments closely.
City moved back clear at the top of the Premier League on Tuesday night with a convincing 3-0 win over Liverpool, and afterwards Mancini was hoping for a swift resolution to the Tevez saga.
He also felt that Wayne Bridge is close to leaving, with Arsenal coming in for the left-back.
“We need to sell three or four players and with Carlos we could close with a club in the next three or four days, and also possibly Wayne,” said Mancini. “Then maybe we can do something.
“We hope for us and for Carlos we can do a deal. There are two or three teams in Italy, a team in France, and another team involved - I hope for him he can start to play football.
De Rossi has reportedly been given an ultimatum by Roma, to accept a new contract by Friday or see it withdrawn.
Mancini admits he wants a midfielder, with Yaya Toure – a key man last night – set to fly out to the Africa Cup of Nations after Sunday’s FA Cup clash with United.
Asked about de Rossi, the manager said: “I don’t know. De Rossi is a top player, like Yaya, but he plays for Roma, a top team, and he was born there. I don’t know if he will leave.
“We could maybe bring someone in, but we need to sell.
“We have three strikers, plus Samir, David and Adam Johnson. Maybe we need one midfielder if we can do it.”
QPR make offers for two new defenders
QPR manager Neil Warnock has tabled a £3million bid for Aston Villa and Wales defender James Collins and offered £2.5m for Manchester City's Nedum Onuoha as he steps up his recruitment drive.
Warnock has moved to test Villa's resolve to keep the former West Ham stopper with an offer to bring him back to London.
Collins, 28, has 18 months left on his current deal and has been in talks with Villa manager Alex McLeish over a two-year extension.
But Warnock is making a bold attempt to pinch the giant centre-half ahead of rivals Sunderland and Bolton.
Villa are under pressure to sell players to raise funds for McLeish and could be tempted to cash in.
Collins has been a regular this season, but could be a casualty of Villa's sell-to-buy policy.
Warnock is also battling to for versatile defender Onuoha.
The 25-year-old will be allowed to leave Eastlands this month after making only two appearances in the Carling Cup for Roberto Mancini this season.
Warnock wants the go-ahead to have talks with the former England Under-21 international, who earns around £40,000 a week at City.
The QPR boss admires Onuoha's versatility and is keen to use the current transfer window to bring in proven Premier League players.
"We will be looking to improve the squad in January," said Warnock. "I know what I need and I will go and get them."
Kompany gives Manchester City fans special tweet as skipper asks for help with team-talk
Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany has asked fans to write his team-talk for the FA Cup derby clash.
City host Manchester United on Sunday and Kompany has taken to Twitter to invite supporters to write a rousing speech for his pre-match battle cry.
Defender Kompany said: 'Tweet me what you would say on derby day to inspire the team and I will make sure that on the day it makes a difference.'
The winner will receive a signed poster of Kompany with their words on it as well as his shirt and armband.
The Belgian has gathered an army of followers since joining the social networking site.
He added: 'I just hope that by joining I can get closer to the people that are prepared to support me in the good and bad times.
'I want to give them an insight into what it means to be playing for the fastest-growing club in the world and a young, promising national team.'
Cup holders City go into the match on the back of a 3-0 win over Liverpool - where 25-year-old Kompany was man of the match - while United are still smarting from defeat at Newcastle.
But United will be desperate for revenge for the 6-1 hammering City dished out at Old Trafford in October.
Man City and Carlisle Utd in talks over Chris Chantler deal
Carlisle United are in talks with Manchester City over Chris Chantler after Greg Abbott confirmed he wants to strike a long-term deal for the pint-sized prospect.
Chantler has returned to the Premier League leaders after his loan ended following Carlisle’s 3-2 win over Sheffield United on Monday.
The 21-year-old Chantler was an unused sub in that game at the end of a loan spell which saw him make one two-minute appearance at Charlton in the FA Cup.
Abbott, though, is convinced the 5ft 7in midfielder could be a star for the Blues if he is given time to develop.
“We like Chris and we would like to increase his loan if not do a permanent deal,” said the United manager.
Chantler is regarded as one for the future by Abbott, who has said the Etihad Stadium youngster’s lack of height need not hold him back.
The Blues boss has been impressed with Chantler’s technique and application in training and believes he could be an asset.
The Stockport-born youngster has been at City for more than 11 years and has been a regular for their Under-18 side and been part of their Elite Development Squad.
[spoiler]
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OTHER BOLLOX
Aston Villa have said that striker Darren Bent is not for sale at any price, despite continued interest from Liverpool. talkShit
However, Villa could make a move for Chelsea forward Didier Drogba as they prepare to receive January bids for Bent. Goal.com
Striker Thierry Henry's loan deal to Arsenal has hit a problem over his proposed return date to New York Red Bulls. Metro
Sir Alex Ferguson will look to finally land long-term target Wesley Sneijder this month after Inter Milan reportedly placed a £25m price tag on the Dutch playmaker. Caught Offside
Manchester United could also join the race to sign Gary Cahill. Bolton agreed a £7m fee with Chelsea for the England centre-back, but have failed to agree personal terms. Now United could make a move to bolster their injury-hit defence. the Sun
Chelsea's hopes of signing Cahill are under threat because the Bolton defender is upset his negotiations over personal terms have been made public. London Evening Standard
Meanwhile, the Blues are lining up a £12m move for Marseille right-back Cesar Azpilicueta, 22. Daily Mirror
Carlos Tevez leaves Etihad before the end of January. Manchester Evening News
Blackburn midfielder Mauro Formica says he has been denied a loan move to his former club Newell's Old Boys in Argentina. Daily Mail
North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham are going head-to-head in the race to sign Lille striker Moussa Sow, 25. talkShit
Fulham's attempt to bring Calcio Catania striker Maxi Lopez to Craven Cottage may be derailed by the Argentine's desire to keep playing top-flight football in Italy. London Evening Standard
Chelsea, Aston Villa and Malaga are reportedly keeping an eye on out-of-favour Borussia Dortmund striker Lucas Barrios. Bild
Tottenham's pursuit of Blackburn defender Christopher Samba has been boosted by the news that Rovers boss Steve Kean must sell to finance any major January moves.Daily Express
Liverpool have joined Paris St Germain and Marseille in the hunt for Sunderland midfielder Stephane Sessegnon, amid reports that the 27-year-old is unsettled in the North East. Metro
Chelsea are believed to be watching £35m-rated Napoli striker Edinson Cavani, with a view to a possible transfer. Daily Mail
Swansea are poised to tie up three new signings - and manager Brendan Rodgers is also hoping to add a fourth new face at the Liberty Stadium. South Wales Evening Post
Liverpool may enter the race to sign FC Twente's highly rated 21-year-old striker Luuk De Jong but will face hefty competition from Tottenham and Chelsea. Footybunker
Newcastle United have tabled a £4m bid for West Ham defender James Tomkins. Daily Star
Scotland manager Craig Levein has revealed Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher has been suffering with a serious illness for almost four years. Manchester Evening News
Blackburn boss Steve Kean faces a fight to keep hold of his assistant manager Paul Clement - less than three months after bringing him to Ewood Park. Newly appointed Paris Saint-Germain boss Carlo Ancelotti is keen on being reunited with Clement, having worked with him during his management tenure at Chelsea. Lancashire Telegraph
Newcastle playmaker Hatem Ben Arfa is unhappy with his bit-part role at Sports Direct Arena. the Sun
Norwich defender Adam Drury insists the Canaries will not get carried away with their lofty Premier League position. Paul Lambert's side are currently ninth in the table. Eastern Daily Press
Liverpool striker Luis Suarez's mum has launched a passionate defence of her son in the wake of the Patrice Evra racism row. Liverpool Echo
With the London 2012 Olympics a matter of months away, the Royal Mint has produced a series of coins, with one explaining the football offside rule. the Sun
TALKSHIT OF THE DAY
Mancini: I haven't got enough players for Man United match!
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has warned he may not have enough substitutes for this weekend’s FA Cup clash with Manchester United – despite the huge squad at his disposal.
The Eastlands boss is hoping Yaya and Kolo Toure will be allowed to delay their departure for the African Cup of Nations in order to play in the Third Round clash to aid him with his selection headache.
The pair are due to report for duty with the Ivory Coast, but Mancini has requested that they be allowed to miss a team meeting in Paris on Saturday, and the first part of a two-week training camp in Abu Dhabi that begins on Sunday.
"We have asked the Ivory Coast manager because they have a meeting in Paris on Saturday," said Mancini. "We have asked whether Kolo and Yaya can stay with us and then they can go to Abu Dhabi.
"We are waiting for an answer and I expect to know either today or tomorrow."
City are already without the suspended Gareth Barry for this weekend’s match, Owen Hargreaves is not considered fit enough to be involved and Mario Balotelli is troubled by an ankle injury that prevented him playing against both Sunderland and Liverpool.
"We have 17 players," added Mancini. "I do not know how it is going to work."
Kolo & Yaya Toure will miss Manchester City FA Cup tie
Ivory Coast coach Francois Zahoui has rejected Manchester City's request to play Yaya and Kolo Toure in Sunday's Manchester derby in the FA Cup.
"Clubs know the rules," Zahoui told BBC Africa. "I'm expecting them [the Toures] for the Fifa deadline."
City boss Mancini had asked Zahoui if the Toure brothers could play on Sunday before joining the Ivory Coast camp.
Under Fifa rules, players can be called up two weeks before the competition, which starts on 21 January.
City and United, currently first and second in the Premier League respectively, are meeting at Etihad Stadium in the FA Cup third round on Sunday.
In his news conference on Thursday morning, Mancini revealed he had requested for the Toure brothers to delay their departure for the Africa Cup of Nations.
But Zahoui has insisted they report for a meeting in Paris on Saturday before the squad flies out to Abu Dhabi for a two-week training camp, starting on Sunday.
The Toure brothers are pivotal players for Manchester City, and both started in the 3-0 Premier League victory over Liverpool on Tuesday night.
Yaya, whose powerful drives from midfield are a feature of City's attacking play, scored the winner in both the FA Cup semi-final and final last season, and has six goals in his last 13 games.
Kolo has displaced Joleon Lescott at the heart of City's defence since returning from a six-month ban for failing a drugs test.
Carlos Tevez exit could pave way for Roma midfielder to join Manchester City
Compare Sky TV Deals Roberto Mancini is planning a transfer market swoop for a midfielder – if Manchester City can shift Carlos Tevez in the next few days.
The Blues boss was tight-lipped about targets, but speculation is rife in Italy that Roma star Daniele de Rossi is heading for the exit door, and Mancini is a long-term admirer.
It has also been reported that Inter Milan’s sporting director Marco Branca has flown to England to talk to an “unnamed team” about a possible deal for Wesley Sneijder.
Inter Milan are said to be ready for a £21million bid for Tevez which might just start a bidding war with Juventus, AC Milan and Paris St Germain, with Corinthians also watching developments closely.
City moved back clear at the top of the Premier League on Tuesday night with a convincing 3-0 win over Liverpool, and afterwards Mancini was hoping for a swift resolution to the Tevez saga.
He also felt that Wayne Bridge is close to leaving, with Arsenal coming in for the left-back.
“We need to sell three or four players and with Carlos we could close with a club in the next three or four days, and also possibly Wayne,” said Mancini. “Then maybe we can do something.
“We hope for us and for Carlos we can do a deal. There are two or three teams in Italy, a team in France, and another team involved - I hope for him he can start to play football.
De Rossi has reportedly been given an ultimatum by Roma, to accept a new contract by Friday or see it withdrawn.
Mancini admits he wants a midfielder, with Yaya Toure – a key man last night – set to fly out to the Africa Cup of Nations after Sunday’s FA Cup clash with United.
Asked about de Rossi, the manager said: “I don’t know. De Rossi is a top player, like Yaya, but he plays for Roma, a top team, and he was born there. I don’t know if he will leave.
“We could maybe bring someone in, but we need to sell.
“We have three strikers, plus Samir, David and Adam Johnson. Maybe we need one midfielder if we can do it.”
QPR make offers for two new defenders
QPR manager Neil Warnock has tabled a £3million bid for Aston Villa and Wales defender James Collins and offered £2.5m for Manchester City's Nedum Onuoha as he steps up his recruitment drive.
Warnock has moved to test Villa's resolve to keep the former West Ham stopper with an offer to bring him back to London.
Collins, 28, has 18 months left on his current deal and has been in talks with Villa manager Alex McLeish over a two-year extension.
But Warnock is making a bold attempt to pinch the giant centre-half ahead of rivals Sunderland and Bolton.
Villa are under pressure to sell players to raise funds for McLeish and could be tempted to cash in.
Collins has been a regular this season, but could be a casualty of Villa's sell-to-buy policy.
Warnock is also battling to for versatile defender Onuoha.
The 25-year-old will be allowed to leave Eastlands this month after making only two appearances in the Carling Cup for Roberto Mancini this season.
Warnock wants the go-ahead to have talks with the former England Under-21 international, who earns around £40,000 a week at City.
The QPR boss admires Onuoha's versatility and is keen to use the current transfer window to bring in proven Premier League players.
"We will be looking to improve the squad in January," said Warnock. "I know what I need and I will go and get them."
Kompany gives Manchester City fans special tweet as skipper asks for help with team-talk
Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany has asked fans to write his team-talk for the FA Cup derby clash.
City host Manchester United on Sunday and Kompany has taken to Twitter to invite supporters to write a rousing speech for his pre-match battle cry.
Defender Kompany said: 'Tweet me what you would say on derby day to inspire the team and I will make sure that on the day it makes a difference.'
The winner will receive a signed poster of Kompany with their words on it as well as his shirt and armband.
The Belgian has gathered an army of followers since joining the social networking site.
He added: 'I just hope that by joining I can get closer to the people that are prepared to support me in the good and bad times.
'I want to give them an insight into what it means to be playing for the fastest-growing club in the world and a young, promising national team.'
Cup holders City go into the match on the back of a 3-0 win over Liverpool - where 25-year-old Kompany was man of the match - while United are still smarting from defeat at Newcastle.
But United will be desperate for revenge for the 6-1 hammering City dished out at Old Trafford in October.
Man City and Carlisle Utd in talks over Chris Chantler deal
Carlisle United are in talks with Manchester City over Chris Chantler after Greg Abbott confirmed he wants to strike a long-term deal for the pint-sized prospect.
Chantler has returned to the Premier League leaders after his loan ended following Carlisle’s 3-2 win over Sheffield United on Monday.
The 21-year-old Chantler was an unused sub in that game at the end of a loan spell which saw him make one two-minute appearance at Charlton in the FA Cup.
Abbott, though, is convinced the 5ft 7in midfielder could be a star for the Blues if he is given time to develop.
“We like Chris and we would like to increase his loan if not do a permanent deal,” said the United manager.
Chantler is regarded as one for the future by Abbott, who has said the Etihad Stadium youngster’s lack of height need not hold him back.
The Blues boss has been impressed with Chantler’s technique and application in training and believes he could be an asset.
The Stockport-born youngster has been at City for more than 11 years and has been a regular for their Under-18 side and been part of their Elite Development Squad.
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]OTHER BOLLOX
Aston Villa have said that striker Darren Bent is not for sale at any price, despite continued interest from Liverpool. talkShit
However, Villa could make a move for Chelsea forward Didier Drogba as they prepare to receive January bids for Bent. Goal.com
Striker Thierry Henry's loan deal to Arsenal has hit a problem over his proposed return date to New York Red Bulls. Metro
Sir Alex Ferguson will look to finally land long-term target Wesley Sneijder this month after Inter Milan reportedly placed a £25m price tag on the Dutch playmaker. Caught Offside
Manchester United could also join the race to sign Gary Cahill. Bolton agreed a £7m fee with Chelsea for the England centre-back, but have failed to agree personal terms. Now United could make a move to bolster their injury-hit defence. the Sun
Chelsea's hopes of signing Cahill are under threat because the Bolton defender is upset his negotiations over personal terms have been made public. London Evening Standard
Meanwhile, the Blues are lining up a £12m move for Marseille right-back Cesar Azpilicueta, 22. Daily Mirror
Carlos Tevez leaves Etihad before the end of January. Manchester Evening News
Blackburn midfielder Mauro Formica says he has been denied a loan move to his former club Newell's Old Boys in Argentina. Daily Mail
North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham are going head-to-head in the race to sign Lille striker Moussa Sow, 25. talkShit
Fulham's attempt to bring Calcio Catania striker Maxi Lopez to Craven Cottage may be derailed by the Argentine's desire to keep playing top-flight football in Italy. London Evening Standard
Chelsea, Aston Villa and Malaga are reportedly keeping an eye on out-of-favour Borussia Dortmund striker Lucas Barrios. Bild
Tottenham's pursuit of Blackburn defender Christopher Samba has been boosted by the news that Rovers boss Steve Kean must sell to finance any major January moves.Daily Express
Liverpool have joined Paris St Germain and Marseille in the hunt for Sunderland midfielder Stephane Sessegnon, amid reports that the 27-year-old is unsettled in the North East. Metro
Chelsea are believed to be watching £35m-rated Napoli striker Edinson Cavani, with a view to a possible transfer. Daily Mail
Swansea are poised to tie up three new signings - and manager Brendan Rodgers is also hoping to add a fourth new face at the Liberty Stadium. South Wales Evening Post
Liverpool may enter the race to sign FC Twente's highly rated 21-year-old striker Luuk De Jong but will face hefty competition from Tottenham and Chelsea. Footybunker
Newcastle United have tabled a £4m bid for West Ham defender James Tomkins. Daily Star
Scotland manager Craig Levein has revealed Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher has been suffering with a serious illness for almost four years. Manchester Evening News
Blackburn boss Steve Kean faces a fight to keep hold of his assistant manager Paul Clement - less than three months after bringing him to Ewood Park. Newly appointed Paris Saint-Germain boss Carlo Ancelotti is keen on being reunited with Clement, having worked with him during his management tenure at Chelsea. Lancashire Telegraph
Newcastle playmaker Hatem Ben Arfa is unhappy with his bit-part role at Sports Direct Arena. the Sun
Norwich defender Adam Drury insists the Canaries will not get carried away with their lofty Premier League position. Paul Lambert's side are currently ninth in the table. Eastern Daily Press
Liverpool striker Luis Suarez's mum has launched a passionate defence of her son in the wake of the Patrice Evra racism row. Liverpool Echo
With the London 2012 Olympics a matter of months away, the Royal Mint has produced a series of coins, with one explaining the football offside rule. the Sun
TALKSHIT OF THE DAY
Mancini: I haven't got enough players for Man United match!
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has warned he may not have enough substitutes for this weekend’s FA Cup clash with Manchester United – despite the huge squad at his disposal.
The Eastlands boss is hoping Yaya and Kolo Toure will be allowed to delay their departure for the African Cup of Nations in order to play in the Third Round clash to aid him with his selection headache.
The pair are due to report for duty with the Ivory Coast, but Mancini has requested that they be allowed to miss a team meeting in Paris on Saturday, and the first part of a two-week training camp in Abu Dhabi that begins on Sunday.
"We have asked the Ivory Coast manager because they have a meeting in Paris on Saturday," said Mancini. "We have asked whether Kolo and Yaya can stay with us and then they can go to Abu Dhabi.
"We are waiting for an answer and I expect to know either today or tomorrow."
City are already without the suspended Gareth Barry for this weekend’s match, Owen Hargreaves is not considered fit enough to be involved and Mario Balotelli is troubled by an ankle injury that prevented him playing against both Sunderland and Liverpool.
"We have 17 players," added Mancini. "I do not know how it is going to work."