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Derby rivals Manchester United and Manchester City set to battle it out in transfer market for £75m cream of Euro talent

Manchester United and Manchester City in tug of war over Eden Hazard, Edinson Cavani and Fernando Llorente
Derby rivals Manchester United and Manchester City are set to slug it out in the transfer market this summer in a £75m tug-of-war.
As the Manchester pair gear up for the climax to the Premier League title race and Monday’s mouthwatering showdown at the Etihad, both are preparing in the background for next season.
After Champions League and Europa League flops by both clubs this season, managers Sir Alex Ferguson and Roberto Mancini are keen to improve their European stock next term.
The Blues’ debut Champions League campaign ended in the group section and then they went out in the last-16 of the Europa League to Sporting Lisbon.
The Reds failed miserably in the group stages of the prestigious UEFA competition, throwing away qualification, then were outplayed by Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League knockouts.
In a bid to strengthen for the domestic and European assaults next term, Fergie and his Italian counterpart are drawing up shortlists to deliver to their respective owners.
And there are certain to be clashes off the field.
United are set to sell Dimitar Berbatov and could let Michael Owen and Federico Macheda go and so are chasing hitmen Edinson Cavani and Fernando Llorente. City are also in the running for the pair. Prolific Uruguayan Cavani scored twice against the Blues in the Champions League for Napoli in Italy last year.
Spaniard Llorente also impressed Fergie in scoring in both legs for Bilbao last month that cost United progress in the Europa League.
Lille’s sought-after 21-year-old Eden Hazard is also set to be at the centre of a toe-to-toe battle in Manchester.
Both Ferguson and Mancini watched the Belgian international goalscoring midfielder in separate matches last month in France.
The United boss took in a match against Lyon, while City’s manager saw him score against Valenciennes. “I am flattered by the compliment coming from the top manager in world football,” said Hazard. “I did not know he was at the game, to be honest.
“Manchester United are a very top team and anyone would listen to them.”
Fergie is looking to inject pace into his Reds squad and said of the Belgian this week: “I can confirm Hazard is a very good player.
“He has so many qualities, he is very fast over the first 10 metres.”
Hazard, meanwhile, has a fan in City’s own Belgian international Vincent Kompany.
The Blues’ skipper says that Hazard could be as good as David Silva in the future and has the ability to succeed anywhere.

Argentine youngster on Manchester City's radar
Manchester City are tracking prodigious defender Lisandro Magallan, according to reports in his native Argentina.
The 18-year-old has emerged as one of the brightest prospects in the country having firmly established himself in the Gimnasia La Plata first team.
Magallan featured occasionally for the side when they were relegated from the Argentine top tier last season but has really shone this term.
Now reports in Argentina have claimed that City scout Attilio Lombardo has been monitoring the teenager's progress closely and has recommended him to manager Roberto Mancini.
It is unlikely that Gimnasia would demand a high fee for the largely unproven centre-back and City might be tempted to take a gamble on him before the outside interest intensifies.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is whisking his players off to a golf and spa retreat in the Vale of Glamorgan to escape the pressure around their Premier League showdown with Manchester City. Daily Mail

POOR BAIT IN THE MIND GAMES BOLLOX
Please don't bite to this shyte . . .

City more important rivals than Liverpool - Ferguson
Manchester City have become more important rivals to Manchester United than old foes Liverpool, manager Alex Ferguson said ahead Tuesday's (NZT) crucial Premier league derby match.
"They are our direct opponents now. Manchester City are up against us to win titles. That is what our focus is on, the team who can stop us winning," he told reporters today.
"We have to get used to playing Manchester City in important games. They are not going away.
"The support they have means we are going to be playing them in a lot of big games - finals maybe. We already have done in semi-finals and an important cup tie this season.
"If we are going to be contesting for league titles regularly - and I think we will be doing - it will become just as important as the Liverpool game.
"Maybe not in terms of emotion but there is certainly an importance which, at this moment in time, supercedes the Liverpool games.
United will go all out to win at City even though a draw would be a good result for the visitors, Ferguson added.
United go into Tuesday's game at the Etihad Stadium three points ahead of their neighbours at the top of the table with three matches left in the season.
Better Position
"We know the exact situation we're in. We're in a better position than Manchester City," Ferguson told a news conference.
"We could come out with two good results whereas they only have one. Although you know my attitude and this club's attitude - we'll be trying to win."
Ferguson, seeking his 13th Premier League title with United, said he trusted his players to perform in such a high pressure game.
"I think there's enough experience. Patrice Evra, Rio Ferdinand, even Wayne Rooney has amassed a lot of football in his short time in the game," he said.
"Michael Carrick as well. There's enough experience in the camp to cope with this situation."
City humbled United 6-1 at Old Trafford in their first league meeting this season but the champions knocked their local rivals out of the FA Cup with a 3-2 victory at the Etihad Stadium.
"I think the previous encounters this season are irrelevant," Ferguson said.
"We've already met three times but the past is the past," added Ferguson referring to United's victory in the pre-season Community Shield match. "It doesn't matter. It's all down to Monday."
Inevitable Hype
Ferguson "tried to play down" the inevitable hype surrounding the match, with City bidding to win the title for the first time since 1968.
"I suppose when the fixture came out at the beginning of the season all the roads pointed to this game," Ferguson said.
"It was inevitable maybe. But we are where we are and it doesn't matter what's happened before, who's dropped points or who hasn't dropped points. It really is all down to this game.
"It will be a fantastic atmosphere and I hope it lives up to the billing."
Ferguson said his players were still angry about conceding two late goals in their last match against Everton, allowing the visitors to snatch a dramatic 4-4 draw at Old Trafford.
"We're smarting from throwing that game away last week," he added.
"In the context of our history we almost expected it. We tend to make it hard for ourselves. Our supporters have been subjected to that sort of drama for years and years.
"God knows what their nerves are like now but, hopefully, we'll make amends," said Ferguson.

OTHER BOLLOX
Blackburn's out-of-favour defender Michel Salgado, 36, fancies joining former Real Madrid team-mate David Beckham at LA Galaxy. Daily Mirror

Wigan have beaten Newcastle and Sunderland to the signature of Swedish-born Gambia Under-20 winger Alieu Darbo, 19. Daily Mail

Manchester United are set to battle it out with Real Madrid to sign Brazil's next young superstar - Sao Paulo's 19-year-old attacking midfielder Lucas - in a £12m deal. Daily Mirror

Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt, 31 wants to return to Dutch side Feyenoord. Kuyt has a clause in his contract that allows him to join a foreign club for £1m. Daily Mirror

Liverpool will contemplate sending Andy Carroll, 23, out on loan next season to free up space for a striker to come in. Valencia's Roberto Soldado, Athletic Bilbao's Fernando Llorente and FC Groningen's David Texeira are all under consideration. Metro

Leeds are in talks with Doncaster's El-Hadji Diouf with a view to signing the controversial forward who is out of contract in the summer. Skysports.com

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp will accept the England job when it is offered to him next week, with Spurs lining up Swansea manager Brendan Rodgers to replace him. Goal.com

Arsenal are reported to be in "advanced negotiations" with French club Rennes over the signature of midfielder Yann M'Vila. It is thought the 21-year-old French international, who has been capped 18 times by his country, could set the Gunners back around £22m. Metro

Feyenoord look set to land Liverpool's Dirk Kuyt after former team-mate Salomon Kalou confirmed the striker wants to head home. Chelsea forward Kalou, who played with Kuyt at the Rotterdam club, told Dutch TV: "Dirk told me he wants to return now." Daily Mail

AC Milan are hoping to lure Kalou to the San Siro this summer. The Ivorian has spent most of his six seasons in west London on the fringes but has become an integral part of the side since Roberto di Matteo took temporary charge. talkSPORT

Tottenham have joined Liverpool in the race to sign Udinese's 25-year-old Colombian defender Pablo Armero, according to reports coming out of Italy. Footy Latest

Everton boss David Moyes is ready to snap up Wigan's Senegalese midfielder Mohamed Diame on a free transfer in the summer, but he could face competition from Newcastle. The 24-year-old's contract expires at the end of the season. Daily Mirror

Sunderland are hoping they can entice Blackburn winger Junior Hoilett to stay in the Premier League if Rovers are relegated next month. But the Black Cats face stiff competition from Champions League finalists Bayern Munich and French club Marseille to land the 21-year-old forward. Daily Mail

Borussia Dortmund have given Manchester United and Chelsea target Shinji Kagawa, 23, until the end of the month to commit his future to the club. The Japan international midfielder is out of contract in the summer of 2013. talkSPORT

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich will open his chequebook in a bid to persuade Pep Guardiola to postpone a sabbatical and manage at Stamford Bridge. Guardiola, 41, is poised to confirm on Friday that he will be leaving Spanish giants Barcelona. Daily Mirror

Chelsea players want Abramovich to give Roberto di Matteo the manager's job permanently after the Italian led the team to the finals of the FA Cup and the Champions League during his brief tenure as caretaker boss. Evening Standard

Full-back Ian Harte will sign a new contract with Championship winners Reading. The former Leeds man was named in the PFA Championship team of the year and has played a crucial role in the title triumph, chipping in with four goals in 33 games. Daily Mail

Kenny Dalglish says he will have no problem welcoming Alberto Aquilani back to Anfield if AC Milan decide against signing him permanently. The Italian midfielder is coming to the end of a season-long loan at the San Siro. talkSPORT

Former England boss Fabio Capello hopes to land a job in the Premier League and insists he has no intention of retiring. With possible vacancies at Chelsea and Tottenham at the end of the season, the 65-year-old Italian told reporters he is in love with London. Daily Mail

Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba has been invited to the FA Cup final as a VIP guest following his remarkable recovery from an on-pitch cardiac arrest. The 24-year-old collapsed during the Trotters' FA Cup quarter-final against Tottenham in March and was "dead for 78 minutes" but is now out of hospital. Daily Mirror

Chelsea defender Gary Cahill has revealed how he and John Terry watched their side's Champions League semi-final second-leg success at Barcelona on a screen in the players' tunnel after being injured and red-carded respectively during the game - and then erupted with joy, sending boxes and kit flying at the final whistle. Daily Express

Liverpool have agreed a deal to film exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of their dressing room for a documentary. Filming for the six-part programme, which is to be produced by American broadcaster Fox Soccer, will begin next month. It will capture preparations for, and the playing of, the FA Cup final before the TV crews move on to cover Liverpool's pre-season tour of the United States and Canada and the start of the 2012-13 campaign. the Sun

Aston Villa owner Randy Lerner has given manager Alex McLeish three games to save his job. the Sun

Danny Welbeck is to open talks with Manchester United over a new deal at the end of the season which could see his £15,000-a-week wages trebled. Welbeck's representatives have indicated to United that the striker is keen to sign a new contract and commit himself to the club.

Rio Ferdinand is determined to persuade Paul Scholes to extend his Manchester United career for a further season such has been the 37-year-old's impact since returning from retirement. Daily Telegraph

Nicklas Bendtner has said he may not stay at Sunderland next season. The 24-year-old Denmark striker is currently on a season-long loan deal from Arsenal and has scored seven goals so far. Guardian

Interim boss Roberto di Matteo is still only third choice to be the next permanent Chelsea manager - despite steering the club to the Champions League final. Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola and Germany's Joachim Loew are believed to be above Di Matteo in the pecking order. Daily Mirror

Midfielder Jack Wilshere, 20, will turn down the chance to play for Team GB at this summer's Olympics in order to get fit with Arsenal. the Sun

David Davis might have suffered relegation with Wolves, but the young midfielder is smiling again after signing a new three-year contract. Daily Mail

QPR defender Anton Ferdinand will not shake hands with John Terry before Sunday's Premier League match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Daily Telegraph

Wolves manager Terry Connor has spent a day wandering around Molineux saying thanks to all the staff who have supported him following the club's relegation from the Premier League. Express & Star

Touchline reporter Geoff Shreeves was subjected to a torrent of abuse on Twitter after his insensitive approach to interviewing Chelsea hero Branislav Ivanovic, and even drew a dig from golf star Lee Westwood. Metro

Blackburn fans have begun an internet campaign urging supporters to grow a "Gael Givet beard" in an effort to inspire Premier League survival. Lancashire Telegraph

MORE SHYTE LATER ...

Frank is coming back!


Love him or hate him, without his involvement we wouldn't be here now

If he pops down the townley I will buy him a pint

Praphan Chindalert-udomdee, Asia News Network (The Nation), Bangkok, Thailand | Fri, 04/27/2012 7:51 AM | World

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra visits Privy Council president General Prem Tinsulanonda at his residence for the first time. Yingluck, accompanied by some Cabinet members, greeted Prem on the occasion of the Thai New Year.
Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is scheduled to return to England for the first time since 2008 to watch Monday's crucial soccer game between Manchester United and Manchester City, his legal aide Noppadon Pattama confirmed on Thursday.
British authorities shut Thaksin out in late 2008 after he was found guilty in the Ratchadaphisek land case. Before that, Thaksin had a luxurious residence in London and bought Manchester City Football Club, which he later sold to its current owners.
The UK Embassy here has kept a tight lip on the policy change towards Thaksin.
The decision to allow him back, however, coincided with him getting permission to enter countries such as Germany, France, Russia and Japan.
The British government will join its Japanese counterpart in making a late decision on Thaksin, albeit after his political party regained power in Thailand.
A source told The Nation recently that, thanks to the policy change of the British government, Thaksin could walk into any UK embassy to apply for a visa.
The Manchester derby game could decide which club would win this season's Premier League title. There are divided opinions about Thaksin among Manchester City fans. Some viewed him as a sincere investor in the club but others were highly sceptical about his political background and human rights records.
"Thaksin just wants to watch football and meet old friends," Noppadon told reporters. "There is no political motive."
Yingluck asks for Prem's help
Elsewhere, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Thursday requested permission to consult Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda in the future on affairs of state, when the two met at Prem's residence, according to a Cabinet member.
The prime minister and her three deputies - Yongyuth Wichaidit, General Yuthasak Sasiprapha, and Kittiratt Na-Ranong - called on the elder statesman yesterday afternoon to offer good wishes for Songkran, the traditional Thai New Year.
Yingluck and her group arrived at Prem's Sisao Thewet residence at 3.25pm. They met Prem for about 15 minutes before the three deputy prime ministers left the reception room, allowing Prem and Yingluck to talk together.
Prem and Yingluck conversed for about half an hour before they rejoined the three deputies outside the house.
The elder statesman smiled while sending off his visitors, who left in the same vehicle for Government House.
A large number of reporters and cameramen gathered outside the compound, where about 100 policemen had been dispatched to keep the peace.
Before Yingluck's arrival, a man claiming to be a member of the "Democracy Lovers of Khon Kaen" protested outside the compound, holding a placard with a message calling for action over the deaths of 91 people killed during the 2010 unrest and riots. Police asked him to leave and there was no outbreak of violence.
At Government House after the visit, Yingluck brushed off a reporter's question on whether her meeting with Prem went well. She simply smiled and waved cheerfully to reporters while walking away.
Yongyuth, who is also leader of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, said Yingluck had told him she had offered more government assistance to Prem's charity projects, including those aimed at residents of the deep South.
"General Prem gave his blessing to the prime minister and wished her good health. He also asked her to take good care of the people," Yongyuth said.
He said the prime minister also asked Prem for permission to meet with him for future consultations as Prem was a senior respected figure in the country and a former prime minister with extensive political experience.
Yongyuth reiterated that Yingluck's meeting with Prem had no political significance. "There was only a cultural dimension, no political one," he said.

Borussia Dortmund have given Manchester United and Chelsea target Shinji Kagawa, 23, until the end of the month to commit his future to the club. The Japan international midfielder is out of contract in the summer of 2013.

Very good player and probably the best Asian footballer imo.

We could do a lot worse. Be a great squad player and would no doubt shift a few shirts.

Tug of war? for who?...there is no "tug of war" City decide who they want and fucking sign him and he's a "mercenary" scum sign someone who invariably is a cunt and its "good business". The cunts cannot compete financially with City. Its a fact. FFP is there to make that less apparent for their bed wetting fans

If Thaksin rocks up he'll have two pints oh and i'd stretch to a bacon barm.

Wonder if he'll bring Sven along to kiss and make up?

Will he maybe get a round of golf in with Cooky also?


Can't whack a despot

Haven't been on this forum for a few days so apologies if this has been discussed elsewhere but, with regard to the alleged interest that City have in Llorente, as reported in this thread, I watched the Atletico Bibao v Sporting Lisbon game the other night just to see if I'd been wrong about him all along.

I know that Ted is a bit of an admirer but, for myself, I just hope City never even contemplate signing him and that it's all paper talk.

I just think he's cumbersome and awkward and falls over a lot when trying to control the ball. He did one or two decent things as well as scoring late on but he basically reminds me of a slower but more energetic Peter Crouch and who would want him playing for City ?? Bilboa kept hoofing the ball up to him a bit too much for my liking and I feel that, in this country, week after week, any decent Championship standard centre half would have him in his pocket all day long as he's too one-dimensional.

Forget all about other options and any Plan B insurance policies, I just think we could do far better than this one trick pony as he's not of the quality that we need to recruit.

As I said previously, I fervently hope it's just paper talk.