Thursday's B*l**x
Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2012 6:53 amRobin van Persie has put Manchester City on alert after finally telling Arsenal he wants to leave.
City are poised to land yet another of the Gunners’ top stars with a monster £220,000-a-week package after the Dutchman revealed he will not extend his deal beyond next summer, when it expires.
The payday will make City’s no.1 target among the top earners at Eastlands alongside Yaya Toure and Carlos Tevez.
Van Persie dropped his bombshell when he said: “I’ve thought long and hard about it, but I have decided not to extend my contract.”
It means Arsenal must now sell him this summer or force him to see out his contract and then lose him for nothing next year, while risking a fan revolt against a player who does not want to stay.
Other clubs in the mix for the PFA Player of the Year, 29 in August, include Italian champions Juventus who have already had an £8million offer for him turned down.
But City appear to be in pole position as they have the financial firepower to dwarf the wages on offer at other clubs.
They have deliberately bided their time with van Persie, waiting for him to make a decision.
Now they will move to shift Roque Santa Cruz, Emmanuel Adebayor and Edin Dzeko - who report back for pre-season training on Thursday - in order to accommodate a man who boss Roberto Mancini rates as one of the best strikers in the world.
City have already raided the Emirates for Samir Nasri, Gael Clichy, Kolo Toure and Adebayor in recent seasons.
Now the Gunners will be helpless to prevent the Premier League champions from cherry-picking another of their top players at will, but former Arsenal star Ray Parlour said they will have to get used to it.
He said: “I think he [van Persie] knew three or four months ago that he wasn’t going to stay.
“That’s football these days. People move on quickly. Arsenal have to accept it and move on.”
The club reacted to van Persie’s decision with a statement which said: “We have to respect Robin’s decision not to renew his contract.
“Robin has one year to run on his current contract and we are confident that he will fulfil his commitments to the club.
“We are planning with ambition and confidence for next season with Arsenal’s best interests in mind.”
If he goes this summer, it will be the second successive season that Arsenal have lost their captain after Barcelona swooped for Cesc Fabregas.
The north Londoners went on to suffer their worst start to a season for 58 years with the team in disarray.
Just as with Fabregas last year, boss Arsene Wenger has been bullishly insisting his star forward, who hit 37 goals last season, will stay.
MCF.net THREAD: viewtopic.php?f=119&t=43411
Di Canio slams Mario Balotelli
Paolo Di Canio has stated that Mario Balotelli was selfish during Italy’s Euro 2012 campaign and needs a slap.
The Manchester City forward played the majority of the Azzurri’s games in Ukraine and Poland, and scored a decisive brace against Germany in the competition semi-finals.
However, the temperamental attacker marched down the tunnel straight away after Italy’s 4-0 final defeat to Spain and the Swindon boss feels that Balotelli’s attitude needs to improve.
“Balotelli is just selfish. He deserves a lot of slaps,” Di Canio told The Sun.
“Against Germany he did two good things but in the end I saw a player who was just waiting to celebrate.
“Balotelli does not play for the team, only for himself.
“He is an egotist, who thinks the world revolves around him.
“Guys like Balotelli deserve lots of slaps rather than pats on the shoulder. Antonio Cassano led the team to the final,” he stated.
Bristol City hoping to sign Greg Cunningham from Manchester City
Bristol City are hoping to conclude the signing of Greg Cunningham from Premier League champions Manchester City within the next few days.
The 21-year-old defender was at Ashton Gate this week putting the final touches to a permanent transfer after the two clubs agreed an undisclosed fee.
Cunningham passed a medical examination in Bristol before returning to Manchester and must now agree personal terms.
Negotiations are continuing and City manager Derek McInnes hopes to have the deal tied up before his players report back for pre-season training next week. A Republic of Ireland international, Cunningham looks set to become McInnes's second summer signing, following midfielder Jody Morris into Ashton Gate.
If confirmed, his arrival will bring an end to City's long search for a left-back to replace veteran campaigner Jamie McAllister, who was released after six seasons with the Robins.
Born and raised in County Galway, Cunningham joined Manchester City's academy in 2004 and signed a four-year professional contract after graduating in 2010.
Although he made his first-team debut for City in a 4-2 victory over Scunthorpe United in the FA Cup in January 2010 and featured in a Premier League game against Birmingham a few months later, he remained well down the pecking order at the Etihad Stadium and spent the last couple of seasons on loan at Leicester and Nottingham Forest.
In the 2010-11 campaign, Cunningham's spell at Leicester was cut short by serious injury when he fractured his tibia in a collision with Hull City defender Liam Rosenior, having made just 13 appearances for the Foxes. But he fared better after he joined Forest in October last year and caught McInnes's eye when he kept Robins winger Albert Adomah quiet in a Championship match at Ashton Gate in December.
Cunningham's loan at the City Ground was later extended until the end of the season and he made 27 starts in all for the Midlands club, impressing manager Steve Cotterill.
Forest were keen to sign Cunningham on a permanent basis, but it looks as though they have been beaten to his signature by City.
McInnes has made no secret of his desire to recruit a left-back since he took over at Ashton Gate in October last year.
But his hands were effectively tied by his predecessor, Keith Millen's, decision to sign Ryan McGivern on a season-long loan from Manchester City. McGivern returned to Lancashire at the end of last season, McAllister was shown the door and Cunningham now represents the future.
A good athlete, Cunningham has the pace and power to attack down the left flank. Standing at 6ft, he is also strong in defence.
OTHER BOLLOX
Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson wants to splash out £30m on Sao Paulo midfielder Lucas Moura, 19, who is also a target for Chelsea and Real Madrid. Daily Mirror
Mark Hateley has urged Liverpool striker Andy Carroll, 23, to leave Liverpool and join AC Milan saying he would become a better all-round player if he did. talkShit
Swansea's new manager Michael Laudrup is planning moves for Genoa centre-back Chico, 25, and Villarreal midfielder Jonathan de Guzman, 24, with the pair having played under him at Real Mallorca. Daily Star
Sunderland have joined the race to sign Ajax star Vurnon Anita, 23, according to sources in the Netherlands. Newcastle have already had a bid of about £4.5m rejected. The Chronicle
Former Real Madrid star Guti, 35, is training with West Ham ahead of a potential free transfer. Daily Mail
Benfica are weighing up a move for Manchester United midfielder Anderson, 24, according to reports in Portugal. talkSPORT
Newcastle United are closing in on the signature of Lille right-back Mathieu Debuchy, 26, despite Inter Milan's attempts to try and hijack the deal. The Metro
Fulham are ready to move for Blackburn goalkeeper Paul Robinson, 32, after his move to Turkish club Besiktas stalled. Daily Mail
Roberto Di Matteo says it is wrong to brand his Chelsea side as negative just because they "parked the bus" in their Champions League ties with Barcelona and Bayern Munich. Daily Mirror
Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher is unlikely to be back for pre-season training as he tries to overcome a chronic bowel condition. Daily Mirror
Swindon boss Paolo Di Canio says fellow Italian and Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli needs some "slaps" to turn him into a team player. Daily Star
Spain defender Alvaro Arbeloa was so desperate to celebrate their Euro 2012 win with the fans that he jumped off the team bus. The Metro
MORE BOLLOX LATER
City are poised to land yet another of the Gunners’ top stars with a monster £220,000-a-week package after the Dutchman revealed he will not extend his deal beyond next summer, when it expires.
The payday will make City’s no.1 target among the top earners at Eastlands alongside Yaya Toure and Carlos Tevez.
Van Persie dropped his bombshell when he said: “I’ve thought long and hard about it, but I have decided not to extend my contract.”
It means Arsenal must now sell him this summer or force him to see out his contract and then lose him for nothing next year, while risking a fan revolt against a player who does not want to stay.
Other clubs in the mix for the PFA Player of the Year, 29 in August, include Italian champions Juventus who have already had an £8million offer for him turned down.
But City appear to be in pole position as they have the financial firepower to dwarf the wages on offer at other clubs.
They have deliberately bided their time with van Persie, waiting for him to make a decision.
Now they will move to shift Roque Santa Cruz, Emmanuel Adebayor and Edin Dzeko - who report back for pre-season training on Thursday - in order to accommodate a man who boss Roberto Mancini rates as one of the best strikers in the world.
City have already raided the Emirates for Samir Nasri, Gael Clichy, Kolo Toure and Adebayor in recent seasons.
Now the Gunners will be helpless to prevent the Premier League champions from cherry-picking another of their top players at will, but former Arsenal star Ray Parlour said they will have to get used to it.
He said: “I think he [van Persie] knew three or four months ago that he wasn’t going to stay.
“That’s football these days. People move on quickly. Arsenal have to accept it and move on.”
The club reacted to van Persie’s decision with a statement which said: “We have to respect Robin’s decision not to renew his contract.
“Robin has one year to run on his current contract and we are confident that he will fulfil his commitments to the club.
“We are planning with ambition and confidence for next season with Arsenal’s best interests in mind.”
If he goes this summer, it will be the second successive season that Arsenal have lost their captain after Barcelona swooped for Cesc Fabregas.
The north Londoners went on to suffer their worst start to a season for 58 years with the team in disarray.
Just as with Fabregas last year, boss Arsene Wenger has been bullishly insisting his star forward, who hit 37 goals last season, will stay.
MCF.net THREAD: viewtopic.php?f=119&t=43411
Di Canio slams Mario Balotelli
Paolo Di Canio has stated that Mario Balotelli was selfish during Italy’s Euro 2012 campaign and needs a slap.
The Manchester City forward played the majority of the Azzurri’s games in Ukraine and Poland, and scored a decisive brace against Germany in the competition semi-finals.
However, the temperamental attacker marched down the tunnel straight away after Italy’s 4-0 final defeat to Spain and the Swindon boss feels that Balotelli’s attitude needs to improve.
“Balotelli is just selfish. He deserves a lot of slaps,” Di Canio told The Sun.
“Against Germany he did two good things but in the end I saw a player who was just waiting to celebrate.
“Balotelli does not play for the team, only for himself.
“He is an egotist, who thinks the world revolves around him.
“Guys like Balotelli deserve lots of slaps rather than pats on the shoulder. Antonio Cassano led the team to the final,” he stated.
Bristol City hoping to sign Greg Cunningham from Manchester City
Bristol City are hoping to conclude the signing of Greg Cunningham from Premier League champions Manchester City within the next few days.
The 21-year-old defender was at Ashton Gate this week putting the final touches to a permanent transfer after the two clubs agreed an undisclosed fee.
Cunningham passed a medical examination in Bristol before returning to Manchester and must now agree personal terms.
Negotiations are continuing and City manager Derek McInnes hopes to have the deal tied up before his players report back for pre-season training next week. A Republic of Ireland international, Cunningham looks set to become McInnes's second summer signing, following midfielder Jody Morris into Ashton Gate.
If confirmed, his arrival will bring an end to City's long search for a left-back to replace veteran campaigner Jamie McAllister, who was released after six seasons with the Robins.
Born and raised in County Galway, Cunningham joined Manchester City's academy in 2004 and signed a four-year professional contract after graduating in 2010.
Although he made his first-team debut for City in a 4-2 victory over Scunthorpe United in the FA Cup in January 2010 and featured in a Premier League game against Birmingham a few months later, he remained well down the pecking order at the Etihad Stadium and spent the last couple of seasons on loan at Leicester and Nottingham Forest.
In the 2010-11 campaign, Cunningham's spell at Leicester was cut short by serious injury when he fractured his tibia in a collision with Hull City defender Liam Rosenior, having made just 13 appearances for the Foxes. But he fared better after he joined Forest in October last year and caught McInnes's eye when he kept Robins winger Albert Adomah quiet in a Championship match at Ashton Gate in December.
Cunningham's loan at the City Ground was later extended until the end of the season and he made 27 starts in all for the Midlands club, impressing manager Steve Cotterill.
Forest were keen to sign Cunningham on a permanent basis, but it looks as though they have been beaten to his signature by City.
McInnes has made no secret of his desire to recruit a left-back since he took over at Ashton Gate in October last year.
But his hands were effectively tied by his predecessor, Keith Millen's, decision to sign Ryan McGivern on a season-long loan from Manchester City. McGivern returned to Lancashire at the end of last season, McAllister was shown the door and Cunningham now represents the future.
A good athlete, Cunningham has the pace and power to attack down the left flank. Standing at 6ft, he is also strong in defence.
OTHER BOLLOX
Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson wants to splash out £30m on Sao Paulo midfielder Lucas Moura, 19, who is also a target for Chelsea and Real Madrid. Daily Mirror
Mark Hateley has urged Liverpool striker Andy Carroll, 23, to leave Liverpool and join AC Milan saying he would become a better all-round player if he did. talkShit
Swansea's new manager Michael Laudrup is planning moves for Genoa centre-back Chico, 25, and Villarreal midfielder Jonathan de Guzman, 24, with the pair having played under him at Real Mallorca. Daily Star
Sunderland have joined the race to sign Ajax star Vurnon Anita, 23, according to sources in the Netherlands. Newcastle have already had a bid of about £4.5m rejected. The Chronicle
Former Real Madrid star Guti, 35, is training with West Ham ahead of a potential free transfer. Daily Mail
Benfica are weighing up a move for Manchester United midfielder Anderson, 24, according to reports in Portugal. talkSPORT
Newcastle United are closing in on the signature of Lille right-back Mathieu Debuchy, 26, despite Inter Milan's attempts to try and hijack the deal. The Metro
Fulham are ready to move for Blackburn goalkeeper Paul Robinson, 32, after his move to Turkish club Besiktas stalled. Daily Mail
Roberto Di Matteo says it is wrong to brand his Chelsea side as negative just because they "parked the bus" in their Champions League ties with Barcelona and Bayern Munich. Daily Mirror
Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher is unlikely to be back for pre-season training as he tries to overcome a chronic bowel condition. Daily Mirror
Swindon boss Paolo Di Canio says fellow Italian and Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli needs some "slaps" to turn him into a team player. Daily Star
Spain defender Alvaro Arbeloa was so desperate to celebrate their Euro 2012 win with the fans that he jumped off the team bus. The Metro
MORE BOLLOX LATER