ROUND-UP
Almost halfway through the January transfer window and the rumours involving City seem to have shifted up a gear.
Top of the list today is Bayern Munich’s Dante, who is linked to the Blues in Germany’s premier sports paper Sport Bild.
Translated via Soccer News, the report reads: “German daily newspaper Sport Bild is reporting that Manchester City are showing interest in Bayern Munich defender Dante.
“The Citizens are actively searching for defensive reinforcements and boss Manuel Pellegrini believes the Brazilian would be a perfect partner for captain Vincent Kompany.
“Prizing the 30-year-old away from Allianz Arena is unlikely to be an easy task given that he is regarded as an important member of the squad by the club.
“Dante has a contract until June 2016 in Munich, but having paid just €4.7 million for his services, the Bavarians might be ready to sell if the price is right.”
If Dante isn’t enough, there is also a link to another top European star, with Club Call suggesting Isco could fill the boots of the injured Samir Nasri – though it seems the piece was written before Samir announced he would be back in a couple of months.
Nonetheless, they report: “Manuel Pellegrini is now looking to bring in possible reinforcements to cope with the loss of the former Arsenal man who has been in impressive form in the club's march to the top of the Premier League.
“Spain international Isco, who played under Pellegrini at Malaga, has been linked with a move to the Etihad Stadium.
“The 21-year-old snubbed City to join the Spanish giants in the summer but he has struggled for first-team action under Carlo Ancelotti at the “Bernabeu and might now fancy a move to the Premier League.
Isco would be cup-tied for City's Champions League games but would be a very useful acquisition for the upcoming glut of fixtures in the Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup.”
One story that is bound to pique the interest of all City fans (if the top two didn’t do it for you), namely the possibility of former fans’ favourite Nigel de Jong returning to Manchester – though there is a dark twist to this snippet.
Sports Direct News write: “AC Milan midfielder Nigel de Jong has seen a potential move back to the Premier League cast into doubt after the sacking of coach Massimiliano Allegri on Sunday.
“Reports in Italy last month had suggested that the Dutch international could be in line for a shock return to former club Manchester City, whilst links elsewhere claimed that cross city rivals Manchester United also had their eye on him with a view to making a move.
“However, Milan’s dismissal of Allegri puts the midfielder’s future in the balance as it will delay any possible move or even wipe it off the board completely as the club may decide to hang on to him after all.”
The Enforcer in a red shirt? Perish the thought!
Finally, Sports understands talkSHIT have picked up on a story from Italy suggesting one of the Blues’ current holding midfielders could be on his way to Serie A.
The radio station’s website report: “Former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has his eye on Spanish midfielder Javi Garcia who is being used sparingly at the Etihad under Pellegrini.
“The holding midfielder, who also been has been used to fill gaps in the City defence, is usually deployed as a late substitute when City are ahead and eager to see matches out.
“Of the 16 Premier League appearances the 26-year-old has made this season, only six have been from the kick-off and he was withdrawn before the end in two of those matches.
“Now Corriere dello Sport claims Benitez is ready to offer the former Real Madrid and Benfica man more first-team action.”
Manchester City are said to be lining up a move for Bayern Munich centre back Dante, according to Sky Sports understands talkSHIT.
The Champions League winner has emerged as a surprise target for Manuel Pellegrini's side, as they look to strengthen their defence in order to improve their chance of winning the Premier League.
The Chilean boss is rumoured to be looking to find a long-term partner for his club's captain Vincent Kompany in the centre back position, especially with Joleon Lescott rumoured to be departing, the age of Martin Demichelis being unfavourable past this season and concerns over the ability of Matija Nastasic.
German newspaper BILD are linking the Citizens with a move for the big Brazilian, who has appeared nineteen times this season for the European champions, providing three assists in that time.
At 30-years-old, Dante is not one for the future, but he has several years left at the top of his game and Pellegrini is keen to get the defender on board at the Etihad for the second half of this season.
Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola is not looking to sell Dante, but City's financial strength may convince him otherwise. Although they may face competitions themselves from AS Monaco, who are another side not short of money.
City prodigy set for cup action
Manchester City teenager Brahim Abdelkader Diaz is braced for his first competitive action for the club tomorrow in the Al Kass International Cup.
The former Malaga youngster is in the under-16 squad competing in the Qatar-based tournament and Gareth Taylor’s 19-man group kick-off their participation against Chicago Fire.
His agent Pere Guardiola, who also represents Liverpool’s Luis Suarez, told Sports Direct News that his client is in the travelling party.
Moroccan forward Diaz, dubbed ‘the new Lionel Messi’ by Spanish observers, hopes to make a good impression tomorrow in order to feature in Taylor’s plans for the clash with Aspire Qatar on Thursday.
The 14-year-old joined City from Spanish side Malaga at the start of December in a £300,000 deal which could eventually rise to £2.4million.
City beat Catalan giants Barcelona to his signature at the end of October in what could prove to be a major coup for the title challengers.
The competition runs until January 23, with many of Europe’s hot prospects expected to figure.
Diaz eventually wants to force his way into Patrick Vieira’s Elite Development Squad at City.
Manchester City’s Nasri will be out for 8 weeks
Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri expects to be out of action for “around eight weeks” following a knee injury suffered against Newcastle, he said on Monday.
The 26-year-old France international was carried from the field at St James’ Park on a stretcher with his left leg in a brace during Premier League leaders’ City’s 2-0 victory. Afterwards City manager Manuel Pellegrini said Nasri had damaged his medial ligament, raising fears the player could be ruled out of France’s squad for this year’s World Cup finals in Brazil, which start in June.
However, Nasri — who was due to undergo a scan on Monday — told his Twitter followers: “Thank you everyone for your kind words and overwhelming support, I suppose its kind of good news that I will be out around 8 weeks.”
Nasri was injured 15 minutes from time in a challenge with fellow Frenchman Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, that saw the defender booked. Pellegrini though said Yanga-Mbiwas ought to have been sent off for the challenge.
“It’s very serious. It was a very unfair kick and the player of Newcastle, it was directly a red card. I don’t understand why he was not sent off,” the Chilean said. Newcastle manager Alan Pardew insisted his player had merely been a “bit rash” and wished Nasri well.
“He made a point in his mind that he didn’t want him to get away, and he was a bit rash in that challenge. He is not like that, though, and I hope Nasri is okay.”
Nasri is now likely to miss France’s friendly international against the Netherlands on March 5 while for City he seems set to be ruled out of their last 16 Champions League tie with Barcelon.
Man City’s Nasri isn’t taking calls from Yanga-Mbiwa so the defender apologises for that tackle in L’Equipe
Monday brought a slight ray of sunshine for Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri.
Fears were heightened over the weekend that Nasri had seen his season and 2014 World Cup hopes come to a premature end after the City midfielder had been horrifically hacked from behind by Newcastle defender Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa on Sunday.
Happily for the player, City fans and French football fans, Nasri announced on Monday that scans had shown he’ll only be out of action for eight weeks, however that news appears to have failed to made Yanga-Mbiwa feel any better, as the Newcastle defender appears riddled by guilt for his nasty foul on his countryman.
A war of words has built up in the French press between Yanga-Mbiwa and the Nasri clan, with Samir’s dad Abdelhamid, telling Le Parisian on Monday that he believed the tackle was spiteful:
David Ginola, who was commentating on the game, also went to see Samir. He regretted what Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa had done and told Samir, ‘It’s not good what he did to you – he was beaten, he kicked you hard to hurt you’.
I have that feeling too. He did it nastily, the boy was beaten first time and did it with the second challenge. And it wasn’t to try and get the ball back where he hit. It’s just gratuitous nastiness.
It’s so disappointing. If you don’t want to let him get past, you pull his shirt, you hold your opponent back, but you don’t attack his legs. They are a player’s work tools.
Now Yanga-Mbiwa has had his say on the matter in Tuesday’s L’Equipe, and the Magpies’ version of events since that tackle suggest that despite his best efforts to apologise, Samir Nasri is holding a grudge against the defender.
Yanga-Mbiwa has explained “I’ve tried to call, but there is no answer. I’ve left a message. I want to apologise in person. I was sorry… I’m relieved the injury is only 8 weeks. I felt very bad that the World Cup may be in danger. I never had any intention to hurt Nasri, there was no malice at all.”
Manchester City are considering a shock move for West Ham’s Ravel Morrison, according to reports from Sky Sports understands talkSHIT.
The ex-Manchester United ace has been one of the Premier League’s top youngsters this term, benefitting from Sam Allardyce’s decision to thrust him into the first-team.
However, despite being a big player at Upton Park, the 20-year-old is angling for a move away from the club.
With only 18 months on his contract, the Hammers are in no position to drag their feet, with his value likely to decrease massively once he enters the final year of his deal.
Fulham are understood to have mounted a £4m offer for the once troubled starlet, but this was quickly dismissed by the East Londoners.
An improved bid is expected, but City have been alerted by the situation and are thought to be pondering a swoop.
The Sky Blues have a wealth of talent at their disposal, but securing one of English football’s rising stars may be seen as a coup at the Etihad Stadium.
It would also see them get one over on bitter rivals United, who let Morrison leave as a youngster in 2012.
Milner on...World Cup, City's chances, new signings and Boring Milner
In-form James Milner was at it again at Newcastle United on Sunday, coming off the bench to tee up Alvaro Negredo for City's second goal which settleda feisty affair against his old club.
Here he gives Mike Keegan his take on being in and out of the side, his hopes for the future and THAT Twitter account...
ON ANOTHER ASSIST, HIS FUTURE AND THE WORLD CUP
“It was fantastic to get on and contribute to the win with Negredo’s goal. Negredo played a nice 1-2 off Tim Krul and took it very coolly.
“That’s the thing isn’t it? It is the million dollar question, are you better off playing at a team every week or here, where I am very lucky to be alongside these high quality players and contributing my bit towards any success we may have.
"Every single player I am playing with is worth £30m or more so that is very special. There is a debate going on because they say there are too many games I’m not involved in but I’ve come on in a lot of games and done alright. Also, we are playing so many games this season I have played quite a lot, but I just want to contribute on a regular basis and give my best for Manchester City by putting a proper shift in.
“Hopefully I’ll be going to the World Cup finals as well. That’s the plan. It will be an amazing stage to play in and I would love to go, but you get there by playing good football for your club so I will do that as well as I can and hopefully it is good enough to get me on the plane.”
ON WINNING AT HIS OLD CLUB
“I said to a few of the foreign lads here that that’s a proper old-fashioned English game. It was really entertaining, very tough and exactly what you expect when you come to a place like this. It is a great place to come and play, they are amazing fans and it was a great atmosphere.
"They are very partisan and get right behind their side, which I know from being here and there was a bit of controversy in the first half which lifted their side, so although we didn’t play very well it is a sign of a very good team that can grind out a win like that from probably the least possession we have had all season.
"We didn’t really keep the ball very well, but you have got to give Newcastle credit for that."
ON GOING TOP AFTER THE WIN AT ST JAMES'
“Top of league? It’s very nice. Up at the top is where we want to be, where we have to be. We are in good form at the moment. The Christmas period was vital and we did very well through that, so we just need to keep everything going.”
ON KEEPING THE FAITH AWAY FROM HOME
“We never said we had any problems away from home. We were confident in ourselves and just had to keep playing the way we were. We looked at the games we lost and we shouldn’t have been beaten in those matches as we dominated them. You have to have faith and keep playing the same way.
“I think people forget we had a lot of new players coming into the team and a new manager so it was always going to take time for us all to get to know each other.
“A lot of newcomers were trying to adapt to the demands of the Premier League and it is a very different league to any other in the world.
"You might go to lesser teams in other leagues and get an easy win but the Premier League doesn’t work like that. It is very difficult to win every time you play in this league, so a lot of new players have had to come to terms with that.”
ON TIOTE GOAL
“We got a bit of luck with the goal disallowed as it would have given them an extra lift and could have changed the game but we have had a few rough decisions this season and I’m sure we will get a few more, so when the luck goes your way you just have to take it."
ON THE NEW BOYS
“I think first and foremost the club are signing the right players. We have got a great dressing room and since I have been at the club it has been a very tight knit group. The new players who have come in are great lads on and off the pitch and the new manager has done really well.
“Everyone is very much part of a team under the new boss and with the amount of injuries and suspensions we have had it shows that you can’t win the Premier League with just 11 players. You need a squad. I think we have played every three days for so long I can’t remember the last time we didn’t have a midweek game.
“Not including internationals it must go back to October. Then you have to factor in all the travelling we do. I know it is our job, but the fact is you need a squad of players. You can’t play every single game in a season. We are blessed to have a squad full of fantastic players and with the right character and we needed to show a lot of that character against Newcastle.
“Hopefully that will all help us to win the big prizes. We have put ourselves in a good position in four competitions, but you need grit and determination, not just a squad of gifted players. When the going gets tough we have showed we can stick together and grind out good results.”
ON BORING JAMES MILNER
"Boring James Milner? It has got a few followers now hasn’t it? It’s a bit of fun and I’ve read a few of the tweets. If people think I’m boring, well whatever, as long as I have got a Premier League winners medal I don’t really mind being as boring as you want."
[spoiler]Fernanda Lima, Presenter of the Ballon d'Or Awards
[/spoiler]Chelsea will re-sign Serbia midfielder Nemanja Matic, 25, from Benfica for £22m - three years after selling him to the Portuguese giants for £3m. Guardian
Sporting Lisbon have entered the race for Manchester United winger Nani, 27. Daily Star
But Fulham are ready to hijack the deal with their own move for the Portugal international. Metro
Manchester United boss David Moyes has held talks with Juventus over a planned double move for 20-year-old Paul Pogba - who left Old Trafford 18 months ago - and fellow midfielder Arturo Vidal, 26. DSSC
But Moyes is set to miss out on Benfica's Argentine defender Ezequiel Garay, 27, who is poised for a move to Russian club Zenit St Petersburg instead. Daily Express
Crystal Palace and QPR may make a move for Carlton Cole, 30, after the former England striker's short-term deal with West Ham expired on Monday. Daily Mirror
Everton are interested in signing Kenwyne Jones, 29, from Stoke City. Jones has just six months left on his current deal and Stoke might be prepared to sell the Trinidad and Tobago striker for £1m. Guardian
Liverpool defender Tiago Ilori, 20, is in talks over a loan move to La Liga side Granada. The centre-back has yet to feature for Brendan Rodgers's side following his £7m move from Sporting Lisbon in the summer. DSSC
Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert will make Wigan striker Grant Holt, 32, his first signing of the transfer window. Birmingham Mail
Fulham's Costa Rica international forward Bryan Ruiz, 28, is set to join PSV Eindhoven following talks last weekend. London Evening Standard
Burnley's 21-goal top scorer Danny Ings, 21, is staying at Turf Moor at least until the end of the season as they bid for promotion to the Premier League, says manager Sean Dyche. Lancashire Telegraph
Borussia Monchengladbach's Netherlands international striker Luuk de Jong, 23, says that he is open to joining Newcastle. Newcastle Chronicle
Manchester United manager David Moyes will offer captain Nemanja Vidic, 32, a new 12-month deal in a bid to keep him at Old Trafford beyond this summer. Daily Mirror
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho says he wants to stay at Stamford Bridge for the rest of his career.
Andre Villas-Boas is taking a break from the game after losing his job as Tottenham manager last month. Sun
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has admitted that selling Germany midfielder Mesut Ozil, 25, to Arsenal in September was a mistake. Daily Express
Winger Raheem Sterling, 19, has what it takes to win a place in England's World Cup squad, according to his Liverpool team-mate and national team captain Steven Gerrard. Liverpool Echo
Paul Ince insists he will not quit as Blackpool manager despite a run of seven defeats in eight Championship games. Blackpool Gazette
Stoke keeper Jack Butland, 20, has posted an appeal on Twitter for help to track down his car - which was stolen hours before he made his full Premier League debut in Sunday's 5-3 defeat at home to Liverpool. Stoke Sentinel
Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe, 31, admits that his move to Major League Soccer side Toronto might damage his hopes of earning a place in England's World Cup squad. Independent
Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard, 35, is likely to be fit to face champions Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Sunday following a positive scan on his thigh injury. Daily Star
Bacary Sagna, 30, is set to hold fresh talks with Arsenal about a new contract. The France defender's current deal with the Gunners expires at the end of the season. Daily Telegraph
Former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has enjoyed a happy atmosphere during a sunshine break in Barbados - after being joined by comedian Russ Abbot. Metro
Ex-England keeper Paul Robinson's match-winning display for Blackburn against Doncaster on Saturday has won the 34-year-old a famous fan - One Direction singer Louis Tomlinson, who watched from the stands at Ewood Park. Lancashire Telegraph
QPR midfielder Joey Barton, 31, caused a storm on Twitter by cheekily suggesting he was a certainty to win the Ballon d'Or. Irish Independent
FRANCHISE BOLLOX
Manchester City target Barcelona midfielder Xavi as New York City FC's marquee signing
City plan big things for their MLS franchise and believe Xavi would confirm their intentions to play the Barcelona way.
Manchester City are exploring the possibility of making Barcelona star Xavi the marquee signing for the club’s Major League Soccer franchise in the United States.
New York City will not play in the MLS until 2015, by which time Xavi will be aged 35 and will have one year remaining on his Barcelona contract.
Having spent his entire career at Barca, Xavi has spoken of retiring at the Nou Camp but last week suggested that he could see out his playing days elsewhere by saying: “Being tied to Barcelona is a privilege, but I don’t know what will happen in the future.”
That sparked speculation in Spain and America that former Barcelona striker Thierry Henry is trying to entice Xavi to join him at New York Red Bulls.
However, it is understood that Manchester City chiefs are showing strong interest in Xavi, as they formulate plans over how their New York club can make the biggest possible impact in the MLS.
City director of football Txiki Begiristain and chief executive Ferran Soriano both know Xavi well from their days at Barcelona, and see the Spaniard as the perfect face of their new team.
Xavi is thought to earn a salary of around £7 million after tax and he would most likely be granted a free transfer by Barcelona next year if he expressed a desire to move to America.
City have invested more than £300 million into their MLS franchise and New York City will have the biggest budget in the American game.
MLS clubs can sign three designated players outside the salary cap and Xavi would represent a huge commercial draw and encourage Barcelona fans in New York to support the new club.
Begiristain and Soriano insist that New York City manager Jason Kreis will choose which players he signs, but admit that they must fit the style Xavi has helped to imprint on Barcelona and that Manuel Pellegrini has attempted to recreate in Manchester.
“We have a philosophy that we want to play, that we like and the people like, and after that, we sign the coach,” Begiristain said. “After that, he is free.”
Soriano said: “These are broad concepts, but very strong. We would never choose a manager, whether it is Manuel Pellegrini in Manchester or Jason here, that would not believe in those pillars. On those pillars, he can build whatever he wants.”
Claudio Reyna, the former City midfielder who is sporting director for New York City, has confirmed that he and Kreis have already started work on trying to lure star names.
“We have to be very aggressive and active in an offensive mode with player recruitment and the player search,” Reyna said. “Our approach, with Jason and I, is to go find the players we want to fit into how he wants to build the team.
“And not just the right people that are important on the field, but probably more important off the field. Toronto did a great job bringing Michael Bradley back. He’s the right guy, a top professional. Those are the kind of people we’re looking for.
“The clock is ticking and we’re looking now. We have 36 scouts within City Football Group and we started to speak with them last year already, started to make contact with them. It’s a lot of fun, to be honest.
"I get to travel and watch games and meet with players and their representatives. Every week there’s a new name being thrown at us.”
On player recruitment, Kreis, who is the third-highest scorer in MLS history and previously managed Real Salt Lake, added: “I’m quite certain that New York City FC will sign three designated players.
"I’m also quite certain that those players will be extremely well vetted, researched, talked to in order to make sure they’re not only the right player for this team but the right person.
“We have the ability to go out and find new players for this league, new creative, attacking-type players that fit in to the City way of playing. I think we have a singular opportunity and almost a responsibility to go out and find new players to bring in to bolster the league a little bit.”
Kreis is likely to visit Barcelona as part of a six-month stint when he will immerse himself in Manchester City and European football as preparation for the New York City job.
MORE BOLLOX LATER
