Monday's B*l**x
Posted: Mon Feb 24, 2014 9:01 amTHE BOLLOX
Happy Birthday to Denis, 74 today
[youtube]e8HQhV3ujyg[/youtube]
Let’s not dwell too much on the weekend that was - not with a Monday head…
Instead, let’s move straight on and look forward to the weekend where the Blues have a date with destiny – the chance to end a 38-year wait for the League Cup trophy.
City’s first-team returns to training tomorrow morning ahead of their date with Gus Poyet’s Sunderland at Wembley on Sunday, with a certain Argentine striker expected to play a full role.
Sergio Aguero has been out of action since the 5-1 win over Tottenham at White Hart Lane on January 29 but he could be back just in time for the Capital One Cup final next weekend.
That’s timely news for Manuel Pellegrini who will be delighted to welcome back the man who has scored 25 goals in 25 appearances.
"Agüero can give us all a huge lift, not just for the Capital One Cup final but for the rest of the season because, for me, he is one of the top five players in the world,” Pellegrini told journalists after Saturday’s 1-0 win over Stoke City.
"He has been unlucky this season to have some injuries. He has had two long injuries but when he's fully fit, he is a player who can make the difference."
Elsewhere, Samir Nasri has revealed his extra personal motivation for cup success on Sunday.
The 26-year old was a beaten finalist in 2011 when Arsenal were surprisingly edged out by Birmingham City, so complacency certainly won’t be an issue for the Marseille-born playmaker on Sunday afternoon.
“I don’t have good memories in the Cup because I lost the final with Arsenal,” the French star remembers.
“It can be [a good platform for the rest of the season] but I have the [bad] experience with Arsenal. So a win would be really important for us and for the confidence.”
That one is now just six days away.
There are also a couple of transfer snippets hanging over from the weekend, with the most eye-catching rumour that of Martin Skrtel potentially swapping Anfield for the Etihad – if Liverpool should fail to qualify for the UEFA Champions League.
According to the DSSC (Daily Mail) Sami Mokbel, the defender could join City if Joleon Lescott departs on a free transfer at the season’s end.
“Skrtel has impressed for the Anfield club this season as Brendan Rodgers’ side look to secure a top-four place, and his performances have alerted City,” Mokbel writes.
“The Slovakian signed a contract extension in August 2012 and is said to be happy on Merseyside.
“However, City are ready to pounce should Rodgers’ side once again fail to make the top four.”
Remember the only place you can read confirmed transfer stories is here on the official website this summer!
Finally, the UEFA 2016 European Championship qualifying draw was held in Nice yesterday, throwing up some exciting City-centric match-ups.
Kompany versus Dzeko, Kolarov and Nastasic against Nasri and Clichy are but two of the inter-squad rivalries born out of the pots on the road to the tournament to be held in France in two years.
The players took to Twitter after the draw was made to share their reactions, with Edin Dzeko and Vincent Kompany clearly relishing the prospect of facing one another for Bosnia and Belgium respectively.
Losing to Sunderland at Wembley could derail our season, warns Nasri as City keep up fight on four fronts
Samir Nasri believes next week's Capital One Cup final is pivotal to the rest of Manchester City's campaign.
The French playmaker knows from experience how defeat in that fixture at Wembley can derail a season.
Nasri was in the Arsenal side beaten by Birmingham in the 2011 final and remembers how the Gunners subsequently collapsed in the title race.
City, having lost to Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League tie last Tuesday, can ill afford to lose more momentum in such circumstances as they chase trophies on multiple fronts.
Nasri wants victory over Sunderland in next Sunday's clash to provide a good platform for the closing months of the season.
The 26-year-old said: 'I have the experience of losing the Carling Cup with Arsenal.
'After that we only won two games in the league, so a win would be really important for us and the confidence.
CITY'S PIVOTAL MARCH
March 2 Sunderland (at Wembley)
Capital One Cup Final
March 9 Wigan Athletic (H)
FA Cup Sixth Round
March 12 Barcelona (A)
Champions League Last 16, second leg
March 15 Hull City (A)
March 22 Fulham (H)
March 25 Manchester United (A)
March 29 Arsenal (A)
'I don't have good memories (of Wembley) with clubs. I have lost a final there with Arsenal and with Manchester City, but I won there with the national team against England.
'I hope it is going to be the same kind of game.'
City's pride took a knock during the Barcelona game, which was overshadowed by manager Manuel Pellegrini's controversial complaints about the referee.
But Nasri thinks confidence was restored ahead of the Wembley trip by Saturday's win over Stoke in the Barclays Premier League, even if it came with a laboured performance.
Yaya Toure scored the only goal after 70 minutes at the Etihad Stadium as City finally wore the Potters down to claim three important points in the title race.
'We were a little down because of the circumstances of the (Barcelona) game but we did the job.'
City expect to be lifted further this week by the return of top scorer Sergio Aguero.
The Argentinian, who has scored 26 goals this term, has missed five games with a hamstring injury but is set to return to training on Tuesday.
Nasri said: 'It is going to be a big boost for the team, but you cannot disrespect Alvaro (Negredo) and Edin (Dzeko).
'They have done a great job too. It will be good when another striker comes, and with Stevan (Jovetic) and them we can rotate and be more fresh.'
Joleon Lescott admits he is playing to impress potential suitors ahead of Man City exit
FORMER Everton defender Joleon Lescott admits he's now playing to impress potential suitors ahead of his Manchester City exit in the summer, with West Ham, Fulham and Newcastle all credited with an interest.
Lescott reveals there are no hard feelings towards his current employers [GETTY]
The centre-back's contract expires at the end of this season and he is aware his future does not lie at the Etihad after being told there will be no extension.
Lescott insists he bears no grudge towards City as he prepares to leave the club he's been at since 2009, and he has not ruled out a move abroad.
"My days at City are numbered but there is no bad feeling. I've known for a while but there is no resentment," the 31-year-old said.
"I know my contract won't be renewed, so every performance I've put in this season has been like being in the shop window.
"Hopefully someone is watching and wants to sign me.
"I wouldn't rule out a move a move abroad. I need to weigh up my options and see what is best for me and my family."
Lescott, who has been linked with Premier League sides West Ham, Fulham and Newcastle, is keen to leave City on a good note and claim a couple of trophies, with a trip to the Camp Nou to decide their Champions League fate.
"Playing against Barcelona is one of the benefits of staying. So too is the chance to win more medals," Lescott added.
"It's a good reason to stay, to be part of this squad."
Aguero lined up to replace Benzema
Manchester City star back on Real Madrid’s agenda
Manchester City may face a summer battle to keep Sergio Aguero, with Real Madrid plotting a move for the striker, according to reports from the Sunday People.
The Spanish giants were linked with the Argentine last year, and have been further impressed by his stunning displays for the Sky Blues this term.
With Karim Benzema attracting attention from Paris Saint-Germain, Los Blancos are believed to be ready to up their efforts to land a new forward as a potential replacement for the Frenchman.
Aguero is seen as the prime candidate, with the South American star having a proven record in La Liga after a successful spell with Atletico Madrid.
Real chief Carlo Ancelotti is also said to be a fan of the City hit-man, and sees him as the ideal man to play in between Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale in what would be one of the world’s most feared attacking lines.
Liverpool’s Luis Suarez is also a target, but with the Uruguayan ace now making noises that he is content at Anfield a summer move may be off the agenda.
City and United's transfer tug-of-war
Fresh reports suggest that Manchester City are prepared to out-bid bitter rivals United for Porto defender Eliaquim Mangala this summer.
Italian website Tutto Mercato Web claims that the Blues will pull out all the stops to ensure that one of their main transfer targets does not end up at Old Trafford before the start of next season.
The towering centre-half is believed to have a release clause with the Portugese giants somewhere in the region of £40million.
Title challengers City attempted to sign him on the final day of the January transfer window along with his team-mate Fernando, but it fell through and a private jet booked to fly the pair to Manchester was cancelled.
While United boss David Moyes is in the process of rebuilding his under-performing squad, City want a defender to partner captain Vincent Kompany, with current choice Martin Demichelis now in the twilight of his career.
Man City Want Arsenal Centre-Back
Man City are lining up a summer bid for Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen according to Football Direct News.
The Etihad Stadium side are keen to bring in a strong experienced centre-back to line-up alongside captain Vincent Kompany and Manuel Pellegrini has now turned to another Belgian.
Martin Demichelis has struggled to adapt to life in the English top tier, Joleon Lescott is expected to leave in the summer and youngster Matija Nastastic has not impressed this term, hence the need for a centre-back signing.
28 year old Arsenal star Vermaelen has been left on the bench for most of the current campaign with Arsene Wenger keeping faith with a pairing of Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker and as such the club captain may well be on his way at the end of the season.
Vermaelen has just over a year to run on his current contract.
The added bonus with a move for Vermaelen is the fact that the former Ajax man is also comfortable in left-back and defensive midfield roles.
Four arrested over alleged racist abuse at Manchester City clash with Stoke
The two men and a youth are believed to be Stoke supporters and have now been banned from entering Greater Manchester, the M.u.E.N can reveal this morning.
Three fans have been arrested over alleged racist chanting during City’s clash with Stoke on Saturday.
The two men and a youth are believed to be Stoke supporters and have now been banned from entering Greater Manchester, the M.E.N can reveal this morning.
A fourth man was arrested over allegations he racially abused a steward.
The fans were held on Saturday afternoon at the Etihad during the Blues’ 1-0 defeat of the Staffordshire visitors.
A 37-year-old, a 50-year-old and a 17-year-old were held on suspicion of racist chanting during the game in Eastlands.
A fourth man, also believed to be a Stoke fan, was held on suspicion of racially abusing a steward.
The men have all been bailed and cannot enter GMP’s force area while investigations are ongoing. The 17-year-old has received a caution racist chanting.
All four are understood to be from the Staffordshire area.
It’s rare for police to make arrests for racist chanting at City matches, but nationally there have been issues at other Premier League grounds, most recently Tottenham.
GMP are still investigating and seeking more details from other fans at the game and officials at Manchester City.
A total of 47,038 were at the ground for Saturday’s clash – the third highest crowd in the top flight this weekend. It is not yet clear whether police were seeking CCTV footage of alleged incidents.
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]
Bayern Munich are monitoring Newcastle United full-back Mathieu Debuchy, 28, with the German club's boss Pep Guardiola reportedly unimpressed with current right-back Rafinha. Sky's Talkshit
Meanwhile, Newcastle boss Alan Pardew admits his hopes of signing striker Loic Remy permanently from Queens Park Rangers are receding with every goal he scores. The France international, 27, returned from suspension to fire the Magpies to a vital 1-0 victory over Aston Villa on Sunday. Metro
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has ruled out making a move for Paris St-Germain strikers Zlatan Ibrahimovic, 32, and Edinson Cavani, 27, as he chases a big-name striker to replace goal-shy duo Fernando Torres, 29, and Samuel Eto'o, 32. Sun
Manchester United are offering Toni Kroos £250,000 a week to quit Bayern Munich - three times what the 24-year-old midfielder is currently on with the 2013 Champions League winners. Daily Mirror
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers says he would not 'play the Chelsea way' as he favours playing an attacking game rather than grinding out results. Independent
Harry Redknapp's future as QPR manager is in doubt following the club's poor recent form and Michael Laudrup has emerged as a possible replacement. Times
Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal has hinted he would be open to an approach from Tottenham Hotspur after this summer's World Cup in Brazil. Guardian
Southampton boss Mauricio Pochettino claims he would jump at the chance to leave St Mary's for favourite club Paris St-Germain, where he spent three years as a player. Daily Express
Galatasaray boss Roberto Mancini has backed striker Didier Drogba to knock his former side Chelsea out of the Champions League in the last 16. Sun
Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville believes manager David Moyes will be given plenty of time and money to get things right at the champions, as Wayne Rooney's £300,000-a-week contract proves. Sky's Talkshit
Former Arsenal manager George Graham has urged current boss Arsene Wenger to rest stars in the "impossible" last-16 second leg clash at Bayern Munich and concentrate on the title race. DSSC
Meanwhile, Wenger is "absolutely adamant" that Czech playmaker Tomas Rosicky must sign a new deal. The 33-year-old is yet to extend his current deal, which expires this summer. Guardian
Croatian midfielder Ivan Rakitic, 25, will eventually renew his contract with Sevilla despite strong interest from Barcelona, Liverpool and Inter Milan. L'Equipe
Schalke sporting director Horst Heldt says that Arsenal's 30 million euros (£24 million) offer for their 20-year-old midfielder Julian Draxler was "not enough". AS.com
Barcelona have joined Manchester United and Arsenal in the list of clubs pursuing San Lorenzo's 18-year-old "offensive talent" Angel Correa. Bild
Real Madrid's 26-year-old striker Karim Benzema says manager Carlo Ancelotti's tenure has seen the players take greater control of the game, while under ex-boss Jose Mourinho the team adopted a defensive approach. Marca
Inter Milan's Indonesian owner Erick Thorir says the club will discuss Javier Zanetti's future in the coming months. Meanwhile, there are strong rumours that Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is planning a surprise bid for the 40-year-old Argentina defender. Tuttosport
Brazilian-born former Barcelona midfielder Thiago Motta, 31, has renewed his contract with Paris Saint-Germain until 2016. Tuttosport
Italian side Napoli have set their sights on 32-year-old German goalkeeper Tim Wiese, who ended his contract with 1899 Hoffenheim in January. Bild
Scunthorpe goalkeeper Sam Slocombe had so little to do in his side's 5-1 win over Portsmouth that he had time to pose for a 'selfie' during the game with a Portsmouth fan, eager to take a memento from his long journey on Saturday. DSSC
Chelsea striker Fernando Torres, 29, is a transfer target for a Singapore-based billionaire trying to buy Spanish side Valencia. Mirror
Liverpool will make a move for Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, 26, if they qualify for the Champions League at the end of the season. Metro
Swansea's Spain striker Michu, 27, is wanted by Anzhi Makhachkala, before the Russian transfer window shuts on Monday night. People
Manchester United believe they have won the battle to sign Borussia Dortmund's 21-year-old Germany international midfielder Ilkay Gundogan for £25m. Daily Star
Everton boss Roberto Martinez wants to tempt former Swansea midfielder Joe Allen, 23, across Stanley Park from Liverpool to Goodison Park. Mirror
Former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba is considering returning to the club as a coach. The 35-year-old, who is currently playing at Galatasary, has been offered the chance to work at Stamford Bridge as strikers' coach by manager Jose Mourinho. Times
Premier League strugglers Norwich City will sack manager Chris Hughton if they are beaten by Tottenham on Sunday and will target Celtic boss Neil Lennon as a replacement. Mirror
Owner Mike Ashley is willing to discuss selling Newcastle United - if someone offers £250m. People
Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville insists his old club will not finish in the Premier League top four this season. Sky's TalkShit
Former Swansea manager Michael Laudrup will demand an extra £1m in compensation if the Welsh club avoid relegation this season. Sun
Tim Sherwood could keep his job as Tottenham manager even if the club fail to qualify for next season's Champions League. DSSC
Scunthorpe United have revealed the secret behind their 16-match unbeaten run - their interesting selection of half-time snacks. Metro
more bollox soon
Happy Birthday to Denis, 74 today
[youtube]e8HQhV3ujyg[/youtube]
Let’s not dwell too much on the weekend that was - not with a Monday head…
Instead, let’s move straight on and look forward to the weekend where the Blues have a date with destiny – the chance to end a 38-year wait for the League Cup trophy.
City’s first-team returns to training tomorrow morning ahead of their date with Gus Poyet’s Sunderland at Wembley on Sunday, with a certain Argentine striker expected to play a full role.
Sergio Aguero has been out of action since the 5-1 win over Tottenham at White Hart Lane on January 29 but he could be back just in time for the Capital One Cup final next weekend.
That’s timely news for Manuel Pellegrini who will be delighted to welcome back the man who has scored 25 goals in 25 appearances.
"Agüero can give us all a huge lift, not just for the Capital One Cup final but for the rest of the season because, for me, he is one of the top five players in the world,” Pellegrini told journalists after Saturday’s 1-0 win over Stoke City.
"He has been unlucky this season to have some injuries. He has had two long injuries but when he's fully fit, he is a player who can make the difference."
Elsewhere, Samir Nasri has revealed his extra personal motivation for cup success on Sunday.
The 26-year old was a beaten finalist in 2011 when Arsenal were surprisingly edged out by Birmingham City, so complacency certainly won’t be an issue for the Marseille-born playmaker on Sunday afternoon.
“I don’t have good memories in the Cup because I lost the final with Arsenal,” the French star remembers.
“It can be [a good platform for the rest of the season] but I have the [bad] experience with Arsenal. So a win would be really important for us and for the confidence.”
That one is now just six days away.
There are also a couple of transfer snippets hanging over from the weekend, with the most eye-catching rumour that of Martin Skrtel potentially swapping Anfield for the Etihad – if Liverpool should fail to qualify for the UEFA Champions League.
According to the DSSC (Daily Mail) Sami Mokbel, the defender could join City if Joleon Lescott departs on a free transfer at the season’s end.
“Skrtel has impressed for the Anfield club this season as Brendan Rodgers’ side look to secure a top-four place, and his performances have alerted City,” Mokbel writes.
“The Slovakian signed a contract extension in August 2012 and is said to be happy on Merseyside.
“However, City are ready to pounce should Rodgers’ side once again fail to make the top four.”
Remember the only place you can read confirmed transfer stories is here on the official website this summer!
Finally, the UEFA 2016 European Championship qualifying draw was held in Nice yesterday, throwing up some exciting City-centric match-ups.
Kompany versus Dzeko, Kolarov and Nastasic against Nasri and Clichy are but two of the inter-squad rivalries born out of the pots on the road to the tournament to be held in France in two years.
The players took to Twitter after the draw was made to share their reactions, with Edin Dzeko and Vincent Kompany clearly relishing the prospect of facing one another for Bosnia and Belgium respectively.
Losing to Sunderland at Wembley could derail our season, warns Nasri as City keep up fight on four fronts
Samir Nasri believes next week's Capital One Cup final is pivotal to the rest of Manchester City's campaign.
The French playmaker knows from experience how defeat in that fixture at Wembley can derail a season.
Nasri was in the Arsenal side beaten by Birmingham in the 2011 final and remembers how the Gunners subsequently collapsed in the title race.
City, having lost to Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League tie last Tuesday, can ill afford to lose more momentum in such circumstances as they chase trophies on multiple fronts.
Nasri wants victory over Sunderland in next Sunday's clash to provide a good platform for the closing months of the season.
The 26-year-old said: 'I have the experience of losing the Carling Cup with Arsenal.
'After that we only won two games in the league, so a win would be really important for us and the confidence.
CITY'S PIVOTAL MARCH
March 2 Sunderland (at Wembley)
Capital One Cup Final
March 9 Wigan Athletic (H)
FA Cup Sixth Round
March 12 Barcelona (A)
Champions League Last 16, second leg
March 15 Hull City (A)
March 22 Fulham (H)
March 25 Manchester United (A)
March 29 Arsenal (A)
'I don't have good memories (of Wembley) with clubs. I have lost a final there with Arsenal and with Manchester City, but I won there with the national team against England.
'I hope it is going to be the same kind of game.'
City's pride took a knock during the Barcelona game, which was overshadowed by manager Manuel Pellegrini's controversial complaints about the referee.
But Nasri thinks confidence was restored ahead of the Wembley trip by Saturday's win over Stoke in the Barclays Premier League, even if it came with a laboured performance.
Yaya Toure scored the only goal after 70 minutes at the Etihad Stadium as City finally wore the Potters down to claim three important points in the title race.
'We were a little down because of the circumstances of the (Barcelona) game but we did the job.'
City expect to be lifted further this week by the return of top scorer Sergio Aguero.
The Argentinian, who has scored 26 goals this term, has missed five games with a hamstring injury but is set to return to training on Tuesday.
Nasri said: 'It is going to be a big boost for the team, but you cannot disrespect Alvaro (Negredo) and Edin (Dzeko).
'They have done a great job too. It will be good when another striker comes, and with Stevan (Jovetic) and them we can rotate and be more fresh.'
Joleon Lescott admits he is playing to impress potential suitors ahead of Man City exit
FORMER Everton defender Joleon Lescott admits he's now playing to impress potential suitors ahead of his Manchester City exit in the summer, with West Ham, Fulham and Newcastle all credited with an interest.
Lescott reveals there are no hard feelings towards his current employers [GETTY]
The centre-back's contract expires at the end of this season and he is aware his future does not lie at the Etihad after being told there will be no extension.
Lescott insists he bears no grudge towards City as he prepares to leave the club he's been at since 2009, and he has not ruled out a move abroad.
"My days at City are numbered but there is no bad feeling. I've known for a while but there is no resentment," the 31-year-old said.
"I know my contract won't be renewed, so every performance I've put in this season has been like being in the shop window.
"Hopefully someone is watching and wants to sign me.
"I wouldn't rule out a move a move abroad. I need to weigh up my options and see what is best for me and my family."
Lescott, who has been linked with Premier League sides West Ham, Fulham and Newcastle, is keen to leave City on a good note and claim a couple of trophies, with a trip to the Camp Nou to decide their Champions League fate.
"Playing against Barcelona is one of the benefits of staying. So too is the chance to win more medals," Lescott added.
"It's a good reason to stay, to be part of this squad."
Aguero lined up to replace Benzema
Manchester City star back on Real Madrid’s agenda
Manchester City may face a summer battle to keep Sergio Aguero, with Real Madrid plotting a move for the striker, according to reports from the Sunday People.
The Spanish giants were linked with the Argentine last year, and have been further impressed by his stunning displays for the Sky Blues this term.
With Karim Benzema attracting attention from Paris Saint-Germain, Los Blancos are believed to be ready to up their efforts to land a new forward as a potential replacement for the Frenchman.
Aguero is seen as the prime candidate, with the South American star having a proven record in La Liga after a successful spell with Atletico Madrid.
Real chief Carlo Ancelotti is also said to be a fan of the City hit-man, and sees him as the ideal man to play in between Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale in what would be one of the world’s most feared attacking lines.
Liverpool’s Luis Suarez is also a target, but with the Uruguayan ace now making noises that he is content at Anfield a summer move may be off the agenda.
City and United's transfer tug-of-war
Fresh reports suggest that Manchester City are prepared to out-bid bitter rivals United for Porto defender Eliaquim Mangala this summer.
Italian website Tutto Mercato Web claims that the Blues will pull out all the stops to ensure that one of their main transfer targets does not end up at Old Trafford before the start of next season.
The towering centre-half is believed to have a release clause with the Portugese giants somewhere in the region of £40million.
Title challengers City attempted to sign him on the final day of the January transfer window along with his team-mate Fernando, but it fell through and a private jet booked to fly the pair to Manchester was cancelled.
While United boss David Moyes is in the process of rebuilding his under-performing squad, City want a defender to partner captain Vincent Kompany, with current choice Martin Demichelis now in the twilight of his career.
Man City Want Arsenal Centre-Back
Man City are lining up a summer bid for Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen according to Football Direct News.
The Etihad Stadium side are keen to bring in a strong experienced centre-back to line-up alongside captain Vincent Kompany and Manuel Pellegrini has now turned to another Belgian.
Martin Demichelis has struggled to adapt to life in the English top tier, Joleon Lescott is expected to leave in the summer and youngster Matija Nastastic has not impressed this term, hence the need for a centre-back signing.
28 year old Arsenal star Vermaelen has been left on the bench for most of the current campaign with Arsene Wenger keeping faith with a pairing of Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker and as such the club captain may well be on his way at the end of the season.
Vermaelen has just over a year to run on his current contract.
The added bonus with a move for Vermaelen is the fact that the former Ajax man is also comfortable in left-back and defensive midfield roles.
Four arrested over alleged racist abuse at Manchester City clash with Stoke
The two men and a youth are believed to be Stoke supporters and have now been banned from entering Greater Manchester, the M.u.E.N can reveal this morning.
Three fans have been arrested over alleged racist chanting during City’s clash with Stoke on Saturday.
The two men and a youth are believed to be Stoke supporters and have now been banned from entering Greater Manchester, the M.E.N can reveal this morning.
A fourth man was arrested over allegations he racially abused a steward.
The fans were held on Saturday afternoon at the Etihad during the Blues’ 1-0 defeat of the Staffordshire visitors.
A 37-year-old, a 50-year-old and a 17-year-old were held on suspicion of racist chanting during the game in Eastlands.
A fourth man, also believed to be a Stoke fan, was held on suspicion of racially abusing a steward.
The men have all been bailed and cannot enter GMP’s force area while investigations are ongoing. The 17-year-old has received a caution racist chanting.
All four are understood to be from the Staffordshire area.
It’s rare for police to make arrests for racist chanting at City matches, but nationally there have been issues at other Premier League grounds, most recently Tottenham.
GMP are still investigating and seeking more details from other fans at the game and officials at Manchester City.
A total of 47,038 were at the ground for Saturday’s clash – the third highest crowd in the top flight this weekend. It is not yet clear whether police were seeking CCTV footage of alleged incidents.
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]Bayern Munich are monitoring Newcastle United full-back Mathieu Debuchy, 28, with the German club's boss Pep Guardiola reportedly unimpressed with current right-back Rafinha. Sky's Talkshit
Meanwhile, Newcastle boss Alan Pardew admits his hopes of signing striker Loic Remy permanently from Queens Park Rangers are receding with every goal he scores. The France international, 27, returned from suspension to fire the Magpies to a vital 1-0 victory over Aston Villa on Sunday. Metro
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has ruled out making a move for Paris St-Germain strikers Zlatan Ibrahimovic, 32, and Edinson Cavani, 27, as he chases a big-name striker to replace goal-shy duo Fernando Torres, 29, and Samuel Eto'o, 32. Sun
Manchester United are offering Toni Kroos £250,000 a week to quit Bayern Munich - three times what the 24-year-old midfielder is currently on with the 2013 Champions League winners. Daily Mirror
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers says he would not 'play the Chelsea way' as he favours playing an attacking game rather than grinding out results. Independent
Harry Redknapp's future as QPR manager is in doubt following the club's poor recent form and Michael Laudrup has emerged as a possible replacement. Times
Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal has hinted he would be open to an approach from Tottenham Hotspur after this summer's World Cup in Brazil. Guardian
Southampton boss Mauricio Pochettino claims he would jump at the chance to leave St Mary's for favourite club Paris St-Germain, where he spent three years as a player. Daily Express
Galatasaray boss Roberto Mancini has backed striker Didier Drogba to knock his former side Chelsea out of the Champions League in the last 16. Sun
Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville believes manager David Moyes will be given plenty of time and money to get things right at the champions, as Wayne Rooney's £300,000-a-week contract proves. Sky's Talkshit
Former Arsenal manager George Graham has urged current boss Arsene Wenger to rest stars in the "impossible" last-16 second leg clash at Bayern Munich and concentrate on the title race. DSSC
Meanwhile, Wenger is "absolutely adamant" that Czech playmaker Tomas Rosicky must sign a new deal. The 33-year-old is yet to extend his current deal, which expires this summer. Guardian
Croatian midfielder Ivan Rakitic, 25, will eventually renew his contract with Sevilla despite strong interest from Barcelona, Liverpool and Inter Milan. L'Equipe
Schalke sporting director Horst Heldt says that Arsenal's 30 million euros (£24 million) offer for their 20-year-old midfielder Julian Draxler was "not enough". AS.com
Barcelona have joined Manchester United and Arsenal in the list of clubs pursuing San Lorenzo's 18-year-old "offensive talent" Angel Correa. Bild
Real Madrid's 26-year-old striker Karim Benzema says manager Carlo Ancelotti's tenure has seen the players take greater control of the game, while under ex-boss Jose Mourinho the team adopted a defensive approach. Marca
Inter Milan's Indonesian owner Erick Thorir says the club will discuss Javier Zanetti's future in the coming months. Meanwhile, there are strong rumours that Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is planning a surprise bid for the 40-year-old Argentina defender. Tuttosport
Brazilian-born former Barcelona midfielder Thiago Motta, 31, has renewed his contract with Paris Saint-Germain until 2016. Tuttosport
Italian side Napoli have set their sights on 32-year-old German goalkeeper Tim Wiese, who ended his contract with 1899 Hoffenheim in January. Bild
Scunthorpe goalkeeper Sam Slocombe had so little to do in his side's 5-1 win over Portsmouth that he had time to pose for a 'selfie' during the game with a Portsmouth fan, eager to take a memento from his long journey on Saturday. DSSC
Chelsea striker Fernando Torres, 29, is a transfer target for a Singapore-based billionaire trying to buy Spanish side Valencia. Mirror
Liverpool will make a move for Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, 26, if they qualify for the Champions League at the end of the season. Metro
Swansea's Spain striker Michu, 27, is wanted by Anzhi Makhachkala, before the Russian transfer window shuts on Monday night. People
Manchester United believe they have won the battle to sign Borussia Dortmund's 21-year-old Germany international midfielder Ilkay Gundogan for £25m. Daily Star
Everton boss Roberto Martinez wants to tempt former Swansea midfielder Joe Allen, 23, across Stanley Park from Liverpool to Goodison Park. Mirror
Former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba is considering returning to the club as a coach. The 35-year-old, who is currently playing at Galatasary, has been offered the chance to work at Stamford Bridge as strikers' coach by manager Jose Mourinho. Times
Premier League strugglers Norwich City will sack manager Chris Hughton if they are beaten by Tottenham on Sunday and will target Celtic boss Neil Lennon as a replacement. Mirror
Owner Mike Ashley is willing to discuss selling Newcastle United - if someone offers £250m. People
Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville insists his old club will not finish in the Premier League top four this season. Sky's TalkShit
Former Swansea manager Michael Laudrup will demand an extra £1m in compensation if the Welsh club avoid relegation this season. Sun
Tim Sherwood could keep his job as Tottenham manager even if the club fail to qualify for next season's Champions League. DSSC
Scunthorpe United have revealed the secret behind their 16-match unbeaten run - their interesting selection of half-time snacks. Metro
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