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THE BOLLOX

ROUND UP
We kick things off with sad news on the Micah Richards front.
A report here from the Daily Mail claims that the defender is set to reject a contract offer from City in order to join up with West Ham for regular first-team football.
The Blues won't be letting Stevan Jovetic go as easily this summer, however.
Inter are reportedly keen on bringing the Montenegrin back to Italy but Manuel Pellegrini is hoping to have him at the Etihad Stadium next season.
The pursuit of Porto midfielder Fernando seems to be finally reaching a conclusion, with the Brazilian having cut short a holiday in order to complete a switch.
But this report seems to throw a move for Roma centre-half Mehdi Benatia into doubt.
The Moroccan is believed to be keen on joining Chelsea over City, though we'd take this one with a large pinch of salt.


West Ham ‘target Manchester City’s wantaway defender Micah Richards’
West Ham are believed to be pursuing a move for Micah Richards, with the defender poised to reject a new contract at Manchester City.
Richards’ current deal at the Etihad Stadium expires next summer and he is said to be reluctant to put pen to paper again, having struggled to hold down a regular place in recent seasons.
And the news has alerted West Ham boss Sam Allardyce who is looking to bolster his squad in several areas over the summer.
Richards, 25, is still wanted by Manchester City as they look to fulfil their homegrown quota, but having lost his place in the England squad and been pushed out of the right-back spot by Pablo Zabaleta, is thought to want to pursue first-team football elsewhere.
Another City defender who looks set to leave this summer is Joleon Lescott, with Hull the latest club to show an interest in the centre-back.

Manchester City's Stevan Jovetic a transfer target for Inter Milan
Former Fiorentina star who picked up a title medal in his injury-hit debut season in England is being eyed for rapid return to Serie A
Inter Milan are ready to test Manchester City's resolve to keep Stevan Jovetic.
Rebuilding Inter want to bring Jovetic back to Italy after his first season at the the Blues was blighted by injuries.
The 24-year-old managed just five starts and six goals and struggled to settle in Manchester.
The Montengro international was a big success during his five seasons at Fiorentina and Inter believe he may be interested in returning to Serie A.
Inter owner Erick Thohir is determined to restore the club's fortunes and has identified Jovetic as a summer target.
City want to hang on to the £22million striker and still believe in his ability, despite all his problems last season.
However, Inter believe they may be able to persuade City to do business because Jovetic is only Manuel Pellegrini's fourth-choice striker.
[youtube]dW_fFxq32xs[/youtube]

Mehdi Benatia wants Chelsea move
One of Manchester City’s top transfer targets for this summer has dealt Manuel Pellegrini and incredible blow, as it’s believe he wants to reject them in favour of a Chelsea switch.
The Daily Star relays reports from Italy which suggest that Roma lynchpin Mehdi Benatia is set to turn down the chance to move to the current Premier League champions, as he harbours hopes of being signed instead by Jose Mourinho. The Moroccan has been on the radar at the Etihad for some weeks now, and it’s thought City want to bring him in as a full-time defensive partner to club captain Vincent Kompany.
However Pellegrini is now staring down the barrel of an embarrassing rejection, as the 27-year-old, who enjoyed a very solid season at the Stadio Olimpico, has his eyes set on a Stamford Bridge switch. Rated at £30million the Roma man has risen to become one of Europe’s most sought-after assets and, despite the fact that Rudi Garcia is reportedly hell-bent on keeping his best players together to challenge Juventus’ dominance at the Serie A next season, a move to the Premier League is looking an increasingly likely prospect.
It’s said that Chelsea have lodged an enquiry to his current club to see how much scope there is for taking Benatia to Stamford Bridge, which will no doubt make the player himself happy. Mourinho has been extremely on point with his dealings in the transfer market so far, and it’s already looking like Francesc Fabregas and Diego Costa have all but cemented their places in his line-up next term.
However the Special One has earmarked the acquisition of a top central defender, and with his decision to allow backup choice Tomas Calas to join Cologne on a season-long loan only furthers his need to find another option. The ageing John Terry formed a solid partnership with Gary Cahill last campaign, but it remains to be seen whether or not the pair will be able to perform the same heroic feats this time around, and speculation would have you believe that Raphael Varane has also been targeted as a potential addition.
Youngster Kurt Zouma is also there to be considered of course, but rumours continue to infer that he will be farmed out on loan once more next season, and he very much looks like a player for the future rather than a feasible asset for the here and now.
As for City, Pellegrini will have to hope there’s more fish in the sea with regards to sourcing an alternative. With it having been confirmed that Joleon Lescott is leaving the club this summer, alongside the fact that neither Martin Demichelis or Matija Nastasic have been overly impressive when called upon, the Chilean needs to move fast if he is to guarantee defensive solidity in his bid to retain the English title.

[spoiler][/spoiler]
The 2014 World Cup is made for Wayne Rooney, according to Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho who thinks England could win the trophy if they survive a difficult group. Sun (subscription)

England manager Roy Hodgson could deploy Liverpool's Raheem Sterling in a number 10 role when his side face Italy in Manaus in their World Cup opener on Saturday. Daily Mirror

New Aston Villa and ex-England midfielder Joe Cole says Wayne Rooney will deliver match-winning performances for the Three Lions at the World Cup. TalkSHIT

Football Association chairman Greg Dyke has refused to be drawn on Hodgson's future after the World Cup, but said that emerging from a difficult group would be considered a success. Guardian

England would be wise to move for Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers or Everton's Roberto Martinez as successor to manager Roy Hodgson, according to Queens Park Rangers manager Harry Redknapp . Talksport

England practised penalties at the end of training to prepare for a shootout in the knockout stages - although did so without a goalkeeper between the posts and some players still missed. The Times (subscription)

England's players have begun their 12-day courses of medication to combat malaria despite the potential side effects ahead of their trip to Manaus to face Italy. Guardian

A successful World Cup for Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo will propel his earnings even beyond those of ex-England captain and global icon David Beckham. Daily Telegraph

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has identified Barcelona striker Alexis Sanchez, 25, as a £20m transfer target. The Guardian

Everton will make an offer of £2.5m for 21-year-old Heerenveen midfielder Hakim Ziyech as they look to beat off interest from Ajax and PSV Eindhoven. Daily Mirror

Atletico Madrid defender Miranda, 29, could be set to leave the Spanish capital after stating he has had offers to move to the Premier League next season. InsideFutbol

Arsenal will welcome striker Carlos Vela back to the Emirates next season as Real Sociedad's president confirmed the Gunners have expressed their desire to take up a £3.2m buy-back clause on the 25-year-old Mexican. Daily Express

Tottenham and Liverpool are tracking Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Karl Darlow, 23. DSSC

Liverpool's attempt to sign 21-year-old left-back Alberto Moreno from Seville for £16.2m has reached a halt because the La Liga side have reportedly demanded the bulk of the transfer fee up front. Independent

Hull City boss Steve Bruce is closing in on a double swoop for winger Thomas Ince, 22, and centre-back Joleon Lescott, 31, who are out of contract with Blackpool and Manchester City respectively. DSSC

Southampton are closing in on appointing a new manager following Mauricio Pochettino's exit to Tottenham, according to the club's executive director Les Reed. FourFourTwo

Steve Bruce guided Hull City to promotion to the Premier League in his first season in charge

Hull City boss Steve Bruce is the Saints' number-one target to fill their vacant manager's role. Daily Mirror

Spain striker Fernando Torres, 30, had been told he still has a future at Chelsea despite the arrival of 25-year-old forward Diego Costa for £32m from Atletico Madrid. Sun

David Beckham will have to find a new home for his Major League Soccer franchise after plans to build on Miami's waterfront were rejected. Miami Herald

Crystal Palace goalkeeper Julian Speroni, 35, is poised to sign a new deal at Selhurst Park to end speculation over his future. Sky Sports

Leeds United must pay £400,000 in compensation to Reading if they want to land Eamonn Dolan as boss. Daily Star

Netherlands striker Robin van Persie may want to stay away from the beach after being hit by a stray kite surfer while strolling on the Rio water front on Monday. Metro

German scientists have predicted the outcome of every single match at the World Cup and revealed that their country will reach the final - but lose to Spain. Daily Mirror

more bollox later

So EVERYONE wants to join Chelsea? Going to be tough to get in that defence eh lads?

lets all have a disco wrote:So EVERYONE wants to join Chelsea? Going to be tough to get in that defence eh lads?

It really is bizarre how certain journos just randomly decide to print this bollocks. It seems that City being 'snubbed' is the only thing which brings them any satisfaction.

Ted Hughes wrote:

lets all have a disco wrote:So EVERYONE wants to join Chelsea? Going to be tough to get in that defence eh lads?

It really is bizarre how certain journos just randomly decide to print this bollocks. It seems that City being 'snubbed' is the only thing which brings them any satisfaction.

Yes, we cant sign anyone, all our targets dont want to play for us, all prefer chelsea and everyone is leaving and we are in crisis even though we are the CHAMPIONS. This fact is making them choke on their cornflakes. Good.

Ted Hughes wrote:

lets all have a disco wrote:So EVERYONE wants to join Chelsea? Going to be tough to get in that defence eh lads?

It really is bizarre how certain journos just randomly decide to print this bollocks. It seems that City being 'snubbed' is the only thing which brings them any satisfaction.

LMFAO...

Around 7 seconds from reading your post using the google intranet machine and I found this.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-city/3831614/Sergio-Aguero-to-snub-Manchester-City-and-join-Real-Madrid.html

I think all this 'so-and-so' wants to join the Chavs and not us is just the papers (journalists) lining up behind the club they think will challenge us next season (obviously no longer the rags, never Arsenal and the dippers will fuck off back to obscurity). We do seem to live in a media world in which it's anyone but City. Chortle.

The scientists who predicted Germany to lose in the final can't be that scientific, half my office got the same on the World Cup predictor!

Micah lost his place at City due to being almost permanently injured for 2 seasons - he would have played plenty of games otherwise (even if Zabba has claimed 'first' spot).

And he couldn't get a game for England when he was first choice when we won the league - so not playing for us is nothing to do with him not getting in the England squad.

Nickyboy wrote:Micah lost his place at City due to being almost permanently injured for 2 seasons - he would have played plenty of games otherwise (even if Zabba has claimed 'first' spot).

And he couldn't get a game for England when he was first choice when we won the league - so not playing for us is nothing to do with him not getting in the England squad.

Not 100% true, because if he'd been a rag, he'd have 50 caps during the periods he has been fit, including at centre back as a kid in friendlies, & not a chance would Kyle Walker etc ever have got a sniff.

Imo, when 100% fit a couple of seasons ago, Micah was a better fullback than Zabba & could be again, plus if I had the choice at centre back, if fit, I would rather spend next season teaching Micah to play at centre back again than teaching Nastasic. There is no comparison in potential imo.

But that assumes he's actually available to play, & also willing to stay, & there lies the problem.

It would make sense for both parties to carry on for a while & see if he gets in the side, & therefore is happy to sign a new deal, rather than part company now imo, but only if they will consider him at cb. With Sagna coming, 3 rbs would be silly.

Ted Hughes wrote:

Nickyboy wrote:Micah lost his place at City due to being almost permanently injured for 2 seasons - he would have played plenty of games otherwise (even if Zabba has claimed 'first' spot).

And he couldn't get a game for England when he was first choice when we won the league - so not playing for us is nothing to do with him not getting in the England squad.

Not 100% true, because if he'd been a rag, he'd have 50 caps during the periods he has been fit, including at centre back as a kid in friendlies, & not a chance would Kyle Walker etc ever have got a sniff.

Imo, when 100% fit a couple of seasons ago, Micah was a better fullback than Zabba & could be again, plus if I had the choice at centre back, if fit, I would rather spend next season teaching Micah to play at centre back again than teaching Nastasic. There is no comparison in potential imo.

But that assumes he's actually available to play, & also willing to stay, & there lies the problem.

It would make sense for both parties to carry on for a while & see if he gets in the side, & therefore is happy to sign a new deal, rather than part company now imo, but only if they will consider him at cb. With Sagna coming, 3 rbs would be silly.

No way.
Micah hasn't got a football brain and will never develop one...plus he's a fuckign cheat as well as a sick note.

carl_feedthegoat wrote:

Ted Hughes wrote:

Nickyboy wrote:Micah lost his place at City due to being almost permanently injured for 2 seasons - he would have played plenty of games otherwise (even if Zabba has claimed 'first' spot).

And he couldn't get a game for England when he was first choice when we won the league - so not playing for us is nothing to do with him not getting in the England squad.

Not 100% true, because if he'd been a rag, he'd have 50 caps during the periods he has been fit, including at centre back as a kid in friendlies, & not a chance would Kyle Walker etc ever have got a sniff.

Imo, when 100% fit a couple of seasons ago, Micah was a better fullback than Zabba & could be again, plus if I had the choice at centre back, if fit, I would rather spend next season teaching Micah to play at centre back again than teaching Nastasic. There is no comparison in potential imo.

But that assumes he's actually available to play, & also willing to stay, & there lies the problem.

It would make sense for both parties to carry on for a while & see if he gets in the side, & therefore is happy to sign a new deal, rather than part company now imo, but only if they will consider him at cb. With Sagna coming, 3 rbs would be silly.

No way.
Micah hasn't got a football brain and will never develop one...plus he's a fuckign cheat as well as a sick note.

Second that,
some of his cameos, have been close to cringe worthy, Fuck me against Wigan FA Cup, it was pretty sad to se,e good footballers pass quicker than he could think, Sadly he is power and little else to offer, never improved enough , but made a shed load like many other average Joe's......

But he's one of [strike]Oldham's[/strike] our academy players!

Chinners wrote:But he's one of [strike]Oldham's[/strike] our academy players!

I think Oldham also get 25% of any sell-on fee.

Definite risk of splinters there.

Peter Doherty (AGAIG) wrote:I think Oldham also get 25% of any sell-on fee.

Word is that was settled quietly a few yrs ago. Was told by quite a reliable source.

Jovetic was only fourth choice because of his injuries. If he can stay fit it will be different next season. Especially as he will have a head start at the beginning because he was not at the World Cup.

I wouldn't want to spoil the story though.

Hazy2 wrote:

carl_feedthegoat wrote:

Ted Hughes wrote:

Nickyboy wrote:Micah lost his place at City due to being almost permanently injured for 2 seasons - he would have played plenty of games otherwise (even if Zabba has claimed 'first' spot).

And he couldn't get a game for England when he was first choice when we won the league - so not playing for us is nothing to do with him not getting in the England squad.

Not 100% true, because if he'd been a rag, he'd have 50 caps during the periods he has been fit, including at centre back as a kid in friendlies, & not a chance would Kyle Walker etc ever have got a sniff.

Imo, when 100% fit a couple of seasons ago, Micah was a better fullback than Zabba & could be again, plus if I had the choice at centre back, if fit, I would rather spend next season teaching Micah to play at centre back again than teaching Nastasic. There is no comparison in potential imo.

But that assumes he's actually available to play, & also willing to stay, & there lies the problem.

It would make sense for both parties to carry on for a while & see if he gets in the side, & therefore is happy to sign a new deal, rather than part company now imo, but only if they will consider him at cb. With Sagna coming, 3 rbs would be silly.

No way.
Micah hasn't got a football brain and will never develop one...plus he's a fuckign cheat as well as a sick note.

Second that,
some of his cameos, have been close to cringe worthy, Fuck me against Wigan FA Cup, it was pretty sad to se,e good footballers pass quicker than he could think, Sadly he is power and little else to offer, never improved enough , but made a shed load like many other average Joe's......

Micah wasn't cringeworthy at cb when he was winning the derbies home & away v the rags under Sven, he was magnificent.

He was better then, than anything Nastasic or Savic or Boateng have produced v anybody ever. Then the team went pear shaped & he went with it. Then he was a fullback.

I can remember highligts on motd in those days, of Micah's play ON the ball.

Can't remember many highlights from the other cunts.

Really liked the guy but two things have done for him:
1. Bad luck with injuries
2. Poor positional sense

Good luck wherever he goes

The photographer really should have waited for the wag to finish picking her nose before taking the shot.

People have got ridiculously short memories in terms of Micah. Yeah he's been woeful this season but that's mainly down to injuries and never getting a run of games (no one's fault as such, just one of those things) - his form was clearly, clearly affected and he hadn't got his touch back to its sharpest yet or had time to try and settle into a way of playing with a different formation. Very harsh to expect him to be great immediately. At time he was simply magnificent for us. I'll miss the fella.