Everything you need to know about new signing Stefan Savic
The starlet seemed set to sign for Arsenal after a 10-day trial at the Emirates last summer, but gets his Premier League move at last after penning a four-year deal at Eastlands
After a quiet start to the transfer window, Manchester City have snapped up their second signing in three days with the purchase of defender Stefan Savic.
The 20-year-old Montenegro international signs from Partizan Belgrade for around €7 million just after manager Roberto Mancini strengthened another area of his back line with the more high-profile arrival of Gael Clichy from rivals Arsenal.
But what will Savic – a relative unknown quantity compared to the usual calibre of Eastlands arrivals – bring to City over the course of his four-year deal? Does he have what it takes to cut it at the level City are expected to play at?
Savic was a youth product at small Montenegrin club FK Brskovo, after which he got his professional break by joining BSK Borca in the Serbian Second Division, for whom he made his debut in 2008-09 season.
His first campaign coincided with Borca – by no means one of the larger clubs in Serbia with a ground capacity of just 2,500 – achieving promotion to the top-flight.
Journalist Michael Yokhin explains: “He started at Brskovo and then got what was at the time a surprising offer from BSK Borca.
“Once there, he found very good training conditions and good coaches, who helped him to develop very quickly. He was actually a Serie A and Inter fan as a youngster, but his idol was always a player from their great rivals - Alessandro Nesta.”
The following season was when the starlet really announced himself on the domestic stage, slotting in as a regular in defence and becoming a standout performer as his side avoided relegation from the SuperLiga – attracting attention from across Europe as a result.
AC Milan, Roma, Liverpool, CSKA Moscow and Shakhtar Donetsk were all tracking the young defender, but it was Arsene Wenger – alerted by his Bosnian right-hand man Boro Primorac – who was most keen and he took Savic for a 10-day trial at the Emirates before deciding a move was not right at the time.
After the switch failed to materialise, Savic was snapped up by Serbian giants Partizan on a long-term contract in the summer and instantly became a regular there, featuring in the Champions League against the Gunners as well as helping his side to a domestic double, including the retention of their league title.
During this impressive club season, he also made his senior international debut for Montenegro and later established himself as a regular, playing his part in holding England to a 0-0 draw at Wembley - all of which prompted City to swoop once the transfer season arrived.
In many ways, Savic goes against the mould of the recent successful Balkan defenders such as Nemanja Vidic at Manchester United, Branislav Ivanovic of Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund’s Neven Subotic.
While those players have muscularity, fearless commitment and strong tackles at the forefront of their game, the youngster is not currently the biggest built despite having height on his side (he stands at 6ft 1in).
However, Savic is a superb reader of the game and relies on the calmness and maturity of a player beyond his years to perform any defensive duties – he is not a player likely to be seen lunging in or making many rash challenges.
Strengths Excellent positioning and marking ability
Can read the game extremely well with maturity beyond his years
Has impressive technique which means he is able to pass accurately or carry the ball out of defence
Weaknesses Critics say he currently lacks enough strength to play in the Premier League
Can get caught out by a striker who has a quick turn of pace
Yet to pick up much experience at the highest levels of the game
As well as that, he is capable of using impressive technique to remain comfortable once in possession and starting up his team’s attacks through accurate passes or carrying the ball out of defence.
Off the pitch and mentally, his low-key grounding in the game seems to have served him well on his rapid rise to Premier League and international riches.
Balkans expert Luke Matthews said: “Savic is level-headed and determined to succeed. The fact that a dream move to Arsenal broke down yet he didn't let that affect his game says a lot.
“Instead, he moved to Partizan, kept his head down and had a very impressive season, playing a pivotal role in helping the club retain the title. The fact that Edin Dzeko and Aleksandar Kolarov [also from the Balkans] are at the club should see him settle in easily.”
It remains to be seen what immediate plans Mancini has for Savic in a season where he takes his side into the uncharted waters of Champions League football as well as trying to produce a genuine league title challenge.
Opportunities in the biggest games and competitions could be few and far between early on, meaning a loan switch isn’t out of the question, but the domestic cups and lower profile league fixtures should provide an opportunity for the newcomer to experience the English game.
"Arsenal could have signed him for £2.5m last summer but let him go which they will be kicking themselves about now. A £6m fee represents a major bargain in an inflated market."
Whatever the immediate future holds, though, a long-term deal indicates the club’s faith in Savic’s ability, with many experts tipping him to have a stellar future.
While he is comfortable playing at right-back, it is expected that due to his impressive reputation and attributes, he will be developed by City in the centre of defence, meaning he will provide competition for the likes of Vincent Kompany, Kolo Toure and Joleon Lescott.
Balkans expert Luke Matthews feels City have made a smart buy and tips the player to be at the top of the world game within three seasons, causing Arsenal to seriously regret their decision from just 12 months ago as a result.
He added: “I seriously believe City have made an astute purchase. Arsenal could have signed him for £2.5m last summer but let him go in the end, which I'm sure they will be kicking themselves about now.
“I really do expect Savic to become one of the top defenders in the world in the next three years. He has the potential to become world class, so £6m represents a major bargain.
“Think back to when United signed Vidic; he may be younger but I believe in a few years' time we will be looking at the deal in a similar way - a fantastic piece of business in an inflated market.
“It will be interesting to see if City recruit any more centre-backs this summer as this will indicate whether they view Savic as one for the future or ready for first-team action now.
“Personally, I believe they won't and he will become a fundamental part of City's plans to become one of Europe's elite.
“With Toure's ban and Lescott possibly not looking Champions League class, I think we could potentially even see him break into the first team this year if he performs – he should complement Vincent Kompany well.”
Savic certainly arrives in the English game with the ingredients to succeed and with the luxury of having further time to develop his craft at one of the fastest-growing clubs in world football.
A few years down the line when they are looking back on this signing, City may be reflecting on one of the most important captures since their spending spree began.
WRIGHT LOAD OF DELUDED BOLLOX
'When did Arsenal become Manchester City's feeder club?' - Ian Wright hits out at Arsene Wenger's transfer activity
Former England international cannot see how the club can attract star players if Fabregas and Nasri leave, and calls on manager to sign likes of Essien, Hart and Kompany
Ian Wright has spoken of his dismay at Arsenal's transfer dealings this summer after Gael Clichy left for Manchester City.
Samir Nasri could also be set to leave the club this summer after being linked with moves to Premier League rivals City, Manchester United and Chelsea, while Barcelona are said to have made an improved offer for captain Cesc Fabregas.
Arsenal legend Wright, who scored 185 goals for the club, says Arsene Wenger's side will struggle to attract "top players" if more stars leave the Emirates.
Writing in his column for The Sun, Wright said: "Gael Clichy's move to Manchester City wouldn't bother me much in normal circumstances as Kieran Gibbs is coming through nicely.
"But now it looks like Samir Nasri is set to join him.
"Since when did Arsenal become Manchester City's feeder club?
"With Cesc Fabregas looking a goner to Barcelona too, it's very, very sad to see. How on earth will Arsene Wenger attract any top players to Arsenal?
"It's come to something when a player like Clichy feels Arsenal is not good enough for him any more. He can see that Man City is going to be challenging for top trophies next season.
"Arsenal are being left behind. And the trouble is, when all the top-class players have gone, it becomes extremely difficult to lure other top players to your club.
"Wenger has put his faith in picking up little gems from abroad, little-known players who he can nurture and develop.
"I'd love to see Wenger being given the same sort of transfer pot that the likes of Chelsea will get. The same backing Alex Ferguson enjoys at Manchester United.
"But I have my suspicions that he would still dither about, take too long to make up his mind and then plump for someone in France or Spain hardly any of us have ever heard of.
"Wenger is still the right man for the job but he needs proper backing and I do feel that sometimes he needs a good shaking."
Wright also highlighted some signings he believes Wenger should make, suggesting that Michael Essien, Joe Hart and Vincent Kompany would be great additions to the Arsenal squad.
"What I'd like to see are some bullish signings," he added.
"Go out and chase the likes of Michael Essien. Get him back on top form and he's a fabulous player.
"Then go for keeper Joe Hart and Vincent Kompany and get your own back on Manchester City.
"Make the rest of English football sit up and take notice for once - not just Arsenal fans who can see the lights going out on their club."
Celtic FC struggling to land Manchester City striker Craig Bellamy
Celtic manager Neil Lennon is less than optimistic about his chances of signing Manchester City striker Craig Bellamy.
He has admitted that the Welshman would have to accept a drop in wages to secure a summer move to Celtic Park.
Bellamy is expected to leave Manchester City permanently during the transfer window after spending last season on loan at Cardiff City.
Lennon would love to land the forward, but with City rumoured to be demanding £4 million and with Bellamy's wages reportedly in the £90,000 a week region, he admitted a deal looks very unlikely.
"If you are talking that sort of money, then no," replied Lennon when asked if Bellamy could join Celtic on his current salary.
"It's a remote possibility at the moment, unless some sort of scenario comes up where he could come down a bit on the wages.
"He's not back from holiday yet and we'd need to know what the situation is and the proposal. Peter Lawwell is looking at it, although I'm not over-confident on that one."
Manchester City refute claims Gareth Barry could be used as makeweight in possible deal for Napoli's Ezequiel Lavezzi
Roberto Mancini's representative, Giorgio De Giorgis, had claimed the 30-year-old could head to Italy in a swap deal but the club insist he has no influence over transfer dealings
Manchester City have rejected claims from Roberto Mancini’s agent that Gareth Barry could be used as a possible makeweight in a potential deal for Napoli striker Ezequiel Lavezzi.
Mancini’s agent, Giorgio De Giorgis, had earlier claimed on Radio CRC that City were interested in Lavezzi, and suggested that Barry could be included in a deal to bring the Argentine striker to Eastlands.
Despite representing Mancini, City have now moved to stress that De Giorgis is not associated with the club, and has no input in any transfer dealings.
"Mr Giorgis is not mandated by the football club to deal with transfers in or out of Manchester City," a club spokesperson said.
England international Barry was a regular feature in the City side last season, helping end the club’s 35-year wait for a trophy with victory over Stoke City in the FA Cup final.
Barry offered a more anchoring role to the marauding style of Yaya Toure and the tough-tackling of Nigel de Jong, and City have confirmed the 30-year-old will not be leaving.
"Furthermore, there is no intention to sell Gareth Barry, who remains a valued member of the team," the spokesperson concluded.
Zanetti calls on Inter Milan to sign Man City star
Inter Milan captain Javier Zanetti wants his side to act now to sign Carlos Tevez.
Zanetti has watched the transfer saga roll on and now wants Inter to do their best to sign his fellow Argentina international.
Former Manchester United striker Tevez is sick of living in Manchester and wants to move closer to his family.
“Tevez for Inter? If it were me I would try right now”
City have kept their counsel during the saga and have publicly claimed that Tevez has a three-year contract and that no team has made an official bid.
But there is a growing feeling at Eastlands that they should cash in on the 27-year-old and Inter Milan has been mentioned as a possible destination for him.
"Tevez for Inter? If it were me I would try right now. But you will hear important news in the coming days," Zanetti said at the Copa America tournament.
"Carlos is the kind of player any football club would want to have on their team.
"We are at the beginning of the transfer window and maybe we will produce some surprises." tALKshit
MANCHESTER CITY have placed a £50million price tag on wantaway Carlos Tevez and will strip him of the captaincy.Manchester City officials have been unmoved by Carlos Tevez’s latest attempt to sever his ties with the club despite having three seasons left on his £200,000-a-week contract.
There are no bids on the table yet and City will only listen to offers of about £50m – the price Chelsea paid Liverpool for Fernando Torres in January.
One possible solution is a swap deal with Atletico Madrid, involving Tevez’s Argentina team-mate Sergio Aguero moving to Eastlands.
Real Madrid, Juventus and Inter Milan might be tempted but have been warned they will not get striker Tevez on the cheap. This latest transfer demand – he cited family reasons – provoked a furious backlash from City fans yesterday.
Now even if Tevez is forced to stay with the club, manager Roberto Mancini has little option but to take the captaincy away from him and hand it to popular defender Vincent Kompany.Express
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Tevez 'relaxed over price tag'
ESPNsoccernet understands that Carlos Tevez remains optimistic that one of Europe's top clubs will meet his £50 million asking price this summer.
Tevez has once more announced that he wants to leave Manchester City, but there are doubts as to whether any club will have both the desire and the capability to meet his transfer valuation and wage demands.
However, there is a belief that Tevez going public with his desire to move on might prompt clubs into action and the forward is said to be relaxed about the issue.
A source told ESPNsoccernet: "Now that it is out there that Carlos Tevez wants to leave, let's see what offers come in and how much they are.
"Everyone is aware of how much Manchester City value their captain and top goal-scorer, and why shouldn't they, when you look at the stats, and see his worth compared to other players?
"At the moment, there is nothing to report, but let's see what transpires in the next few days. There is no next stage - [it is just a case of] letting the dust settle and seeing which clubs are willing to pay the asking price for such a valuable player. Either they will or they won't - who knows?
"But Tevez is a rare commodity, a top goal-scorer who delivers, and they are worth their weight in gold, so let's see if there are clubs willing to pay the price. There is a feeling that there are two or three clubs who might just do that, and we shall all soon find out if they are or not."
Young’s widow named president of Man. City fan club in Malta
The local branch of the Manchester City supporters club have just appointed Carmen Young, widow of Citizens’ legend Neill Young, as president.
During an event held recently at Cactus Bar, Buġibba, Young presented the local supporters club with a framed photo of the City team which is signed by manager Roberto Mancini. The poster was given to Young by Manchester City.
Neill Young, who passed away in February, played in attack for Man. City between 1961 and 1972 alongside other club stalwarts like Colin Bell, Mike Summerbee and Francis Lee, under the leadership of Joe Mercer and Malcolm Allison.
Young scored more than 100 goals in over 400 appearances for the club, most notably the winner in the 1969 FA Cup final against Leicester City and the opening goal in a 2-1 win over Gornik Zabrze in the 1970 Cup Winners’ Cup final.
OTHER BOLLOX
Manchester United have entered the race to sign Toulouse forward Moussa Sissoko, according to sources in France. talkSPORT
Tottenham are to press ahead in their efforts to beat Arsenal to Spain Under-21 star Juan Mata, with Valencia willing to sell the winger for £21m. Daily Mail
Arsenal will launch a £27m move for Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema in an attempt to offset the likely loss of midfielders Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri. Daily Mail
Barcelona are prepared to wait until the end of the transfer window to force Arsenal's hand over the sale of Fabregas and have dismissed Real Madrid's interest in the Spanish international as "trouble-making". the Independent
Stoke are lining up central defender Jonathan Woodgate after he rejected a pay-as-you-play deal to re-sign with Tottenham. Daily Mirror
Inter Milan's signing of Ricardo Alvarez - who had been a target for Arsenal - could mean Manchester United's continuing pursuit of Dutch midfielder Wesley Sneijder will be successful. Metro
Nottingham Forest manager Steve McClaren wants Dutch midfielder Bolo Zenden, who is available on a free transfer from Sunderland, as he bids to put the club back in the Premier League. Daily Mail
Ex-Blackpool striker Marlon Harewood looks set to reject interest from Millwall and Reading - to sign for Chinese second division club Shenzhen Phoenix. Daily Mirror
West Ham midfielder Scott Parker has been the subject of an offer from Turkish side Fenerbahce but is reluctant to move abroad. Daily Star
West Ham hope to end Joe Cole's Liverpool misery by bringing the midfielder back to Upton Park on loan. Daily Mail
Blackpool boss Ian Holloway wants to sign up veteran striker Kevin Phillips following his release by Birmingham. Daily Mirror
Manchester United's owners the Glazer family tried to buy a Formula 1 team in 2009 and are thought to still be interested in investing in the sport. Daily Mail
Football's governing body Fifa has denied reports that games at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar could be played over three 30-minute segments if temperatures become too high. Daily Mail
Chelsea forward Daniel Sturridge has been dancing live on Jamaican TV during an appearance on a morning talk show. Metro
STATTO BOLLOX
MANCHESTER UNITED will run away with the title this season - if their fans are anything to go by.
More than 75 per cent of the United faithful believe Alex Ferguson will deliver a 20th title.
But supporters of Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal are nowhere near as confident.
Fergie has been the big player in this summer's transfer market with around £50million spent already.
And with the arrival of Ashley Young, David De Gea and Phil Jones, 76 per cent of Red Devils are sure they will be top dogs again this term.
That was just one finding of an exclusive YouGov survey, which has polled more than 13,000 Premier League fans during the close season.
It also revealed just 58 per cent of Chelsea diehards think new boss Andre Villas-Boas will lift the title.
Just a third of Manchester City supporters believe their team can add the league to last term's FA Cup win, while Arsenal's disappointing 2011 is reflected in only 24 per cent of Gooners reckoning they could finish top.
And as he embarks on his 25th season in charge at Old Trafford, Fergie still finished head and shoulders above the rest with an overall 8 out of 10 for his performance last season.
Liverpool and Spurs are not playing Champions League football next term but their supporters feel it will not be long before they are involved again.
The Kop are tipping King Kenny to lead them to a third-place finish, while the Spurs faithful feel a top-four place is on for them.
NUMBER CRUNCHER BOLLOX
ARSENAL fans turned up the heat on Arsene Wenger after another trophy-less season. Wenger came a lowly 14th as supporters rated their manager's performance last season. And he had better beware - Carlo Ancelotti finished one place above him and was axed.
No surprise Alex Ferguson was top as 41 per cent of Manchester United fans rated Fergie as a 10 out of 10.
WIGAN may be starting a seventh season in the top flight but many still see the town as a rugby stronghold. They get the lowest crowds in the Prem and some six per cent of those feel no sense of belonging at the DW Stadium.
Maybe Dave Whelan should have a look down the road at Everton, who refer to themselves as 'the People's Club'.
MIKE ASHLEY has been given another big thumbs down from the Toon Army. Newcastle came out ROCK BOTTOM as fans were asked to rate the positive impact owners had made on their club. Almost a fifth of Geordies polled felt Ashley had a 'very negative' impact on their club.
But Ashley proved only slightly more unpopular than the new Venky's regime at Blackburn, which saw boss Sam Allardyce and chairman John Williams get the push.
And surprisingly, given the amazing transformation at Eastlands, only 40 per cent of Manchester City fans reckon the impact of Sheikh Mansour has been 'very positive'.
MANCHESTER UNITED may have won the title - but fans of old foes Manchester City were more satisfied with their team's efforts.
Roberto Mancini's men ended a 35-year trophy drought by lifting the FA Cup at Wembley in May - and also secured Champions League football for the first time.
That persuaded Eastlands fans to give their heroes an average mark of seven out of 10 for their performance over the season.
Beaten FA Cup finalists Stoke were also hailed by their die hards as they got a sterling 6.7 out of 10.
At the other end of the scale, an amazing 11 per cent of West Ham fans gave their team 0 out of 10 - as they went down without much of a fight.
HE took charge only in January but Kenny Dalglish confirmed his cult status at Liverpool with third place as fans were asked to rate their club's manager.
Mind you, the man he replaced at Anfield - Roy Hodgson - got the same score off West Brom's faithful thanks to his amazing rescue act.
FANS of the top four clubs are more worried about what they see on the pitch than what goes on off it.
But many Old Trafford regulars do have concerns about the Glazers and half of them say they are still bothered about their club's long-term financial stability.
THE gloom of relegation has already gone at Birmingham and West Ham. More than 70 per cent of their fans say they will go back up this term.
A HUGE 93 per cent of Man City season ticket holders say they get value for money. But only half of Arsenal fans feel the same.
MORE than half Blackpool fans do not think they will see the Premier League again - but they love their boss Ian Holloway who got 10 out of 10 from 42 per cent of them.
