Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is reportedly ready to listen to offers for Samir Nasri, opening up the possibility of a return to Arsenal.
The France international left the Gunners in a £25million transfer last August and went on to help City win the Premier League title.
However, Mancini was not happy with Nasri's performances and has doubts about his role in the team, reports L'Equipe.
The French newspaper claimed that while the 24-year-old is not on the transfer list, City are prepared to consider bids for him.
That news may interest Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who remains one of Nasri's biggest fans, but a section of the Gunners support would not be keen to see the midfielder return after he made a series of unflattering comments about the club.
It is by no means certain Wenger will try to take advantage of the situation and, even if he does, there is no guarantee City would be willing to do business.
The Etihad Stadium board are reluctant to help strengthen their rivals by selling players to top English clubs, so would prefer Nasri to move overseas.
Inter Milan were keen on the midfielder last summer and may renew their interest if they cash-in on Wesley Sneijder.
Manchester City make last-ditch bid to keep De Jong
The Dutch midfielder, whose contract expires at the end of next season, will hold one final set of talks with his club after Euro 2012 as Arsenal, Inter & QPR lie in wait
Sources have told Goal.com that City will make a last-ditch attempt to hold on to the central midfielder when he returns to Manchester after Euro 2012.
The Premier League champions have put together a four-year package for De Jong in a bid to tie him down beyond the summer of 2013, when his current agreement expires.
It is believed that City have imposed a £95,000-a-week ceiling on the 27-year-old’s new deal.
However, De Jong, who currently earns £70,000-a-week, is looking for parity with the likes of his midfield colleague Gareth Barry, who is on £120,000-a-week.
He has been at a stand-off with City since contract talks began over 12 months ago, and Etihad Stadium chiefs are now keen to reach a resolution.
City will listen to offers of around £10 million for De Jong if they cannot reach an agreement, with Arsenal, Inter and QPR among the clubs closely monitoring the situation.
Although De Jong found himself on the sidelines for large parts of last season and started only 10 of the club’s 38 league matches, he impressed Roberto Mancini with his performances and attitude when he was restored to the starting XI in the final months of the campaign.
Mancini has already told De Jong he wants him to stay at Etihad Stadium and is likely to be involved in the discussions that will take place when the player returns to the club after Euro 2012.
Man City turn their attention on to impressive Danish play maker
Ajax attacking midfielder Christian Eriksen could be on his way to the Premier League, if the latest media reports are to be believed. The Danish playmaker is a shock summer target for Premier League champions Manchester City, according to the website Fichajes.com.
The 20-year old, who has already been crowned the Dutch Football Talent of the Year as well as Danish Football Player of the Year in 2011, has been the lifeblood of Ajax and has spearheaded their attack. In the 2011-12 season, Eriksen played 33 matches, scoring 7 goals and providing a massive 19 assists.
It is interesting that City would look at Eriksen at all, considering that they do have David Silva and Samir Nasri to fuel the creative engines of the side. But the website suggests that the necessary funds for the Eriksen move shall come at the expense of selling David Silva to Real Madrid, which is a little hard to believe.
However, there is no denying the young Dane’s talent, and at the tender age of 20, Eriksen no doubt has all the skills to take any league by storm. And should he come to the Premier League anytime soon, it would only be the richer with him playing in it.
EURO 2O12: SNUBBING RIO FERDINAND’S A BIG JOKE SAYS NOEL GALLAGHER
ROCK ’N’ ROLLER Noel Gallagher believes it’s “a joke” Rio Ferdinand isn’t with the England squad.
The lifelong Man City fan also prefers Man United’s Danny Welbeck to start over Andy Carroll in Wayne Rooney’s absence against France tomorrow.
But he’s breathing a sigh of relief that Eden Hazard chose Chelsea instead of City. “He was absolutely appalling for Belgium. We got away with that one,” he said.
Gallagher, formerly of Oasis, flies off today with his High Flying Birds for a four-gig tour especially designed to stop off in Kiev and Gdansk.
He has also agreed to be a roving reporter for radio station talksport.
Gallagher’s love of City is legendary but he defends Ferdinand’s right to be in the Three Lions squad.
He said: “If you are saying Rio is not one of the top seven defenders in England for ‘footballing reasons’ then someone has to explain why because it’s an absolute joke he is not going.
“I don’t get it. He is a very experienced centre-half and we are missing experienced players. I am pretty confused about it all.”
Gallagher is equally forthright on his choice of strikers to face France.
He added: “With the best will in the world, Andy Carroll is no more than an impact player at international level. I’d start with Welbeck, at least he has played in the Champions League.”
“You can see England winning all their games 1-0 – or getting beat. If we are behind at any time I will be worried, but you never know....”
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Euro 2012: Joey Barton - 'I'd walk into England squad'
Joey Barton believes he would have featured in the England squad at Euro 2012 were it not for his behavioural problems on and off the pitch.
He will serve a 12-match ban next season for kicking Sergio Aguero and clashing with Vincent Kompany after he was sent off at Manchester City.
Barton, who won one England cap in 2007, has also criticised the selection of six Liverpool players.
He wrote on Twitter: "On ability I walk into the squad, on behaviour I don't."
The QPR midfielder, who began his career at Manchester City and spent four years with Newcastle, was in the news again last week when he was arrested, and later bailed, following a brawl outside a nightclub in his native Liverpool.
On the pitch, Barton was also sent-off against Norwich last season, while he picked up 10 bookings.
The outspoken player, who won his only cap under Steve McClaren in a 1-0 defeat against Spain, was particularly critical of England coach Roy Hodgson's decision to draft in Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson following the injury to Frank Lampard.
Henderson is joined in the England squad by fellow Liverpool players Steven Gerrard, Glen Johnson, Stewart Downing, Andy Carroll and Martin Kelly, despite the Reds suffering a difficult season which saw them finish eighth in the Premier League.
They did win the Carling Cup and reached the final of the FA Cup, but that was not enough to prevent manager Kenny Dalglish from losing his job.
"If Henderson got in, any Englishman not currently in the squad has to feel aggrieved. Yes, I wish I was there but I'm not," he said.
"Everyone's thinking it, I'll say it. Liverpool have [had] an horrific season and have six players in our Euro squad. What chance do we have? [The England manager should] Pick on form.
"How [Grant] Holt, [Micah] Richards, [Michael] Carrick, [Rio] Ferdinand, [Leon] Osman, [Daniel] Sturridge etc never got involved is a travesty."
Barton insists he still wants England to do well at Euro 2012, but he is convinced they are unlikely to win the tournament.
"I really hope England do well and win it, I really do. All am saying is I don't think we will," he tweeted.
"If everyone stays fit, we've got a decent 11 once [Wayne] Rooney's back.
"If any of the key players get a knock, we are done for. Three games in eight or nine days takes its toll on the body. If a few are carrying injuries from a long domestic season, it will show. Not being pessimistic, just a realist.
"I am overqualified to pass judgement on this. Not only have I played in the Premier League for 10 years but I've played with and against most of them."
David Moyes could quit Everton if the club decides to sell defender Leighton Baines to Manchester United. Daily Mirror
Chelsea are set to sign Anderlecht starlet Charly Musonda, 15, rated as one of the hottest prospects in European football. Daily Mail
Celtic's Victor Wanyama is determined to push through a move to England, with several Premier League clubs interested in the 20-year-old. Daily Record
France midfielder Yohan Cabaye believes stopping Steven Gerrard is the key to defeating England. Daily Mail
Ray Parlour insists Arsene Wenger is partly to blame for Russia star Andrey Arshavin's failure to shine with Arsenal. talkShite
Teddy Sheringham believes the lack of expectation around England could work in their favour - just as it did in 1996. Daily Mirror
Netherlands boss Bert Van Marwijk is refusing to lay the blame for his side's shock defeat to Denmark at the misfiring feet of Robin van Persie. Daily Mail
Andres Iniesta believes the Barcelona versus Real Madrid rivalry must be put aside if Spain are to remain European champions. Mail on Sunday
Richard Dunne has waited ten years to take his tournament bow with the Republic of Ireland. Mail on Sunday
Harry Redknapp could be close to leaving Tottenham for a lucrative job in the Middle East as his contract talks rumble on. Mail on Sunday
New Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert is planning to move the Villa Park dug-outs so he can be closer to the Holte End fans. Birmingham Evening Mail
Wolves are close to signing Lillestrom striker Bjorn Bergmann Sigurdarson for £3m. Express & Star
Fulham are keen to sign Newcastle's Danny Simpson, with QPR and Norwich waiting in the wings. Newcastle Chronicle
Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins has been impressed with the quality of candidates for the Swans' managerial vacancy. South Wales Evening Post
Netherlands midfielder Wesley Sneijder produced a stunning backheel volley during training - in sharp contrast to his side's poor finishing against Denmark. Metro
The Football Association has booked a jet to bring the England squad back from Euro 2012 on June 20 - the day after their final group match. The Sun
More bollox later ...
