England will take on France in the day’s first helping of Euro 2012 action and the man Joe Hart and Joleon Lescott are tasked with keeping out has been linked with a move to the Etihad Stadium this summer.
The rumours are very much at the “Sky Sports understands…” stages but UK agent Jonathan Hope is apparently trying to secure the UK mandate for the transfer of Karim Benzema.
"I have put Benzema forward after a talk with a very reliable and high source at Manchester City as a possible summer signing," Hope told Sky Sports.
"We are working closely to secure the exclusive mandate to obtain the paperwork firstly after serious interest from the champions.
"We spoke with Manchester United two years ago and it went nowhere, which I can see is perhaps a regret on their part.
"The player has stated himself he will not go to Manchester United, however, he has not ruled out a switch to join the champions. I will have a clearer picture soon after the Euros when I have time to sit with his representatives.”
MCF.net thread: viewtopic.php?f=119&t=43222
Elsewhere, City have been linked with a move for “the new Andrea Pirlo” - who goes by the name of Marco Verratti.
Verratti plays his football at Pescara who have just won promotion to Serie A and the Metro believes that City are going up against NextGen Series rivals Juventus and Paris St Germain for the midfielder’s signature.
“We met with Genoa, who want to buy Marco with Inter,” said Pescara’s Sporting Director.
“Juventus also want the player and there is PSG and Manchester City, too. Roma, though, are absolutely not interested.”
Cherries set to offer trials to Mancini's?
AFC Bournemouth are reportedly set to give Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini's sons Andrea and Filippo a trial at Dean Court.
Bournemouth are ready to offer Mancini's son Andrea, 19, a trial after the 19-year-old forward was released by City in May.
People Sport also understands they would be willing to look at Mancini's other son, 21-year-old Filippo.
He is currently playing lower league football in Italy.
Andrea Mancini joined Manchester City in in November 2010 from Italian side Bologna after initially coming through the youth system at Internazionale while Roberto Mancini was first team coach there.
Earlier this season he spent two months on loan at Oldham, only making two substitute appearances, before joining Lega Pro Seconda Divisione (fourth tier in Italy) side Alma Juventus Fano 1906, making seven appearances.
Filippo Mancini also came through the youth system at Italian side Internazionale before moving to Monza, Bellaria Igea Marina and Virtus Entella who play in the same tier of Italian football as Alma Juventus Fano 1906.
[spoiler]

OTHER BOLLOX
Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, 24, has ruled out a summer transfer to Manchester United, who he claims have been trying to sign him for four years. Metro
Newcastle have made an offer for Ajax's versatile defensive midfielder Vurnon Anita, 23, as they bid to build on last season's top-five finish. Sun
Arsenal are ready to offer 28-year-old striker Marouane Chamakh to Montpellier in part-exchange for forward Olivier Giroud, 25. Inside Futbol
New Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers could make a summer move for Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge, 22. Daily Star
Italian side Napoli are favourites to land Arsenal centre-back Johan Djourou, 25, who has already attracted a bid of more than £8m, according to his agent. Footy Latest
England manager Roy Hodgson has told John Terry to stand tall for his country in their Euro 2012 opener against France on Monday. the Sun
Germany defender Mats Hummels believes he can help knock the Netherlands out of the competition on Wednesday night. the Sun
The Russian Football Federation has appealed to its fans to behave after being charged by Uefa over a series of unsavoury incidents during their 4-1 victory over Czech Republic. Daily Mail
France manager Laurent Blanc has emerged as a possible successor to Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. Daily Mail
Team GB manager Stuart Pearce has left Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere out of a 35-man list he has sent to Fifa. The Football Association has not yet released the list, which details who is in contention to feature at the Olympics. Daily Mirror
Newcastle midfielder Danny Guthrie has played down reports of a lobster-throwing brawl at his wedding Metro
Former England captain Gerry Francis has sent a good-luck message to Roy Hodgson's Euro 2012 hopefuls - by carrier pigeon. Daily Mirror
more bollox later ...