It Would Inarguably Be Just About The Best £80m City Could Spend
Man City may have ended their interest in long-term target Robin Van Persie , after rumours have emerged that they are interested in Edinson Cavani and Radamel Falcao.
With City expected to sell Adebayor, Santa Cruz, Dzeko and Tevez this summer, freeing up transfer funds and saving an overwhelming and terrifying amount of wages, it is no surprise to see them desperate to land a big name striker to accompany Aguero.
The Falcao move has already been dismissed within Spain, with an agreement to stay on at Atletico Madrid for another season having been verbally agreed between the player and his manager. Having only recently joined the Madrid based club for £35 million, he would most likely cost Man City more than the player is actually worth (if that is a concern for them).
Cavani, with his best years ahead of him at 25, and currently playing for a club that failed to achieve Champions’ League qualification, is certainly a realistic target. A clinical goalscorer, Cavani has netted 66 times in 94 games for Napoli , finishing each of his two seasons at the club as top goalscorer. With Lavezzi also hunting for a new club, it could be a very difficult summer for the Italians.
As we are all patently aware, medium sized clubs that slowly build towards success can be quickly ripped apart by the giants of the game; we will most certainly see that again this summer. Whether it is the personal bonuses players receive for playing in the Champions’ League, or whether the TV media’s ceaseless aggrandising of the competition has affected the players, it seems to be that playing in the competition is now a vitally important factor in any career.
Many leave in order to find Champions’ League football, many find an excuse to leave a club because they have failed to achieve a top 4 (or 3) finish. In all fairness both Lavezzi and Cavani deserve to play for top European clubs, but the trend is unsettling, and Napoli’s chances of replicating their 2010/11 successes are slowly slipping away from them.
City meanwhile seem very close to building a team capable of winning that fabled and glorious holy grail of sport, and are perhaps only a striker and a winger away from perfection. Cavani has never played outside Italy, and although his international record is fairly good, it is not a certain success story – not as much of a guaranteed hit than RVP. Van Persie may be refusing to play for another English club, and similarly Arsenal may be refusing to sell to their rivals.
Either way, these are worrying times for anyone based outside of Manchester. As RVP looks set to snub both Man City and Arsenal, the former turns their attentions to one of Europe’s best goalscorers, the latter have snapped up a man with questions marks over his ability to cut it at the highest level.
Two-year suspension for Nasri would be 'ridiculous & shameful', says Platini
The Uefa president has asked for leniency from the French Football Federation following the France midfielder's foul-mouthed outburst towards a journalist at Euro 2012
The Manchester City midfielder could reportedly be banned for two years by the French Football Federation (FFF) for his actions after Les Bleus' 2-0 quarter-final loss to Spain.
However, the Uefa president and former France captain has come out in Nasri's defence, and says that being excluded from international duty until after the 2014 World Cup would be heavy-handed.
"If I had been suspended every time I insulted a journalist, I wouldn't have had many caps in the national team," said Platini, according to France Football.
"Nasri deserves something, but a suspension for two years is ridiculous and shameful."
The 25-year-old playmaker clashed with the press throughout Euro 2012, and celebrated his goal in the 1-1 draw with England by gesturing towards L'Equipe journalists.
MANCHESTER CITY MAY LOSE DAVID SILVA TO REAL MADRID
REAL MADRID are desperate to snatch David Silva from Manchester City in a shock £30m deal.
Luka Modric has been touted as Jose Mourinho’s prime midfield target.
But sources in Spain now suggest that the move to take the Croatian from Tottenham is merely an elaborate smokescreen to mask Mourinho’s true plans.
The Special One really wants to add Silva’s wizardry to the lethal finishing of Cristiano Ronaldo as his Spanish
champions bid to conquer Europe.
Claims that high-ranking figures at Madrid are working discreetly behind the scenes on the bid to capture Silva, 26, from City have emerged in the Spanish capital.
City have already opened negotiations with Silva’s representatives about a new contract for the Spanish ace amid suggestions that Real would go as high as 65m Euros to sign him.
An Etihad party flew to Spain last weekend to begin the process of tying him to the Premier League champions, a title triumph in which the midfielder played a pivotal role.
Roberto Mancini has already had to put up with a less than subtle campaign to test out Argentina striker Sergio Aguero’s resolve about staying on in Manchester.
City snatched Aguero from under Real’s nose at neighbours Atletico, but his father-in-law Diego Maradona has been leading the calls for the 24-year-old to return to Madrid to play.
Few Spanish players would turn down the chance to play for Real or Barca, but City – who are rich enough to turn down any offer – are banking on Silva’s happiness with the club to keep him at least one more season. STAR
Lavezzi snubs City for PSG switch
EZEQUIEL LAVEZZI has snubbed a move to Manchester City in favour of joining Paris St Germain.
32 comments The Napoli winger will wrap up a £21million switch to the French capital after agreeing a five-year deal worth £77,000 per week.
City boss Roberto Mancini was keen to add the 27-year-old to his attacking contingent with Edin Dzeko and Emmanuel Adebayor both set to leave the club this summer.
But Lavezzi's agent, Alejandro Mazzoni, insists his client will be heading to France rather than England.
He said: "We hope that the contract will be signed on Monday.
"There are still a few minor details to be discussed by both clubs but everything should be ready by Monday or Tuesday.
"It's difficult for Lavezzi to say goodbye to Napoli and once the deal will be completed, he will explain his decision to leave."
Lavezzi moved to Naples from San Lorenzo in 2007 and helped the Serie A side win last season's Coppa Italia. SUN
Kolo Toure linked with move away from Manchester City
Manchester City defender Kolo Toure has been linked with a move away from the Etihad Stadium.
The 31-year-old defender has a year left on his Blues contract and is attracting interest from Turkish club Bursaspor, report the Sun.
Ivory Coast centre-back Toure is used mainly as cover by manager Roberto Mancini. MuEN
Spurs star reveals feud with Manchester City ace stemmed from Arsenal days
Tottenham star William Gallas has attacked Manchester City ace Samir Nasri over his conduct at Euro 2012, citing an incident from when they were team-mates at Arsenal.
The Citizens playmaker caused controversy at Euro 2012 on two occasions, abusing French journalists, and has had a long running feud with Gallas.
“People have really learned for themselves who Samir Nasri truly is. And I wasn’t in Ukraine or Poland,” Gallas told France Football.
““He never stopped believing that I was the worst person, and has dirtied my name. You know, I took an earful.
“It was always my name in the press or elsewhere, fingers were always being pointed at me, while many of the people in the world of football were aware of Nasri’s character.
“There was a match with Arsenal in Rome, and a serious discussion in the changing room at the end of the match.
“He lost a ball, I showed my disappointment, and he called me a ‘son of a w****’.”
City fans will still love me
MARIO BALOTELLI is not interested in a move back to Italy after Euro 2012 — even if he would return a national hero.
ITALIAN striker can't handle a drink as he spits out energy beverage
Mario Balotelli is simply the chestGermany 1 Italy 2It will be Balohelli for SpainWe’re coming to get you, SpainHarry: I tried to bag Balo The striker will stay at Manchester City where, he says, the fans LOVE him.
That is despite Balotelli’s role in knocking out England in the quarter-final last weekend.
City paid Inter Milan £22million for Balotelli in 2010 but now Italian clubs are lining up to take him home.
Asked if he would move, Balotelli said: “Come back now? I go back to Manchester.
“The City fans always want me, even though they are British — and I have helped eliminate their national team.”
After scoring twice in the semi-final win over Germany, Balotelli is preparing for the biggest game of his life.
Tomorrow’s final with Spain is another chance for him to prove that he can grab all the headlines for the right reasons.
Balotelli said: “It’s been a special year for me.
“We won the Premier League at Manchester City last season — so having a good season doesn’t depend on me winning the Euros.
“Yes, it would be something special for me but if we don’t win it, it wouldn’t spoil the other things.”
Italy boss Cesare Prandelli hailed the impact of City boss Roberto Mancini in the development of Balotelli.
He said: “He has enormous potential. He has a good coach in Mancini, who will help him grow.
“Mario now wants to repeat his performance against Germany on Sunday,” Among Spain’s stars is Balotelli’s City team-mate David Silva.
Balotelli smiled when asked if he would be on to his pal to talk about the clash in Kiev’s Olympic Stadium.
He said: “I know him, so I know it’s going to be fun but I played the first game against David Silva as well.”
That Group C clash ended 1-1 with Balotelli missing his share of Italy’s chances.
He said: “In the first few games I had so many chances but I was not able to score.
“But in football you also need luck.”
Luck and confidence — and we all know Balotelli has bundles of that.
He is certainly not intimidated by the reigning World and European champions.
Balotelli added: “I am really happy and, on Sunday, I hope I will be even more happy.
“We are in the final. We are one of the two best teams in the tournament, so we have to go there and play to win.”
Balotelli dedicated his two goals against the Germans to his mother.
He was born to Ghanaian immigrants in Italy but Silvia Balotelli took him in at the age of three and brought him up as her own.
Balotelli showed his gratitude with a huge hug for his watching mum after the semi-final win — and he hopes to dedicate a winner in the final to dad, Francesco.
He added: “After the Germany game, I went to my mum and I said, ‘These goals are for you’.
“It was the most beautiful night of my life but I hope that this Sunday is even better.
“The final is for my dad — and I hope to make it four goals in this tournament.
“If we win and I score, it will be amazing.
“But if I don’t score and we win, it will still be amazing.”
After the Warsaw celebrations, Balotelli could not wait to clamp on his giant headphones and listen to the sounds of hip-hop buddy Drake.
Balo revealed the Canadian music star — whose worldwide hits include Take Care and Thank Me Later — is the man getting him in the groove at Euro 2012.
The City star slipped off his cans long enough to add: “After beating Germany I went to greet everyone — my family, my brother, my many friends. Because it’s normal to want to celebrate with your nearest and dearest.
“And then I celebrated with the music of my friend Drake, listening to all his songs that I’ve uploaded. That was great.”
Balotelli is certainly rocking after firing his second and third goals of the tournament.
His first of the summer showpiece came against Republic of Ireland.
And as the joint top-scorer at the Euros, he is chasing a fourth goal and the Golden Boot.
He would then follow in the footsteps of European greats such as Gerd Muller, Alan Shearer and Michel Platini.
Balotelli said: “Yes, to be top scorer on my own I have to score another goal.
“I will try but in football you try many times and the ball does not enter the goal.”
Balotelli ripped off his shirt following his second goal against the Germans but he is giving no clues as to how he will celebrate victory, or a fourth goal tomorrow.
That goal was the pick of his three so far, latching on to a pass from Riccardo Montolivo and lashing the ball past Manuel Neuer in the German goal.
Balotelli said: “There is nothing to say about my celebration for my second goal.
“You saw it. You can judge. Did somebody get angry with the jubilation of the second goal?
“Because they saw my body and they are jealous.
“Anyway, I don’t have a special celebration for the final. I just hope I score.
“I think about scoring — I don’t think about a celebration.”
There is no doubt Spain will be thinking about Mario in their preparations.
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Chelsea look set to beat Real Madrid's offer for Luka Modric, 26, as they prepare a £36m bid for the midfielder. Daily Express
Ibrahim Afellay is ready for showdown talks over his Barcelona future - with Tottenham and Liverpool watching developments on the 26-year-old. talkShit
Manchester United are stepping up their efforts to capture Leighton Baines and want the 27-year-old to fly out on their pre-season tour on 16 July. The Mirror
Andre Villas-Boas wants to make Porto's Joao Moutinho, 25, his first signing at Tottenham for £32m as a replacement for Luka Modric. Daily Star
Spurs' Giovani Dos Santos, 23, is expected to leave White Hart Lane for either Sevilla or Atletico Madrid at the weekend. The Guardian
Fulham and Everton are said to be chasing Czech defender Tomas Sivok, 28, a free agent when his current deal with Besiktas comes to an end. footylatest.com
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is eyeing Bolton's Mark Davies, 24, in a £6million swoop after missing out on Gylfi Sigurdsson. The Mirror
Newcastle United chiefs have travelled to Holland to discuss a move for Luuk De Jong, 21, of FC Twente. Newcastle Evening Chronicle
Stoke City have targeted Wolves striker Steven Fletcher and Steven Naismith, who has refused to move to the "newco" Rangers after landing former Ibrox midfielder Jamie Ness. The Sun
Celtic are in contact with Bordeaux defender Michael Ciani's agent about a £1m move to the Scottish champions. Daily Record
Celtic have finally tied up an agreement to make permanent goalkeeper Fraser Forster's switch from Newcastle United. Daily Mail
Kyle Lafferty has clinched a move to Swiss club Sion, where he will join former AC Miland and Rangers midfielder Rino Gattuso, despite a late bid by Parma for the striker who has left Rangers. Daily Record
Sergio Ramos says he does not want penalties at the end of the Euro 2012 final and has warned Spain they will have to stop the "unique" Andrea Pirlo. The Guardian
Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas admits that Mario Balotelli is the greatest threat to Spain's bid to make history. The Mirror
Cesare Prandelli has said that his Italy players do not fear Spain and that they will spend all their time before the final looking at their weaknesses. The Guardian
England must appoint a sports psychologist to cure players of their ever-deepening fear of the penalty kick, according to Gareth Southgate - the favourite to be installed as FA technical director. Daily Telegraph
Gareth Bale will miss the Olympic football tournament after picking up a hip injury, dealing a huge blow to Team GB's London 2012 prospects. Daily Telegraph
Andre Villas-Boas will lose nearly £11m when he is named as Tottenham's new manager next week - because he did not receive a lump sum pay-off when he left Chelsea. The Sun
Scotland Under-21 midfielder John Fleck says the main reason he refused to move to the "newco" Rangers is because manager Ally McCoist would not give him a starting place. Daily Record
United States defender Carlos Bocanegra says he will not make a final decision on his future until he knows in what division the new Rangers will be playing next season - but that he won't stay at Ibrox if they are not in the Scottish Premier League. Daily Record
Rangers appear to be heading for the Third Division after Dunfermline Athletic, Falkirk and Partick Thistle joined Morton and in saying they would vote against the Ibrox "newco" being allowed into Division One. Daily Mail
Hamilton Academical chairman Les Gray thinks First Division clubs will block any attempt to parachute Rangers into their division instead of Division Three. Daily Record
Ashley Cole and Ashley Young are wanted for a remake of the Pizza Hut advert from 1996 after missing their penalty misses at Euro 2012. Daily Mail
