Manchester City captain admits he would welcome RVP arrival
Vincent Kompany believes the signing of Arsenal forward Robin van Persie would strengthen Manchester City - or any other side.
The Premier League champions have been heavily linked with a move for the 29-year-old Holland international but face stiff competition from rivals Manchester United.
Van Persie scored 30 league goals last season and Kompany acknowledges that, wherever the player ends up, he would be a welcome addition to the team.
"It's very easy to say you want to play next to Robin van Persie," Kompany told Sky Sports News as he prepares to face the Dutchman in an international friendly for Belgium on Wednesday evening.
"He's a great player. He's proved it so many times last season and any team he would play for he'd make it stronger."
The City skipper will line-up alongside one of Van Persie's Arsenal team-mates on Wednesday in Thomas Vermaelen.
Vermaelen does not feel Van Persie has been affected by the speculation and remains hopeful that his club captain will stay at the Emirates Stadium.
"To me he looks fit and sharp in training," said Vermaelen.
"He's working hard. He's working on his fitness. I don't see anything (different) and I hope he stays the next four years as well.
Asked if he thinks that will happen, the 26-year-old added: "I've no idea. I hope so. I don't know what happens behind the scenes but at the moment I can only say he's a player for Arsenal.
"I feel really positive for the new season. If we all stay fit, the squad is strong enough to compete for the title."
Everton leapfrog Liverpool in Adam Johnson loan race
Everton are set to beat city rivals Liverpool to the signing of Manchester City winger Adam Johnson.
The 25-year-old England international has been granted permission to leave on loan in a bid to rejuvenate his career, after falling down the pecking order at the Etihad.
Johnson made 26 league appearances for City last season - many of which came as a substitute - and the versatile winger has become frustrated at not starting more matches.
He has been told he can seek a season-long loan move in the Premier League to recover his best form, and he has no shortage of potential destinations.
Liverpool and Fulham initially expressed an interest in bagging Johnson a fortnight ago, but Everton have now emerged as front runners, after David Moyes personally visited City boss Roberto Mancini last week.
Moyes had initially met with Mancini to discuss the sale of Jack Rodwell - a deal that was completed yesterday - and although not part of that transfer, City have promised Everton the first option on Johnson.
Moyes had promised to help ramp up Johnson's development, that has stalled in the last 12 months, with the player going from an England regular to a fringe role at his club - a demise that saw him miss out on a place at Euro 2012.
Everton are hopeful that Johnson won't be the only player coming in on-loan from City, with Moyes also interested in Swedish striker John Guidetti and defender Dedryck Boyata.
City promise Everton first dibs on winger Johnson with Liverpool set to miss out
Manchester City have promised Everton first refusal on a loan deal for Adam Johnson after the two clubs completed a deal for Jack Rodwell.
Young England international Rodwell swapped Goodison Park for the Etihad in a deal worth up to £15million, and although not an official agreement, managers Roberto Mancini and David Moyes have spoken about Johnson.
The 25-year-old has fallen down the pecking order at City and is danger of letting the best years of his career pass him by.
The former Middlesborough man made 26 Premier League appearances for the champions last campaign, although many were as a substitute.
Liverpool and Fulham are just two of the clubs to have stated an interest in taking Johnson on a temporary basis, but, according to the Metro, the Toffees have jumped to the head of the queue.
Should the move materialise, Mancini will press ahead with his plans to sign Scott Sinclair from Swansea.
Meanwhile, Everton boss Moyes also hopes to strike a deal with the Premier League champions over Swedish striker John Guidetti, who spent time on loan at Feyenoord last season, and defender Dedryck Boyata, who was with Bolton.Sportsmail Reporter
Daniel Agger wants to stay at Liverpool despite Manchester City bid
Premier League champions had £20m offer rejected . Denmark defender aware of interest but says 'I'd rather stay'
Daniel Agger has made it plain he wishes to stay at Liverpool but admits the final decision could be out of his hands should the Anfield club accept an increased offer from Manchester City.
Liverpool have rejected a £20m bid from the Premier League champions for their stylish defender, who they value at around £27m and who manager Brendan Rodgers, despite insisting he wants to keep the 27-year-old, has conceded could be sold for a "ridiculous offer".
Agger has two years remaining on his current contract but unlike Martin Skrtel, his defensive partner who is in an identical position, is not close to signing an extension.
Rodgers is keen to strengthen his squad before the Premier League opener at West Bromwich Albion on Saturday and, as well as a long-standing interest in Clint Dempsey, is pursuing a loan deal for Nuri Sahin of Real Madrid. He is also keen on the Barcelona forward Cristian Tello.
City are reluctant to raise their £20m offer for Agger and speaking in Denmark, where he is preparing for Wednesday's friendly international against Slovakia, the Liverpool defender claimed he had no wish to leave Anfield. "I'd rather stay," he said. "I can't imagine playing for any other club in England but you never know if the club think it's better to sell me."
Agger added: "I know there has been interest from Manchester City, but I don't know what Liverpool are responding to it. I am fine with my situation. The club will have to find out what they want to do. I've heard nothing from them. I'd rather stay but that decision is not up to me at the moment.
"Yes, Liverpool can do a deal even though I have two years on my contract. But no, I haven't changed my mind on the subject. Some times you can end up in a position where it's not your decision. I don't want to be somewhere I am not wanted but I would prefer if they want me to stay. That is my first priority."
The defender's extensive tattoo collection now includes the words of the Liverpool anthem, "You'll Never Walk Alone", but he explained: "The tattoo doesn't have anything to do with the current situation. It's a gesture towards the Kop, the club, the people around the club, the city."
OTHER BOLLOX
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has spoken directly to his Arsenal counterpart Arsene Wenger to try and ensure a new £20m bid for striker Robin van Persie, 29, is a success. Sportsmail Reporter
Liverpool will look to replace centre-back Daniel Agger with Swansea's Ashley Williams, 27, if they sell the Dane to Manchester City.
Daily Mirror
Inter Milan have joined Chelsea and Liverpool in expressing an interest in signing Arsenal winger Theo Walcott. The 23-year-old is out of contract next summer. Daily Star
Real Madrid midfielder Nuri Sahin will decide on his future this week - Arsenal and Liverpool two of a number of clubs to make loan offers for the 23-year-old. Metro
Aston Villa could sell full-back Stephen Warnock after manager Paul Lambert decided to overlook him for the friendly against Werder Bremen. The club are yet to receive any enquiries for the 30-year-old, however. Birmingham Mail
Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck, 21, has agreed a new five-year contract, worth £75,000-a-week. Sportsmail Reporter
Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel, 27, will sign a new four-year deal this week to stay at Anfield. the Sun
Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe, 29, does not want to go through another "heartbreaking" year on the substitute's bench. Daily Mirror
Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas is unsure whether to select Sandro, 23, for the club's Premier League opener against Newcastle on Saturday as he has not seen the midfielder in action while he has been away on international duty with Brazil at London 2012. Guardian
Everton are ready to join neighbours Liverpool in the race to sign Fulham striker Clint Dempsey, 29, as they look to replace Tim Cahill. Sportsmail Reporter
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers wants to add Barcelona winger Christian Tello, 21, to his new side. The Sun
A groin injury could see Marouane Fellaini, 24, miss Everton's opening Premier League match of the season against Manchester United next Monday. Liverpool Echo
Arsenal face a battle to keep midfielder Alex Song, 24, after he admitted he has had interest from Barcelona about a move this summer. Metro
Eye-witness video footage shows that Robin van Persie was actually cheered during Arsenal's friendly win against Cologne on Sunday, contradicting reports the striker was booed by the Gunners' travelling support. Metro
more bollox soon ....
