Pellegrini: The apple of Txiki’s eye:Manuel Pellegrini is expected to be announced as City’s new manager within the next couple of days.
Blues’ football director Begiristain wants a stylish attacking brand to become City’s blueprint, and he’s picked a boss famed for producing exactly that in Spain
Over the last week, M.U.E.N. Sport’s Stuart Brennan has been looking at the areas the new boss will be expected to improve the club, and how he is likely to do it.
We have pinpointed how the Chilean will bring a different tactical approach to the Blues, he will be expected to bring harmony to the dressing room and the training ground, and how he will try to draw together the disparate threads of the academy, elite development squad and first team.
But what City fans crave more than anything is that he brings stylish, winning football.
Roberto Mancini had his flaws, but he gave the City fans a brand of football which could be beautiful, at other times too slow and predictable, but which brought results. He will always be thanked by the supporters for that.
Pellegrini’s brief is to play attacking football, but with verve and incision – something he has done in Spain with some success at Villarreal, Real Madrid and Malaga. Now ‘the engineer’ is expected to do that at City...
WHEN Manuel Pellegrini’s Villarreal split the Spanish behemoths of Barcelona and Real Madrid by finishing second in La Liga, they did not do it on grit and organisation alone.
Football occasionally throws up small clubs that achieve unprecedented success on the basis of team spirit, managerial brilliance, aggressive physicality or a combination of those things.
But it rarely throws up a team that takes on the big boys at their own game, playing beautiful football and matching them stroke for stroke.
Pellegrini achieved that – with limited means – at Villarreal. He pieced together a team which had the sports writers of the Spanish press purring in admiration.
One said the Yellow Submarines were ‘a delight of a team that builds passing triangles, that links up wonderfully, that moves like angels.’
Another, after Villarreal had out-played Atletico Madrid – complete with Sergio Aguero – said their performance had been an ‘ode to football’, adding their swift, passing game was ‘marvellous, magnificent, a footballing symphony’.
And at Real Madrid, where he was unfairly labelled a flop, Pellegrini eked 53 goals out of Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonzalo Higuain – a La Liga record for a striker partnership.
That one-season stay at the Bernabeu was his only shot at managing a club with major resources, but he was undermined almost from the start by having key players sold from under him, and by a campaign to instate Jose Mourinho as the next boss.
Now he has been given the keys to City, inheriting some top-class players and bringing in some more, and is relishing the chance to show what he can do given proper backing.
His philosophy has always been the same, and he shares it with football director Txiki Begiristain – good football is winning football.
He said during his Villarreal days: “My teams always treat the ball as the priority, with plenty of mobility, blending South American football with European.
“My philosophy is based on having players with a good technical ability. Efficient and creative.
“My teams think more about building than destroying, and I don’t like those who prioritise destruction through constant man-marking and fouling. It bores me, I’d never go to see that kind of football.
“To play well is to win. I’ve always said that. But you have to consider the manner in which you won. A pragmatic coach is someone who praises the team for time-wasting and drawing fouls and is not interested in the cohesion of the team.
“I respect that idea. But do I want to play like that? When I am asked about that footballing philosophy, I neither understand it nor do I accept it.”
His feisty young Villarreal team had a great record against Barcelona, and after one win at the Nou Camp, Pellegrini was particularly pleased.
“My best example of playing well is against Barcelona and I’m not just using it because we won the last match against that great team,” he said.
“We never asked for the stretcher, we didn’t waste time when taking free-kicks or throw-ins, the team wanted to keep playing to the point of being irresponsible if you want to put it like that.
“Logically, if you have a good defence you usually play well. I can understand why people praise that approach. Some people come and play like that at the Madrigal and they deserve some credit because winning is the only way to play well.”
That way of thinking tallies neatly with the mentality which Begiristain and chief executive Ferran Soriano want to bring to City.
Soriano said last month, when discussing the sacking of Mancini and the pending appointment of a new coach: “We are looking to play good football and to win – and I said that in the right order.
“If you play good football, you will win.”
City’s movements in the transfer market so far have already indicated that Pellegrini will head down the same path of attempting fast, attractive, attacking football.
Fernandinho is the only signing so far, and the intention is that he will inject some pace and urgency into a midfield which is talented and solid but does occasionally get bogged down in possession football.
The Blues also appear to have Sevilla winger Jesus Navas in the bag, and he is also known in Spain for his fleetness – both of foot and of mind – and addresses City’s problem of having no natural wide players.
Navas is a departure from Pellegrini’s normal tactical approach, as he has traditionally preferred a narrow 4-2-2-2 in which the midfielders or full-backs provide width when needed.
It remains to be seen whether Navas will be asked to adapt, or whether Pellegrini – knowing that in the Premier League he will be up against teams which park the bus – is plotting a strategy that makes greater use of the flanks.
Whatever the mechanics of it, Pellegrini comes with a belief and a pedigree of playing exciting, entertaining football.
For City fans, that means the start of the Premier League on August 17 cannot come quickly enough.
Top five transfer Bollox
Pens are at the ready, as lots of cheques need signing with Manchester City and Real Madrid the closest to parting with money.
Spurs winger Gareth Bale will cost more than £80million, according to Real Madrid sporting director Zinedine Zidane, which would see the club break the world transfer record if they decide to go after the Welshman (Daily Mail)
Due to the limitations of Manchester City players' hairstyles, the club are looking to bring in the mohicaned Stephan El Shaarawy from AC Milan, with Carlos Tevez going in the opposite direction (Gazzetta Dello Sport)
Ian Holloway's search for a quality striker has seen him turn to Portugal to sign Amino Balde from Vitoria Guimaraes, who had looked set for a £2.5million move to Celtic, but the lure of the Premier League have put Crystal Palace in pole position for his signature (Daily Mirror)
New Napoli boss Rafa Benitez wants another spell managing the indifferent Chelsea striker Fernando Torres, which could allow Edinson Cavani to move the other way (Daily Express)
With all the money flying around Monte Carlo, they seem quite happy to let 20-year-old midfielder Nampalys Mendy join David's Moyes' youthful Manchester United (Metro)
Ultimate summer transfer targets: Isco
The emergence of the latest skilful Spanish playmaker has set Europe's major clubs on red alert, with Manchester City and Real Madrid heading the list of admirers
Spain have produced an abundance of confident, creative midfielders in recent years, and the emergence of Isco as a genuine talent has proven not only that the production line in Iberia show no signs of relenting, but that an expensive move away from Malaga seems the natural progression for the midfielder.
Lured from Valencia in 2011 to be given a key role in the burgeoning project promised under arriving Malaga owner Sheikh Abdullah Al Thani, Isco's ability to instantly secure an integral role in the side, as well as make his debut for the senior Spain squad, has singled the 21-year-old out as a prime transfer target for Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.
Malaga, with an air of grim inevitability, are already preparing for a bidding war this summer: "If he leaves Malaga it will be to a big club and it will be to the benefit of the coffers at Malaga," said club director Francisco Aguilar. "Clubs that want him will have to meet his buy-out clause."
That clause, increased to €35 million (£29m) with a shrewdly-prepared new contract in January as City prepared to meet his former buy-out fee of half that price, won't keep the wolves from the door.
Three clubs with more than adequate 'coffers' are PSG, Madrid and City, who head those willing to meet the valuation. Manuel Pellegrini, City's impending new manager who presided over Isco's development from Valencia graduate to Champions League competitor, would dearly love to be reunited with one of the finest representatives of his coaching sensibility.
He has already blossomed under the Chilean, the same coach that nurtured the very best from Juan Roman Riquelme, and encouraged expression from Santi Cazorla and Borja Valero to great effect. A continued relationship could be inevitable, as Goal revealed last month. In the vein of the finest film director and leading man partnerships, it would be an advantageous position for all parties.
"Isco is currently playing at the European Under-21 Championship, so in the immediate term nothing is going to be said about his future. At the moment, the player is focused on playing with the Spanish national team and any decision will be taken after that.
"It is well known Isco feels very comfortable with Manuel Pellegrini. Moreover, the arrival of Jesus Navas to Manchester City could be another reason for the player to decide to go to England. Malaga's economic problems remain, and even if they are confident of a decision against their ban from Europe, it is an ongoing case, hastening Isco's desire to move on."
Isco is one of six key summer targets for City as they prepare to rebuild under Pellegrini, with Edinson Cavani, Thiago Alcantara and Diego Novaretti having been lined up alongside the already-secured Fernandinho and Jesus Navas.
But Real Madrid must commence the post-Jose Mourinho era with a rebuilding process, and there is a minor clamour to have a Spaniard at the heart of their resurgence.
Juan Mata, once a product, now a Chelsea regular, inexplicably slipped through their youth set-up. David Silva was auctioned by Valencia, but City acted quicker than Madrid in securing his services. There is a feeling that Florentino Perez doesn't want another domestic target to evade his radar so easily. There is definite interest, but without a Mourinho replacement in place, Madrid remain somewhat in a state of flux.
PSG are currently en vogue when it comes to lavish expenditure, and their interest piqued after sending scouts to watch the player in action during a 2-1 victory over Getafe in May. Given the French club's outlay on Ezequiel Lavezzi, and latterly Lucas Moura, their penchant for attacking talent concurs completely with what Isco can offer.
A move is almost certain, with Malaga's brief foray among football's established order appearing to be over; in more ways than one, their dramatic elimination from the Champions League at the hands of Borussia Dortmund felt like the denouement for an expensively constructed team.
Expulsion from Europe next season due to financial irregularities, coupled with the increasingly erratic behaviour of Al Thani, who seems ready to abandon the project, will mean that the mass exodus which commenced last summer will head into overdrive.
Yet despite the spurious decision-making and egregious business model, the Andalusian club have secured a significant return on their investment with the new contract which was a clear and intelligent investment, rather than a commitment to any sort of long-term future at La Rosaleda from Isco.
The desire of the player is somewhat relative to his rapid rise and in contrast to his club's fall. Valencia, despite developing a talented player, were financially bound to sell when a €6m (£5m) bid arrived for a player that had featured only seven times for the first team. This has been his breakout season, under the European gaze. Given that, and the vitriolic situation at his current employer, loyalty is somewhat a passing concern. His time is now, and when the move arrives, he will almost certainly accept.
And why not; the platform (as well as remuneration) available when the bids eventually arrive will catapult him into A-list territory, launching headlong into an increasingly competitive list of diminutive creators that has become Spain's modus operandi. But among his alumni, few can claim to have had a more impressionable season than Isco.
The Golden Boy, then, in more ways than one. The award of the same name is bestowed by journalists to whom they deem to be the most promising emerging talent. Isco was the 2012 selection, joining luminaries such as Wayne Rooney, Lionel Messi, and last year's winner, Mario Gotze. Esteemed company.
But also aspirational company. The offers will inevitably arrive, and Malaga, as shown with the departures of Nacho Monreal, Jose Randon, and significantly Cazorla, aren't in the business of playing hard to get. Isco has his pick. Let battle commence.
Man City close in on El Shaarawy
The Manchester club tempt the Rossoneri with a mega-offer for the Pharaoh. The only stumbling block appears to be the Argentinian's wages – he earns too much for the club's wage structure. The alternative could be Matri
Manchester City are now offering €40 million for the Pharaoh. With Carlos Tevez part of the very interesting deal put before AC Milan. To be precise, the representatives of the club owned by Sheikh Mansour announced that they are willing to pay €25 million in cash plus the Apache, valued at €15 million.
While the Rossoneri would be willing to sell El Shaaraway for €40 million for obvious financial reasons, it must also be said that the Argentinian's wages are much higher than the limit set by the club. Tevez, in fact, earns €8.5 million net a year, while the wage cap fixed by the club in Via Turati is €4 million plus a further €1 million in bonuses linked to the Champions League. As a result, it is impossible to say that a deal has almost been done, but the talks are well underway and both sides seem happy to reach a deal. Berlusconi's club would appear to hold an advantage over their rivals in the battle to sign the Apache, especially Juve, but certain economic parameters have to be respected and so it is premature to talk about a happy ending. Should a deal be reached with City involving just cash, the club would then need to sign a forward to play alongside Mario Balotelli. In that case watch out for Alessandro Matri.
or ...
SNUB COUNT: 63
Manchester City and Arsenal target Stephan El Shaarawy rules out transfer away from AC MiIan
Italy striker Stephan El Shaarawy has snubbed interest from Manchester City and Arsenal and insisted he sees his future at AC Milan.
The 20-year-old has reportedly caught the eye of City after scoring 18 times for Milan in a breakthrough season in Italy. Ironically though, El Shaarawy’s form dipped after the arrival of Mario Balotelli from City in January, raising talk of a move away from the San Siro.
City’s new management set-up were rumoured to be putting together a package which would see Carlos Tevez move to Milan in part-exchange while Arsenal, with a reported £70million transfer budget at Arsene Wenger’s disposal, have also been linked with a bid but El Shaarawy told Italian newspaper La Repubblica he has no plans to leave the Rossoneri this summer.
‘I’ve not thought about it, I really don’t think I’ll leave Milan,’ said the former Genoa man, who in February extended his contract until 2018.
‘If it’s true that City want me then that’s flattering, but I’m really happy at this big club and feel a connection to the place.’
Roberto Mancini eyes up Premier League job as he sets up base in London
Sacked City boss wants to stay in England, despite interest in France and Italy
Roberto Mancini has set up a base in London in the hope that he can land a big Premier League job.
Cash-rich Monaco and Paris St.Germain have both been linked with Mancini following his sacking by Manchester City, while the Italian is also reported to be a target for managerless Roma.
But the Italian has unfinished business in England.
He has bought a property in the London and a friend of Mancini’s revealed: “Far from leaving England after losing the City job, Roberto wants to land another Premier League job and prove a few points.”
GOLDEN BOLLOX 10-6-2010
Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill is planning for life without England midfielder James Milner, who has been linked to Manchester City, and has launched an £8m bid for Mbark Boussoufa of Anderlecht. Daily Mirror
Barcelona legend Hristo Stoichkov has branded Barca's Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic a "failure" and insists he will end up at Manchester City. Daily Mirror
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Messi would have become great anywhere, says former Barcelona VP
The current Manchester City CEO has hailed the Blaugrana's treatment of the forward, but believes the Argentina international would have become a star at any club
Lionel Messi would have developed into a world-class player at any club, according to former Barcelona vice-president Ferran Soriano.
The prolific attacker joined the Barca youth academy at the tender age of 11 and has since developed into one of the best players the game has ever seen, winning four Ballons d'Or up till date.
"Messi is an extraordinary talent, pretty much unmatched. He would have developed into a great at any team," the current Manchester City CEO told La Nacion.
"However, he was planted in very fertile soil at Barcelona. He was watered and tended to with a lot of care in a good system.
"While Messi was growing, Barcelona looked after him to make sure all the basics were ok and to keep giving him new challenges, like playing against older opponents. He didn't get complacent that way and always had to give his best.
"When he turned professional, his contract was improved a number of times without him asking for a pay rise. That kept him calm and relaxed and made sure that he felt appreciated."
The 25-year-old has netted well over 200 La Liga goals for Barca since making his official league debut in 2004-05.
Arsenal plan to make three club record breaking bids this week for Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain, 25, Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, 22, and Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Lars Bender, 24. DSSC
Real Madrid winger Cristiano Ronaldo, 28, refuses to rule out signing a new deal with the Spanish club, amid speculation he will rejoin Manchester United this summer. The Sun
Tottenham are vying with Borussia Dortmund to sign Brazil and Atletico Mineiro winger Bernard, 20, and are interested in Fulham wide man Alex Kacaniklic, 21. Mirror
West Ham are considering whether to make a £12m move for Vitesse Arnhem striker Wilfried Bony, 24, as doubts persist about their move for Liverpool's Andy Carroll, who spent last season on loan at Upton Park. Telegraph
Newcastle are not prepared to offer more than £10m for their former striker Carroll. The 24-year-old is currently considering a £15m permanent move to West Ham. Express
Newcastle may end up selling striker Papiss Cisse, 28, as he has informed the club he does not want to wear a loan company's branding on the club's shirts next season because of his beliefs as a Muslim. DSSC
Chelsea hold an advantage in the race to sign Porto defender Eliaquim Mangala, 22, as Manchester United manager David Moyes - who is interested in the player - is currently on holiday. People
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho plans to sell striker Demba Ba, 28 after just five months at Stamford Bridge. Mirror
And Mourinho is planning to sign strikers Edinson Cavani, 26, from Napoli and Hulk, 26, from Zenit St Petersburg for a total of £90m. Express
But the Portuguese is targeting Bayern Munich forward Mario Gomez, 27, as a possible alternative to Cavani. Times
Chelsea may also move for Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso, 31, who has yet to agree a contract extension with the Spanish club. Telegraph
Playmaker Stephane Sessegnon, 29, wants to leave Sunderland. The Benin international has been valued at £8m by his club, with Champions League qualifiers Marseille said to be interested in buying him. People
New Everton manager Roberto Martinez is considering a £10m move for Chelsea forward Victor Moses, who used to play for him at Wigan. DSSC
Striker Kevin Davies looks set to join Sheffield Wednesday but is also being watched by Sunderland, Hull, Blackpool and Wolves. Sun
GOLDEN BOLLOX 10-6-2011
Toure torment! Kolo took drugs due to obsession with his 'fat belly'
Kolo Toure's 'psychological obsession with his belly' led to him failing the drugs test which resulted in a six-month ban for the Manchester City defender.
Toure was so desperate about his weight that he took water tablets recommended by a friend of his wife. The failed test which followed was a result of the presence of a prohibited substance in the tablets.
The FA revealed details of Toure's case and it showed in detail not only that the former City captain had become fixated by his weight - in particular his stomach - but also the shambolic attempts he made to check the legality of the substance.
The FA report revealed that Toure had ‘a misplaced perception that he was fat, a symptom of his medical condition’.
The 30-year-old said he had been taking two tablets a day since January, although not on match days as they made him feel ‘a bit tired’. A friend of his wife had sent them by post.
His attempt to check whether they were ‘OK for footballers’ consisted of his wife’s friend phoning a clinic that supplied them in London and asking the receptionist.
Toure claimed he showed them to City’s doctor, Dr Jamie Butler, in a hotel before a game and was given an assurance that they were legal. The doctor, however, claimed he was never shown the water tablets.
Joe Hart has opened talks with City over a deal that will treble his wages to £90,000 a week.
Boateng wants Bayern move
Manchester City defender Jerome Boateng has stated his wish to play for Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich. Manchester City defender Jerome Boateng has stated his wish to play for Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.
The 22-year-old Germany international is a transfer target of the Bavarian side, which is looking to bolster their defensive options.
Boateng only joined City prior to last season in a 10-million-pound-plus move from Hamburg, but he made only 16 English Premier League appearances.
According to Boateng, Bayern would be a suitable club to join as he believes he would be used in his proper position.
"There are several reasons (I want to join Bayern)," Boateng said.
"The position is one of them, Manchester told me that I would play on the inside, that didn't happen. I only played five or six games in that position and then it is Bayern Munich that wants me."
"I am playing for the German national team and I think it is a dream for every German player to play for them."
"I also will be closer to my family, I am a bit homesick to be honest but firstly it is the fact that Bayern is the number one in Germany and if a club like that knocks on your door you don't say no."
"Bayern is the biggest club in Germany and it is interesting for every player who plays for the national team and it is an honour when a team like this is pursuing you."
Boateng also shed light on a transfer deal that is potentially only days away from being concluded between the two clubs.
"I think everybody knows that I have an agreement with Bayern and now it is up to Manchester so that a settlement can be found and that is all I can say to that for the time being," he said.
Chelsea's plan to relocate to a 60,000-seat stadium in Earl's Court could be back on after they were invited to bid for a 17-acre plot in the area that is scheduled to be put up for sale at the end of this year. DSSC
QPR midfielder Joey Barton, 30 says he wants to be a top coach when he retires from playing. Mirror
Striker Mario Balotelli kicked out at water bottles, before punching and lashing out at a wall following his red card in Italy's 0-0 draw with Czech Republic. Metro
Robert Lewandowski could be set for a shock move to the Premier League after Borussia Dortmund refused to sell him to Bayern Munich. The 24-year-old Poland striker has been strongly linked with Manchester United. Daily Telegraph
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez claims 28-year-old forward Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been linked with a return to Manchester United, wants to commit his future to the Spanish club. DSSC
Fiorentina's 23-year-old forward Stevan Jovetic, who is reported to be a target for Arsenal, wants to join Juventus instead. Metro
Real Madrid's sporting director Zinedine Zidane says his club will have to break the world transfer record - which currently stands at £80m - to land Tottenham's 23-year-old forward Gareth Bale. DSSC
Former Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler says his old club should keep 24-year-old forward Andy Carroll, a target of West Ham, as he believes the squad is short in terms of numbers. Daily Telegraph
Crystal Palace manager Ian Holloway is set to pip Celtic in the battle for Portugal Under-20 striker Amido Balde, who seemed set for a £2.5m move to Scotland. Daily Mirror
Hal-Robson Kanu, 24, says he wants to quit Reading. Aston Villa and West Brom are keen to sign the winger. Sun
Manager Rafael Benitez has told Napoli he would like to work with 29-year-old Chelsea striker Fernando Torres again - paving the way for the Blues to sign Napoli's Edinson Cavani. Daily Express
Manchester United are closing in on a deal for 20-year-old Monaco midfielder Nampalys Mendy. Metro
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is looking to sign 22-year-old Porto defender Eliaquim Mangala and 20-year-old Vitesse Arnhem midfielder Marco van Ginkel. Daily Star
Paris St-Germain captain Thiago Silva, 28, has pledged his future to the French champions and said he would like to see Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney, 27, join the club next season. Sport24.com
Juventus director general Guiseppe Marotta has met executives from Real Madrid to discuss signing Gonzalo Higuain. The 25-year-old Argentine striker is also wanted by Arsenal. Corriere dello Sport
Turkish side Besiktas are considering a move for forward Ronaldinho, 34, currently of Brazilian side Atletico Mineiro. Skorer
Jose Mourinho, who will be officially unveiled as Chelsea manager later on Monday, did more harm than good to Spanish football during his three years in charge of Real Madrid, according to Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta. Daily Telegraph
Former Chelsea star Gus Poyet is backing 50-year-old Mourinho to repeat the success from his first spell at Stamford Bridge. Daily Mirror
Ex-Tottenham and Arsenal defender Sol Campbell, who won 73 caps for England, claims English football is in disarray because young players think they are already world stars who no longer have anything to prove. Daily Star
Aston Villa striker Andreas Weimann, 21, is to sign a new and improved three-year contract with the club. Birmingham Mail
Argentina international forward Franco Di Santo, 24, winger Albert Crusat, 31, and defenders Adrian Lopez, 26, and Ronnie Stam, 28, are to leave Wigan Athletic following their relegation from the Premier League. Wigan Post
Gareth Southgate is tipped to take over the role of England Under-21 coach if Stuart Pearce is sacked. Sun
Stoke City's Bosnia and Herzegovina goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, 25, has been voted 'Idol of the Nation' to end Edin Dzeko's three-year reign after helping put his country in a strong position to qualify for the 2014 World Cup. Uefa.com
GOLDEN BOLLOX 10-6-2012
Arsenal could bid to buy back Samir Nasri as Man City 'open to offers'
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.
GOLDEN WAG 10-6-2012
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