Cash ‘n Barry
Arsenal target Gareth in a cut-price deal
SunSport can reveal the Gunners have been checking out Barry’s position at Manchester City — where he has a year left to run on his £100,000-a-week deal.
Arsenal would not match those wages and do not necessarily see the 32-year-old as a regular starter.
But they could put a two-year deal on the table on lower terms which may interest Barry.
The Gunners are in the market for a holding midfielder and have been rebuffed by Bayer Leverkusen in their attempts to sign Germany star Lars Bender, 24.
It is thought Barry would cost around £3.5m and north London rivals Spurs are also showing interest as they look to replace Scott Parker.
Wenger has long been an admirer of Barry.
He was in the market for his signature — along with Liverpool — five years ago and went back in again the following year before Barry left Aston Villa to go to City.
An insider said: “It looks like Arsenal are just weighing things up at the moment and they do have other priorities. But they know Gareth would do a good job for them.”
Wenger eyes Richards
Now a far more believable rumour comes from the Mirror, who claim that Arsenal are showing an interest in signing Manchester City defender Micah Richards, who they see as a potential replacement for Bacary Sagna.
Richards has struggled to establish himself at the Etihad in recent years and a series of injuries restricting him to just 7 appearances last season. The Mirror suggests that City are keen to keep hold of him and are lining up a new contract offer, but the 25-year-old is understood to be keen to explore his options as he seeks more first team opportunities.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is identifying possible replacements for Bacary Sagna – who has just one year left on his contract and has so far been unable to agree terms over an extension – and the report claims the Frenchman is interested in bringing Richards to the Emirates if Sagna is sold this summer.
The newspaper suggests that the versatile defender would cost around £12m but Arsenal would face stiff competition from Inter Milan if City make him available for transfer.
I still expect Richards to stay with City this summer but if he does decide to leave a move to Arsenal would be a realistic possibility and would give him the chance to revive his career.
Rumours that Micah Richards is set for the Etihad Stadium exit door are wide of the mark - according to today's reports.
The 25-year old has been linked with a number of the contintent's biggest clubs but Manuel Pellegrini is believed to want to keep Richards around as the Chilean sees him as an important player in his vision of the Club's future.
"Micah Richards remains a vital part of new City manager Manuel Pellegrini’s plans for the future," Stuart Brennan writes.
"The big defender has been linked with moves to Chelsea, Bayern Munich and the two Milan clubs as talks continue over a possible new contract extension.
"But Pellegrini will tell him he sees him as an integral part of the squad, not just for his ability but also because – after 12 years at City – he epitomises the strong sense of identity the manager wants to build."
Another player who the newspapers reckon will be staying put is Milan and Italy striker Stephan El Shaaraway.
Speculation from Italy heavily hinted that the 19-year old was bound for Manchester but now Daniel Jones of the Daily Star reports he wants to stay at the San Siro.
"Calling time on the various rumours surrounding El Shaarawy's future, Milan posted a brief statement on it's website," Jones said.
It reads: "There has been a meeting between (Milan vice president) Adriano Galliani, Stephan El Shaarawy and the young star's entourage."
"Everything went well. Stephan has always been an AC Milan fan and has reiterated his determination to continue playing for the Rossoneri.
"That pledge was reciprocated by Milan, with conviction. Milan and El Shaarawy will move forward together, as they have since 2011. No more talk of the transfer market, no more rumours."
Jason Wilcox appointed as City U18s boss
Former Blackburn winger Jason Wilcox has been appointed manager of Manchester City's Under 18s side. Meanwhile, midfielder Abdi Ibrahim has extended his loan spell with Norwegian side Stromgodset.
Wilcox has impressed as a coach of the under 13s side in the City academy and will now take charge at an older age group.
He told the club's official website: “It’s a fantastic opportunity for me and a great privilege.
“Everyone is talking about Manchester City and to have this role now as we look to move forward into the new complex is fantastic. I’m looking forward to the season ahead.
“It’s a really exciting for time for the boys and hopefully I can pass my experiences – good and bad – onto the players. Many years ago I was here as a 15 year old and now it’s almost come full circle.”
Meanwhile, Young Manchester City midfielder Abdi Ibrahim has extended his loan spell with Norwegian side Stromgodset until the end of the year. MuEN
Van Persie: I cheered for Tottenham against Manchester City
Robin van Persie has admitted he cheered for Tottenham Hotspur when they faced Manchester City last season.
The 29-year-old couldn’t control himself as he knew that United were on the cusp of winning the title.
“I cheered for Spurs against City,” van Persie told Nick Coppack in the print edition of an interview with United Review.
“Can you believe it? An ex-Arsenal player wanted Spurs to win! We knew the title was one game away.”
Moving from Arsenal to United was never going to be a particularly popular move and van Persie was subjected to ludicrous ‘money-grabber’ taunts as well as incurring the wrath of the Gunners faithful when the two sides met in April, where the Dutchman received a guard of honour from his former employers.
And the 29-year-old striker’s recent admission that he cheered on Arsenal’s bitter rivals Spurs is unlikely to enhance his popularity in North London but that is all by the by.
Van Persie’s 26 goals were critical in United regaining their league title in impressive fashion finishing 11 points above rivals Manchester City and a huge 16 ahead of Arsenal.
Despite this, the Gunners may be set to give United a taste of their own medicine if the speculation over Wayne Rooney’s future is to believed.
The forward will have a huge role in the coming season under David Moyes with the goal-scoring burden again likely to rest firmly at van Persie’s feet.
It is hoped he can continue to show the excellent form of last season justifying a substantial £24 million outlay which at the time was questioned.
It proved to be a masterstroke and with a bit of good luck, he’ll continue to let Arsenal know exactly what they’re missing.
Toure aiming to fill 'great' Carragher's boots for Reds
Ivorian defender keen to prove his worth after frustration of 'part-time' City spell
New Liverpool defender Kolo Toure is looking forward to becoming a full-time footballer again after two years of limited action
The Ivory Coast international played just 29 league matches in the last two campaigns under Roberto Mancini at Manchester City and views his move to Anfield as the chance to make up for lost time.
"Liverpool have given me the chance to show that at 32 I'm still one of the best defenders, and I will fight for that," said the centre-back, who has officially signed for the Reds after his contract expired with the former Premier League champions.
"These past two years of being 'part-time' have helped me refresh and be more hungry. I want to try and help Liverpool win trophies this season."
Toure leaves brother Yaya behind at the Etihad Stadium but he knew it was not an option for him to remain at the club.
"I haven't spoken to him yet really because he's been on holiday, but he's going to be on his own there now," he added.
"I wish him the best but I knew I had to leave City. I've come next door and that's a great move for me."
Toure is seen by manager Brendan Rodgers as a short-term replacement for the retired Jamie Carragher.
He certainly has a wealth of Premier League experience, having played for Arsenal before his switch to City, but with Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel still at the club he knows he will have to fight for his place.
"I am used to competition. When I came into Arsenal the competition was Sol Campbell, Martin Keown, Tony Adams – it was hard competition," Toure said.
"The only way to improve a team is to make players fight for their place. I know Jamie Carragher left the club and that's the reason why I'm here. He was massive for this club, he was a great professional and a great example for me. I will try to do what he did but I think that's going to be really difficult.
"It adds pressure because it's always hard to replace a big, big player like Jamie.
"I'm looking forward to that because I like challenges. I like to lead when I'm on the pitch, I like to speak to the players and organise things."
Toure joined his new team-mates and fellow new arrivals Luis Alberto, Iago Aspas and Simon Mignolet for the first day of pre-season at the club's Melwood training ground before formally signing his contract.
SPONSOR BOLLOX - PART 734
Manchester City Unveil Thai Soft Drink Sponsorship
Manchester City have partnered with Thailand’s est Cola brand in a bid to grow the club’s presence in the south-east Asian country.
The new two-year sponsorhip will see est Cola become the club’s “Official Soft Drinks Partner in Thailand”.
The news was announced today in Bangkok by City’s Micah Richards and Scott Sinclair, who are currently visiting the country’s capital as part of the club’s pre-season promotional tour.
In the weeklong visit, players will take part in partnership activations and meet local Blues fans, before jetting off to the Indonesian capital, Jakarta.
Commenting on the partnership, Tom Glick, City’s chief commercial & operating officer, described est Cola as a young dynamic brand with huge potential. It is said to have taken the Thai soft drink market by storm in only its second year of trading.
“The scale and speed of their success demonstrates Thailand’s appetite for brands that are not only innovative, but ambitious also. We’re proud to be part of est Cola’s journey and look forward to working together to engage and inspire Thailand’s legions of football fans,” he said in a statement.
He added: “Thailand is a huge market for the club, which is why we’re delighted to soon be launching a Thai version of the Manchester City website.
“Set to go live in July, the new website will satisfy the demand from City’s millions of fans from around the country to be able to view the latest news and content in Thai.”
Under the deal, est Cola has filmed a TV advert with City players that will be aired on TVs in homes across the country’s 69 million strong population.
City players and the club crest will also feature in both below and above the line advertising campaigns and in store point-of-sale.
GOLDEN BOLLOX 3 July 2003
£4 million flop Matias Vuoso is loaned to Mexican side Santos Laguna after failing to play a single first team game during his first season with City.
Vuoso was signed by Kevin Keegan from Independiente, but failed to impress his new manager, though supporters wonder why he isn’t given the chance to excite on at least one occasion, given his hefty price tag.
His career continued to go downhill thereafter and he played against his former employers in July 2011 when the Blues took on Club America in San Francisco.
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[/spoiler]A fresh bid from Paris St-Germain for Napoli striker Edinson Cavani could force Chelsea to increase their offer for the 26-year-old to £53m. Daily Mirror
However, it is also rumoured that PSG's new offer for Cavani has put Chelsea off the Uruguayan, with Jose Mourinho intent on pursuing Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, 27, and Borussia Dortmund's 24-year-old forward Robert Lewandowski. DSSC
AC Milan have insisted that 20-year-old striker Stephan El Shaarawy, linked with a move to Chelsea this summer, will remain at the San Siro. talkSHIT
Real Madrid are set to battle Chelsea for the signature of Benfica midfielder Nemanja Matic. The 24-year-old has blossomed since leaving Stamford Bridge in 2011 as part of the deal that saw David Luiz head to the west London club. Metro
Manchester United are reported to be "very close" to securing the signing of Barcelona midfielder Thiago, 22. ESPN
Meanwhile, PSV Eindhoven's technical manager Marcel Brands says Manchester United midfield target Kevin Strootman, 23, has committed himself to spending another season at the Dutch club. talkSHIT
Liverpool face competition from Champions League runners-up Borussia Dortmund to sign Armenian midfielder Henrik Mkhitaryan, 24, from Shakhtar Donetsk. Goal.com
West Ham and Swansea are battling it out for the signature of Vitesse Arnhem's Wilfried Bony, 24, after the Londoners matched the Welsh club's £10.2m bid for the striker. Metro
Cardiff City are poised to make an £11m offer to Celtic for Kenyan midfielder Victor Wanyama, 21. DSSC
Joe Kinnear marked his first day as Newcastle's director of football by arranging to sell midfielder James Perch, 27, to Wigan for £700,000. Journal
League Two side Dagenham & Redbridge could make more than £1m from a sell-on clause if their former striker Dwight Gayle, 22, makes an expected £8.5m move from Peterborough to Crystal Palace. London Evening Standard
Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester City are competing to sign Belgium Under-16 striker Julien Ngoy. The 15-year-old, who has the option of becoming a sprinter, is not currently attached to a football club. Daily Star
Everton are willing to pay £5m for Swansea winger Nathan Dyer, 25. Sun
Crystal Palace want to sign Leeds right-back Sam Byram, 19, for £3m. DSSC
AZ Alkmaar have rejected a bid from Sunderland for United States striker Jozy Altidore, 20, who has scored 31 goals in 41 appearances for the Dutch club. Shields Gazette
And Sunderland's attempt to sign the Inter Milan trio of Daniel Bessa, Alfred Duncan and Ibrahim Mbaye looks to be on hold until new Inter coach Walter Mazzarri has assessed the players. Bessa and Duncan are 20-year-old midfielders, while Mbaye, 18, plays as a central defender. Sky Sports
Chelsea have offered Sporting Lisbon around £12m for Portuguese winger Bruma, 18. A Bola
Wolves have agreed a six-figure fee with Bolton to sign Wales international defender Sam Ricketts, 31. Express & Star
Wayne Rooney still denies that he handed in a transfer request to former boss Alex Ferguson as the England international prepares for more talks with new Manchester United manager David Moyes. Daily Mirror
Former England coach Glenn Hoddle, 55, wants to tell incoming Football Association chairman Greg Dyke how to stop "lazy" coaching and create more technically sound footballers. London Evening Standard
Fellow ex-England boss Steve McClaren, who has joined the coaching team at QPR, has hopes of becoming the England Under-21 boss in the future. Independent
Striker Darren Bent, 29, has reportedly been told to move out of the Aston Villa first-team dressing room and train away from the main group by manager Paul Lambert. Birmingham Mail
Veteran striker Kevin Phillips, 39, insists that he wants to stay at Crystal Palace for his final season in football after helping the south London club back into the Premier League. talkSHIT
Everton left-back Leighton Baines ignored speculation surrounding his future, which has linked the 28-year-old with a move to Manchester United, by spending the weekend at the Glastonbury festival. DSSC
MORE BOLLOX SOON
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