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Manuel Pellegrini vows to keep spending as Manchester City close on Pepe
Manuel Pellegrini says he plans to continue spending at Manchester City as the club close in on a deal for Real Madrid defender Pepe.
Pellegrini has already splashed out around £90million on new players so far this summer, with Fernandinho, Jesus Navas, Alvaro Negredo and Stevan Jovetic all coming in at the Etihad Stadium.
But the 59-year-old is ready to take his spending beyond the £100million mark in the coming weeks, after insisting that City need to keep splashing the cash.
‘The club has spent money on important players like Negredo and Jovetic, but we’ve only replaced players,’ said Pellegrini.
‘Balotelli and Tevez were here last year, they needed to be replaced. We’ve done that now, and have the whole of August to do business.
‘We are pretty close, but we are not finished yet with our spending. We’ll see what happens next.’
Pellegrini is believed to have already identified his next major purchase, with the Madrid utility man Pepe emerging as City’s number one priority.
The Portugal defender, who can also play in midfield, is rated at around £18million by Madrid but City are set to open talks this week in a bid to drive that down.
Pellegrini refused to confirm he was after Pepe when quizzed on the player this week, insisting that ‘it is unfair to talk about another club’s players’.
But work on the move is believed to have been going on for months, with the 30-year-old set to be given lucrative terms on a three-year deal.
City are also planning a mini-clear out, with Gareth Barry, Dedryck Boyata and John Guidetti told they can leave this summer.
City winning Salvio race
Manchester City are the current frontrunners to sign Benfica winger Eduardo Salvio with Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal also interested in the young Argentine.
The 23-year-old winger has emerged as a transfer target for the three Premier League clubs after impressing in the Portuguese league with Benfica last term.
The Portuguese club have slapped a £34 million price tag on the Argentina international to ward off potential suitors and SportsDirect News now understands that City are the only club out of the three who will even consider matching Benfica’s asking price for the winger.
Arsenal are not willing to stump up such a high transfer fee for Salvio as they are still keen on landing Liverpool striker Luis Suarez’s signature this summer despite seeing a £40 million-plus-£1 offer rejected earlier this week.
Meanwhile, Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas now feels he has adequate cover in the wide positions with Gareth Bale, Aaron Lennon and new signing Nacer Chadli.
The north Londoners are also focusing their attention on bringing Valencia’s Roberto Soldado to the club as their main transfer priority is a new striker and they are likely to have to spend at least £26 million for the Spain international.
YAYA IN TIGHT RACE
Yaya Toure has predicted that there will be four or five teams in contention for the Premier League crown this season.
The Ivorian was speaking on the eve of Saturday afternoon’s Barclays Asia Trophy final against Sunderland at Hong Kong Stadium.
City overcame South China FC and some treacherous conditions in the Far East to book this clash with the Black Cats and the African Player of the Year is ready to seize this first shot at silverware in the 2013/14 season.
“It was a good match against South China,” the 30-year old said, “We tried to repeat what we did in training and what the manager told us to do and I think we played well.
“The manager is encouraging us to keep possession of the ball and when we lose it, to put pressure on the opponents and to always try to play in their half.
“The pitch was not very good, but to play in difficult conditions is not so bad at all, we have to adapt and play the best possible football.”
An encounter with Premier League opposition in the upcoming final offers the perfect pre-season workout for Manuel Pellegrini’s men as City prepare for what Yaya believes could be a wide open title race.
“The Premier League is not easy. We know this year is going to be very exciting and very difficult,” he said.
Saturday’s meeting with Paolo Di Canio’s men also offers the opportunity to perhaps a chance to see some of City’s new recruits in action.
Alvaro Negredo’s eye-catching cameo from the bench was one highlight of the South China victory and Yaya believes that his quartet of new teammates can light up the Premier League next season.
“We have four new players coming in and I hope they adapt very quickly to the Premier League because we have a great squad and a fantastic manager and I hope this year is going to be good for us,” he declared.
“They have just started pre-season and I hope they can get going very soon. We have a very good squad now; every player could play in the first eleven.”
With the opening Premier League game against Newcastle United just 24 days away, Toure is eager to put any disappointments or regrets from last season behind him to focus on what could be another historic campaign for City.
“Last season was not too bad at all for us, but United was just too good,” he admitted.
“I think this year we need to work very hard in every aspect and try to improve our game.
“It is also important that we enjoy the football and to play well for the fans.”
Dzeko for £19mil?
A few small reports are floating about tonight that Spurs have made a £19m bid for Manchester City forward Edin Dzeko.
Quite a few of us fans identified Dzeko as a real target and very obtainable as it’s unsure how much game time he would get at City and would maybe want first team football.
A few whispers are going out that Spurs have sent Man City a bid of £19m for Dzeko and that it is being considered. Call it gossip, call it ITK, call it a load of crap, call it what you want.
There were reports from the papers today that Tottenham were ready to turn to Dzeko after the Reborto Soldado deal may have hit a stumbling block over the fee. It could even be that Daniel Levy is prepared to deliver us two strikers and if true then £19m for Dzeko would be good value for money
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GAIN Capital Signs Exclusive Partnership with Manchester City Football Club
Company to become "Official Online Trading Partner" of Manchester City
LONDON, HONG KONG, NEW YORK and SYDNEY, July 26, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- GAIN Capital Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: GCAP), a global provider of online trading services, today announced that it has signed a new sponsorship deal to become Manchester City's Official online trading partner.
Manchester City Captain Vincent Kompany and Chief Commercial and Operating Officer Tom Glick were joined by GAIN Capital Regional Director Shane Braunstein at the partnership announcement event today in Hong Kong, in conjunction with Manchester City's pre-season Tour of Hong Kong.
As part of the partnership, FOREX.com, the retail division of GAIN Capital, will create exclusive behind-the-scenes content of one of the world's most famous sports franchises, providing an insider's view of how the club is run via the players, business operations and backroom staff.
GAIN Capital Chief Marketing Officer, Samantha Roady said, "We are extremely pleased to partner with Manchester City. Besides being one of the most prestigious football clubs in the world, they are leading the way in digital innovation among sports brands. As an online business, we are excited by the opportunity to work closely with Manchester City to explore innovative ways to leverage our respective digital and social media presences to build our brand among football fans across the globe."
Tom Glick, Chief Commercial & Operating Officer for Manchester City Football Club, added: "GAIN Capital and Manchester City are both leaders in their respective fields. Our partnership is rooted in the recognition that the fundamental elements of success in football and trading are the same: strong preparation and superior execution. GAIN's plans to leverage this connection are unique in sports sponsorship and we look forward to working with them."
About GAIN Capital
GAIN Capital Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: GCAP) is a global provider of online trading services. GAIN's innovative trading technology provides market access and highly automated trade execution services across multiple asset classes, including foreign exchange (forex or FX), contracts for difference (CFDs) and exchange-based products, to a diverse client base of retail and institutional investors.
Through our retail brand, FOREX.com, we provide retail traders around the world with access to a variety of global OTC financial markets, including forex, precious metals and CFDs on commodities and indices. A market leader for over a decade, FOREX.com supports clients from over 140 countries and our products and services are available in multiple languages, including English, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, and Russian.
GAIN Capital also operates GTX, a fully independent FX ECN for hedge funds and institutions, and Open eCry, an innovative online futures broker.
GAIN Capital and its affiliates have offices in New York City; Bedminster, New Jersey; London; Sydney; Hong Kong; Tokyo; Singapore and Beijing.
For company information, visit http://www.gaincapital.com.
About Manchester City Football Club
Informally known as "The Blues" or "The Citizens", Manchester City FC is an English Premier League side, founded in 1880 as St Mark's West Gorton. The Club counts the European Cup Winners' Cup, three League Championship titles, and five FA Cups amongst its honours. Under manager Manuel Pellegrini the Club plays its domestic home fixtures at the Etihad Stadium, a spectacular 47,500 seat arena, which the Blues made their home following the successful Commonwealth Games in 2003. For more information, please visit http://www.mcfc.co.uk.
Manchester City won’t play strongest side against Sunderland in Barclays Trophy final
MANCHESTER CITY manager Manuel Pellegrini says fitness, rather than the result, will determine his side to face Sunderland tomorrow, reports Chris Young in Hong Kong.
City will battle the Black Cats in the final of the Barclays Trophy tomorrow (kick-off 1.30pm GMT) with new boss Pellegrini able to call upon new boys Jesus Navas, Stevan Jovetic, Alvaro Negredo and Fernandinho.
But Pellegrini says he won’t name his first-choice XI against Sunderland, with the new City boss keen to get minutes under the belt of every member of his squad.
“These are friendly matches, not how they will be at the start of the season,” Pellegrini said today.
“If we can win a trophy, its always important to us.
“But the game on August 19 (against Newcastle) is the most important one.
“In pre-season, I try to play all the players. I never choose my starting XI to win the game or make changes to win the game.
“I try to have a similar average of minutes for all the players. I think that’s the best way.”
City £30m to the good
Manchester City's £90 million summer spending spree has bizarrely seen them wipe an astonishing £30m a year from the Etihad wage bill.
Despite bringing in the likes of Jesus Navas, Stefan Jovetic, Fernandinho and Alvaro Negredo, the Citizens are now laughing all the way to the bank.
The foursome have all arrived on similar wages of £80,000 a week - but with huge bonuses and incentives agreed by director of football Txiki Begiristain - an annual outlay of £15.3m.
However, the departures of Carlos Tevez, Maicon and Mario Balotelli were costing the Citizens a mind-boggling £32m a year between them.
City have also been able to release high-earners Roque Santa-Cruz, Wayne Bridge and Kolo Toure, who were costing them a further £14m a year.
New Blues boss Manuel Pellegrini has been told he still has significant funds to spend as a result of the cost-cutting.
It is also one of the main reasons why the club are confident of meeting the new Financial Fair Play regulations.
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[/spoiler]FOR SALE: Old Trafford turf where Rooney stunned City and Owen, Van Persie and Ronaldo scored vintage United goals
With the Old Trafford pitch being relaid this summer, Manchester United have taken the chance to reignite their turf war with Manchester City - by offering supporters the chance to buy the precise section of the pitch where some of United's most memorable derby goals were scored.
There are 25 iconic Old Trafford moments up for grabs, with Wayne Rooney's extraordinary bicycle kick against Manchester City in the 2011 Manchester derby heading up the list of prizes in the competition using the '#THISISYOURTURF' hashtag on social media.
Rooney, now unsettled at Old Trafford, received a cross from Nani from the right-wing and adjusted his body to execute the most stunning of finishes past goalkeeper Joe Hart. The balance, agility and execution was truly something to behold.
<PHOTO REMOVED DUE TO OFFENSIVE NATURE>
Another thrilling Manchester derby moment - for the Red side of Manchester - was when Michael Owen's scored a dramatic 96th minute winner in the 4-3 victory over Manchester City in 2009, and this is also on offer in the competition.
Other famous United goals, including Cristiano Ronaldo's astonishing free-kick against Portsmouth in 2008 and Robin van Persie's sensational volley against Aston Villa, will also be awarded to the lucky winners of a competition that is free to enter for United followers.
It is not only the exhilarating moments that will be granted this honour, but also some of the more poignant occasions.
The piece of turf where Manchester United and Manchester City came together to mark the 50th anniversary of the Munich air tragedy in 2008, where a wreath was laid in the centre centre circle, is also on offer, as is the section of grass where Sir Alex Ferguson stood as he lifted his thirteenth and final Premier League title in May.
The final goal of Ferguson's Old Trafford reign, Rio Ferdinand's late winner against Swansea in the retired manager's last game at Old Trafford, also makes the list. DSSC
Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas has told friends he would like to move to Manchester United. The Premier League champions have failed with two offers for the 26-year-old Spain international. DSSC
Manchester United will not sell striker Wayne Rooney, 27, even if they sign Fabregas from Barcelona. Guardian
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is prepared to wait until after the start of the Premier League season before signing Rooney. Daily Express
Liverpool have made Valencia striker Roberto Soldado, 28, their main target as they look to replace 26-year-old Luis Suarez. Tottenham have had a £22m offer for the Spain international rejected and Valencia want to sell Soldado for £26m by 3 August for tax purposes. Daily Mirror
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says Suarez's desire to join Arsenal "does not add up" and that he is already at a bigger club than the Gunners. Daily Telegraph
The Reds have told Arsenal they have a week to meet their £50m valuation of Suarez or they will miss out on the Uruguay striker. Daily Express
Suarez would be happy for the Premier League to settle the mix-up over his contract clause with Liverpool. Independent
Rodgers' recent comments about Suarez apparently owing Liverpool and their fans for the loyalty shown in him have angered the player. Daily Star
Celtic striker Gary Hooper, 25, has passed a medical ahead of a £5m move to Norwich. Sky Sports
Lille's former Chelsea forward Salomon Kalou will reject a move to West Ham after being told he would not play through the middle for the Hammers. West Brom have also had a £4m bid accepted for the 27-year-old Ivory Coast international. Daily Mirror
French winger Charles N'Zogbia, 27, could be set to leave Aston Villa, with Hull and Crystal Palace considering bids. Metro
West Ham are set to open up talks again about a move for 31-year-old Southampton striker Rickie Lambert. Daily Star
The Hammers are also interested in West Brom striker Peter Odemwingie, 32, after deals for the Nigeria international to join Crystal Palace and Fulham fell through. Times
West Brom are hoping to sign Udinese striker Matej Vydra on a season-long loan deal. The Czech Republic international, 21, scored 20 goals during a loan spell at Watford last season and has also been linked with Swansea and Sunderland. Birmingham Mail
Former Blackpool captain Ian Evatt, 31, is training with Blackburn after leaving the Bloomfield Road club earlier this summer. Sky Sports
David Moyes was born to be manager of Manchester United, according to first-team coach Phil Neville. Sun
Spanish midfielder Thiago Alacantara, 23, insists he never had contact with Manchester United ahead of his move away from Barcelona. Alacantara, who joined Bayern Munich this summer, says he did not feel valued by the Spanish champions. Sky Sports
Tottenham's Belgium defender Jan Vertonghen, 26, is set to miss the start of the season with an ankle injury that will keep him out for up to four weeks. DSSC
Napoli and Spartak Moscow have both moved for Benfica striker Oscar Cardozo. The Paraguay international, 30, was linked with Manchester City earlier this summer and has been close to joining Fenerbahce. A Bola
New Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino is set to be unveiled by the Catalan side on Friday but he was greeted by fans of his former club Newell's Old Boys at Barcelona airport. One of their banners read: "13,000 miles can not separate." Marca
GOLDEN BOLLOX 26-7-2010
Balotelli snubs United to join City
He may be loathed in Milan, but Mario Balotelli will be loved in the blue half of Manchester after snubbing Sir Alex Ferguson to join City.
And not only did he shun Fergie, sources close to the striker claim he said no to a bigger pay packet at Old Trafford.
Ferguson was quietly working behind the scenes on a move for Balotelli and was prepared to offer him more than the £65,000-a-week he has agreed with Manchester City.
Chelsea also wanted Balotelli and the striker’s decision to join City is a real coup for Roberto Mancini.
Balotelli’s capture will take Mancini’s spending over the £100million mark for this summer, but at least the City boss will save a few bob on the Italian Under-21 star’s wages.
Mancini claims this as proof that Sheikh Mansour’s billions do not make them soft touches in the transfer market.
“There is money to sign everyone, but not to pay them a lot, as some people are saying,” he said.
Mancini was able to sign Balotelli for less than what United were offering because the teenager is so keen to be reunited with his old Inter boss.
Balotelli, 19, regards Mancini as a mentor because he helped bring him through at the San Siro.
Mancini signed him in 2006 as a 16-year-old and handed him his debut four months later when he had just turned 17 in December 2007 as a substitute against Cagliari.
Mancini, who knew where the back of the net was as a player, could see the youngster’s huge potential and in his second appearance three days later, he scored twice against Reggina in the Coppa Italia.
Super Mario, as he is nicknamed, played a cameo role in Inter’s Serie A title success in 2008 and finished his first campaign with seven goals from 15 appearances.
Balotelli was disappointed by Mancini’s departure that summer and lost his way without his guiding hand.
He had a love-hate relationship with Mancini’s successor Jose Mourinho - they both loved to hate each other - and was axed after one bust-up too many.
For all of his problems, Balotelli still managed 20 goals in 59 Serie A games to prove he is one of the hottest young striking talents in the world.
Unlike Mourinho, Mancini feels he knows how to handle the precocious Balotelli and claims he could become a huge star at City.
“He is one of the four or five strikers that interest us,” he said. “I was the first to believe in him and I’m convinced about what he can do.
“Mario has two qualities that suit us: his talent and his age. And I want people like him who are able to build a cycle of success at Manchester City.”
City’s deal maker Brian Marwood has agreed Balotelli’s transfer in principle with Inter and the last missing piece is the fee.
The Blues claim a figure has yet to be agreed, despite claims in Italy that they will pay an initial £25.1million, rising to £29.3million.
Balotelli seems to think that is a formality and held an impromptu leaving party with his friends at Milan’s trendy Van Gogh restaurant on Saturday night where he told everyone he has agreed a five-year deal worth £65,000-a-week.
His pals unveiled a hastily-made banner, which read ‘Even 1000km away, you’ll always be in our hearts’.
His agent Mino Raiola, who has exasperated City in the negotiations, feels this is premature and claimed yesterday that the transfer had not yet been finalised, even though Inter believe it is a done deal.
“Nothing has been signed between Balotelli and Manchester City,” said Raiola.
Despite Raiola’s attempts to talk down the move, it seems only a matter of time before Balotelli joins Mancini’s blue revolution.
And, ironically, he could make his City debut against Inter in Baltimore on Saturday.
GOLDEN WAG
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[/spoiler]GOLDEN SNUB COUNT: 732
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