ROUND-UP
The case for the defence continues to dominate the City transfer headlines, with the Blues still said to be chasing a centre back.
A trio of La Liga-based targets top the bill this morning, with media round up regular Pepe first up. The Daily Mail reports that City are set to make one final bid for the Real Madrid man in an attempt to prise him away from the Bernabeu.
The paper’s Chris Wheeler explains: “Pepe has always been Pellegrini’s first-choice but Real rejected a £15m offer for the Portugal international last month and insist they want him to stay at the Bernabeu.
“City are set to mount another bid before they kick off the new season at home to Newcastle on Monday and hope that an improved offer in excess of £20m for a player who turned 30 in February may convince Real to change their mind.”
However, if a deal for Pepe fails to materialise the Blues have already lined up an alternative in Atletico Madrid’s Martin Demichelis – at least, if a report in the Daily Express is to be believed.
The Argentinian completed a move to the Spanish capital just last month, but could now be set to reunite with Manuel Pellegrini in Manchester, after the pair spent the last two seasons together at Malaga.
Writes Ben Jefferson: “Madrid are believed to be willing to countenance Pepe's departure but only if City meet their £30m valuation, something Begiristain maintains he will not do.
“And according to Spanish radio station Cadena Cope the City sporting director could make use of his time in Madrid to enquire about an alternative target - Atletico's Martin Demichelis.
"Demichelis would appear to be an unlikely target for City, having only signed a one-year deal at Atletico Madrid this summer after joining on a free transfer from Malaga.”
Make of that one what you will, then!
Finally, Sevilla President Jose Maria del Nido has moved to end speculation of a Premier League switch for reported City target, Geoffrey Kondogbia, according to the Daily Express.
The French midfielder has attracted interest from clubs around Europe this summer, but the Spanish side are now said to have stalled any potential move.
“Reports in Spain suggest that Del Nido has reached an agreement with the company that owns half of Kondogbia's rights whereby he won't be allowed to move this summer,” Jefferson reports.
“Del Nido said: ‘He is off the market.’
“However, the decision may still be taken out of Del Nido's hands with the Sevilla president accepting that he would still be forced to let Kondogbia depart if anyone meets the 20-year-old's buyout clause which stands at ‘€20m (£17m) plus VAT’.
“While Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea are sure to take Del Nido's comments into account, the fact that a buy-out clause remains means that the player could still make a move this summer, despite previously stating he is happy to remain at Sevilla until after next year's World Cup.”
City plan final £20m Pepe bid with Pellegrini fearing for defence after Nastasic injury
New City boss Manuel Pellegrini was anxious to buy a centre-back even before losing Matija Nastasic for the first month of the new campaign with an ankle injury and then seeing his side concede eight goals in their last three pre-season games.
Pepe has always been Pellegrini’s first-choice but Real rejected a £15m offer for the Portugal international last month and insist they want him to stay at the Bernabeu.
City are set to mount another bid before they kick off the new season at home to Newcastle on Monday and hope that an improved offer in excess of £20m for a player who turned 30 in February may convince Real to change their mind.
Reports in Spain claimed that City’s director of football Txiki Begiristain has flown to Madrid to try and broker a deal. However, if the Spaniards refuse to negotiate then he will accept defeat and look elsewhere.
Despite spending £90million on new players this summer, City have not signed any defenders.
They have been linked with Atletico Madrid’s Martin Demichelis and Schalke defender Kyriakos Papadopoulos among others, and have so far expressed little interest in the possibility of bringing in Paolo Cannavaro from Napoli.
But after Saturday’s 3-1 defeat to Arsenal in Helsinki, Pellegrini said: ‘We’ll see next week if I can bring in the player I need. We have conceded too many goals and we will have to find ways to fix that.
Liverpool emerge as surprise contenders for West Brom target Scott Sinclair
MANCHESTER CITY'S wantaway striker Scott Sinclair has been backed for a surprise move to Liverpool.
The Blues winger is desperate to quit the club and secure a permanent move at another established Premier League side, with West Brom being close to a deal with The Citizens.
The Hawthorns was thought to be the place where Sinclair could resurrect his career, But talks between the two teams have broken down.
City want a £2m loan fee now and a further £4m to complete the deal in 12 months’ time.
“Liverpool could be ready to launch a bid for Scott Sinclair ”
The Baggies, however, are looking to sign Sinclair for less and covering his £60,000-a-week wages while he is on loan in the Midlands is also a major problem.
And now a leading bookmaker has dramatically slashed the odds of the former Swansea man moving to Merseyside.
Bet Victor have slashed Sinclair's odds from 66/1 to 5/4 to join the Reds.
The 24-year-old joined City from Swansea in a £6.2m deal last summer.
City striker Alex Nimely, 22, is training with Doncaster Rovers ahead of a possible deal.
Dzeko hails new Manchester City strike partner
The Bosnia international feels that Stevan Jovetic has the potential to be an important player for the club, and has settled in well.
There have been big changes at Manchester City this summer – a new manager after four years and four new big-name signings. There is a real sense of expectancy around the Etihad Stadium for the upcoming campaign, with many touting City to be re-crowned as Premier League champions this season.
One new face at the club is that of Stevan Jovetic, who has moved from Fiorentina after outgrowing the Stadio Artemio Franchi outfit.
New team-mate Edin Dzeko has said that Jovetic’s addition is a real plus for the club, and the attacker can play a major role for City this season.
“We all know how Jovetic played in Italy,” Dzeko told Anadolija.
“He’s the right reinforcement for our team. He plays close to me and I’m very happy because of that.
“I believe that we’ll work well together. He already feels at home. It was easy for him to adapt as he has me, Matija (Nastasic) and Aleksandar (Kolarov) here.
“We are fully prepared for what is coming. Day by day, we’re getting better. We’ve made some new signings, who are quality players.
“We all hope to do better in the Premier League and also the Champions League. We have to do better in Europe this season.”
The competition to start for City in attack will be fierce this season, with Alvaro Negredo and Sergio Aguero also in the mix for a place in the side. The two eastern Europeans on paper may well have to play second fiddle to Aguero and Negredo, but certainly have the ability to make the starting places their own.
After a slow start to his time in England, Dzeko has proven himself as a consistent goal threat – the problem is that he has failed to command a regular place in the City side for any length of time. Manuel Pellegrini seems to have taken a shine to the former Wolfsburg man however, and chances are that Dzeko will lead the line in City’s Premier League opener against Newcastle.
Jovetic may well find it harder to break into the side, despite his ability, due to the presence of Sergio Aguero. It looks likely that these two will fight it out for a place as the supporting striker to Dzeko or Negredo, and Aguero’s quality has been there for all to see in his time in England.
Jovetic is a mercurial talent, however he will need to adapt quickly to new surroundings and a different style and speed of play in England. Technically he is more than able, and if he can count on the other Eastern Europeans at the club to help him settle in, Jovetic could be a star for City this season.
With these four strikers at his disposal, Pellegrini has a tough decision to make in whom he selects in attack – as City have the strongest options up front of any team in the division.
Manuel’s missing piece of the Manchester City jigsaw
New City boss Pellegrini still searching for a central defender to complete a squad to challenge for trophies on all fronts
With the transfer window starting to creak, if not shut, Manuel Pellegrini and City’s executive team can look back on a summer of good work with some satisfaction.
Now, to complete the picture, the Blues need only a centre back, and the manager’s vision of two quality players for every position in his team will become a reality.
Rumours persist about City chasing Brazilian playmaker Willian, but the Blues simply do not need another player in that position.
If a good deal presented itself, as it did with Isco earlier in the summer, they will move, but there is no active search for any midfielders or strikers ongoing.
Pellegrini does still want another stopper, preferably one with Champions League experience, and that is why Pepe has been at the top of City’s list of defensive wants all summer.
The trouble is there are not many out there who fit the bill. City have reached the point in their evolution where improving the squad gets tougher year on year.
They need to bring in players of proven quality, or youngsters with vast potential. Buying middling, make-do players is no longer an option when you are hoping to thrive and survive in the rarefied atmosphere of the Champions League.
That means the club, and fans, will have to get used to a fair degree of disappointment. The best players do not become available too often, and when they do, every moneyed club in Europe is scrambling after them.
City were frustrated at losing Isco to Real Madrid after it appeared they had him in the bag, and other top targets have also slipped away.
The pursuit of Pepe has been problematic. A month ago, it appeared that all hope had been dashed, as Madrid wanted silly money for the Portuguese star, and City baulked as Madrid were talking of £30million, a crazy price for a 30-year-old.
The Blues were looking to pay around half of the figure, plus add-ons.
Now the Blues are again set to test the resolve of Madrid to hold on to Pepe, who is pencilled in to start for Carlo Ancelotti’s side in their season opener against Real Betis on Sunday night.
That is mainly because rising French star Raphael Varane, who edged Pepe out of the team last season, is recovering from surgery on a knee injury he picked up last season.
Some reports in the Spanish press claim that City’s sporting director, and main negotiator Txiki Begiristain, flew to the Spanish capital yesterday to step up the pursuit.
It would be a coup if he pulled it off, especially as Pepe was lukewarm about the possibility of leaving Madrid when asked earlier this week.
If he is also back in the starting line-up under Ancelotti, it could kill any hopes of a deal.
Pepe has revealed his representatives have been talking to Madrid president Florentino Perez about his future, which appeared to open the door for City. But in the next breath he reminded everyone that he has three years left on his current contract, and spoke of his affection for Madrid and for his club.
City will not buy another centre back for the sake of it – talk of them being in for 32-year-old Napoli veteran Paolo Cannavaro is wide of the mark, and links with Argentine stopper Martin Demichelis seem to have ignored the fact that he has joined Atletico Madrid from Pellegrini’s old club Malaga.
One distinct possibility is 21-year-old Greek international Kyriakos Papadopoulos, who has become the stalwart of Schalke 04’s defence. The German club’s general manager Horst Heldt said the club has had no approach for the player, who is also interesting Liverpool and Zenit St Petersburg.
“So far it’s not concrete, and ‘Papa’ is part of our planning,” he said. “Above all, he really wants to get stuck into training.
“There are actually many clubs who are after him. If it becomes concrete, we will discuss it.”
Papadopoulos began his career with Greek side Olympiacos, and became the youngest player in their history when he made his debut as a 15-year-old.
He made the move to Schalke as an 18-year-old for £1.5million, and has soon established himself as a real rock in the Bundesliga club’s defence.
Only six ft tall, the stocky defender makes up for his relative lack of height with a great leap, can also play as a defensive midfielder and despite his tender years is also a vocal organiser of their back four.
While discussing Pepe, City may make a polite enquiry about Madrid left back Fabio Coentrao, who could be sold by the Spaniards after barely playing for them in pre-season.
With Juventus still interested in Aleks Kolarov, and said to be preparing a £7million bid, it could represent smart business for the Blues if they could nick Portugal ace Coentrao and sell Kolarov – although they value the Serb at twice Juve’s proposed price.
Argentinian centre-half alternative option to Pepe
Manchester City are lining up a surprise move for centre half Martín Demichelis, despite the Argentinian having only joined Atletico Madrid last month.
Spanish radio station Cadena SER claim that City have offered the player a two year contract, and that Demichelis has asked Atletico to let him leave.
The Argentinian, named in the La Liga team of the season last year, was a regular under Manuel Pellegrini at Malaga, and will be reunited with his old boss should he move to Manchester.
Director of Football Txiki Begiristain was reported to have flown to Madrid yesterday, and it was assumed that he was hoping to tie up a deal for Portuguese defender Pepe. However, Real Madrid are reluctant to sell so City are though to have turned their attention instead to Demichelis.
SNUB COUNT: 47[strike]8[/strike]9
Bakkali: I snubbed Manchester City to stay at PSV
PSV starlet Zakaria Bakkali has revealed that he pulled out of a proposed move to Premier League side Manchester City in order to continue his development in Eindhoven.
The 17-year-old is one of the most highly-rated young players in Europe, and scored a hat-trick against NEC Nijmegen on Saturday in only his second Eredivisie appearance.
And Bakkali says a host of clubs were interested in signing him, with last term's Premier League runners-up City at the front of the queue, but he was persuaded to stay at PSV by his father.
“A bunch of agents wanted to represent me after I was voted best youth player in the world at the Nike Cup at the age of 15,” Bakkali told Sport/Voetbalmagazine.
“I considered leaving PSV and even visited Manchester City to sign a contract there. But my dad convinced me not to leave and I signed a three-year deal with PSV instead.”
Bakkali has credited former Netherlands international Mark van Bommel, who retired from football after returning to PSV for the 2012-13 season, with helping him improve his game.
“Mark van Bommel played a big role in my development, just like Dries Mertens,” Bakkali continued.
“I have to learn to keep things simple. I can dribble one or two opponents, but they will foul me after that. Van Bommel in particular showed me that in training. He never hurt me, though.
“People already compare me to Romario because of my style of play, but I still have a long way to go.”
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Luis Suarez transfer boost for Liverpool as Arsenal start making other plans
Arsene Wenger has begun to draw up a Plan B as Arsenal struggle to land Liverpool's Luis Suarez.
Gunners boss Wenger still sees Suarez as his No.1 priority and they are likely to go back with an improved bid - but their chances of persuading the Kop club to sell appear to be fading.
There have now been internal discussions about going for different options and with Manchester United's Wayne Rooney now seemingly off their radar, they could revisit an interest in Swansea’s Spanish goal-machine Michu.
The north Londoners have also compiled extensive scouting reports on Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko in the past and Wenger still rates him highly and would move given any encouragement.
They passed up on interest in David Villa, Gonzalo Higuain and Stevan Jovetic to move for Suarez, but the Reds' entrenched position has seen them knock back two bids and even an improved offer of around £45m may not be enough.
Suarez is keen to go and may yet ask for a transfer to try to force a move, and there is also the chance that Real Madrid may come in if they cannot land Spurs' Gareth Bale.
Liverpool would be happier to sell him abroad than to the Gunners, a club they see as a direct rival.
Chelsea are considering a move for Anzhi Makhachkala striker Samuel Eto'o, 32. Blues boss Jose Mourinho worked with the Cameroon international while at Inter Milan. Guardian
Manchester United's hierarchy will risk keeping an unhappy player by insisting that striker Wayne Rooney, 27, will not be sold to Chelsea no matter how much money the London club offer. Guardian
Napoli are preparing a late bid for Bayern Munich midfielder Luiz Gustavo. The 26-year-old is set to announce his future plans on Wednesday, with Arsenal one of the clubs interested in his signature. DSSC
Liverpool are targeting Anzhi Makhachkala midfielder Willian, 25, as a potential marquee signing this summer. Daily Mirror
Serie A side Juventus could sell right-back Stephan Lichtsteiner, 29, to Arsenal as they look to raise funds for Ajax midfielder Christian Eriksen, 21, who has been a target for Liverpool and Tottenham. Daily Express
Tottenham midfielder Scott Parker, 32, is set to join QPR within 48 hours after the two clubs agreed a £3.5m fee. Daily Telegraph
But Fulham are trying to beat QPR to the signature of Scott Parker with the midfielder reportedly wanting to stay in the Premier League. Sun
QPR goalkeeper Julio Cesar, 33, is confident of securing a move away from the Championship club before the transfer window closes. London Evening Standard
Chelsea striker Demba Ba, 28, is a target for Sam Allardyce as the West Ham manager aims to secure his sixth deal of the summer. Daily Star
Benfica want Celtic goalkeeper Fraser Forster, 25, but the Portuguese team will need to pay £6m. Daily Record
Attacker Gareth Bale, 24, has told Wales team-mates that he will not play for Spurs again. Sun
Liverpool and England captain Steven Gerrard, 33, believes fellow midfielder Jack Wilshere, 21, will be captain of the national side in the future. Times
Steven Gerrard hints he could retire from international football after next summer's World Cup in Rio. Daily Star
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher thinks academies at English clubs should be banned from buying in foreign players. Independent
Inter Milan have confirmed the signing of Brazilian full-back Wallace Oliveira dos Santos, 19, on loan from Chelsea. Tuttosport
Former Wigan striker Franco Di Santo, 24, is close to joining German side Werder Bremen on a four-year deal. Bild
Deportivo La Coruna have signed Portugal defender Luisinho, 28, from Benfica. Marca
Barcelona forward Lionel Messi, 26, attended an audience with Pope Francis on Tuesday in the Vatican City along with his Argentina team-mates ahead of their friendly with Italy on Wednesday. Pope Francis, who was born to Italian parents in Argentina, says his loyalties are divided ahead of the game. Times
Howard Webb is 500-1 to become the next Manchester United manager!
GOLDEN BOLLOX 14-8-2011
Edin Dzeko – a refreshing change from the norm by This-Is-Futbol
Footballers appear in news headlines across the world, more often than not for the wrong reasons; therefore losing faith in the modern day player is expected. If the likes of Joey Barton and Andy Carroll appear on our television screens for acts of violence and criminality, then guilty or not, it is going to have a negative effect on what the youth of today believe is right or wrong. However it is not all doom and gloom within our beloved sport, as there are also several unsung heroes of the game. These individuals, whatever role they have within a team, deserve more credit for their contributions to both football and society alike.
A recent addition to the Premier League is a player who seems to follow this moral attitude, Edin Dzeko . The Manchester City forward had a troubled and inconsistent childhood, yet saw an opportunity to increase his quality of life by pursuing a career in football. He began his career in Bosnia , working his way through the FK Željezni?ar youth system, before showing his talent and potential at Wolfsburg . This earned him a big money move to Manchester City in January 2011. However, as an individual it appears he goes deeper than just his 6 foot 4 inch frame, and his reasonable goal scoring record. Edin Dzeko is UNICEF Ambassador for Bosnia , allowing him to visit those affected by events such as the Bosnian war, and do his bit help where possible. Despite the pressures of performing in training and on the pitch each week, Dzeko still finds time to show the unselfish side to some footballers within the game, with UNICEF responsibilities taking high priority in his schedule, something that surely should be encouraged consistently by media and the general public. More recently he opened a ‘UNICEF Early Childhood and Development’ premises in Bosnia , stating:
“Every child deserves the best start possible and we are here today to support this initiative and congratulate the people behind it.”
Personally, I feel this is a refreshing and noteworthy attitude from an individual that could have left his UNICEF and Bosnian responsibilities behind when his move to Manchester City was secured. This path to stardom may well be similar for many players, as they fight hard to become a success in this punishing sport. However, when earning excessive amounts each week, many forget about the struggles in their past, using this money to fund a lifestyle of women and wine. These footballers often use their enhanced popularity and fame for negative reasons, losing gratitude for the opportunities that they have been given. During these footballer’s lowest moments, like prowling hyenas, the media pounce, creating criminals and sinners within flashes. The likes of Wayne Rooney and Ryan Giggs become puppets in the media game, taking up pages upon pages of newspaper columns around the world. However, the positive events surrounding specific footballers receive little to no mention in major newspapers, leaving suggestions that it either does not exist or is not worth releasing to the public.
Controversy and scandal sells, and it appears that newspapers must lose whatever moral attitudes they had in order to find column inches for stories about affairs and brutality. This is the way it will be for years to come, with the average footballer not getting the credit they deserve for selfless yet less ‘interesting’ actions that, if correctly broadcasted, could turn footballers into the right role models for the youth of today.
Although not in any way comparable to a profession that saves lives, thousands turn out to watch these players take the field each week, with football arguably the most entertaining sport in the world. However the fact these standard human beings are become generalised by the media to be a villain, with the negative persona of idiocy and greed that so many loathe within a footballer. This leaves many underestimated. Some individuals deserve more credit for the effort they put back in to society as a whole, with the likes of Dzeko, the Neville brothers and Jamie Carragher all doing their bit for specific charities or causes. I would prefer to give these footballers the right media attention, and, in turn, hopefully prevent the future of football becoming driven by arrogance and selfishness.
Sergio Aguero adapting well to life at Manchester City
The Argentine forward is looking forward to a prosperous career in Manchester, but confesses that he has had some car trouble in a tongue-in-cheek interview
Manchester City's new striker Sergio Aguero remains as optimistic as ever about the challenge that awaits him at the Etihad Stadium, despite admitting to lifestyle changes, in an interview on the club's official website.
The 23-year-old tied up a big-money move to the English side from Atletico Madrid in July, and although he is confident of thriving under Roberto Mancini, he admitted to Ole that certain parts of the English culture will take some time to get used to.
"Previously I had begun to learn [English] but without continuity. But now that I take classes four times a week, it's like going back to school," said Aguero in regards to his English.
"But what is good is that I can practice here every day, so let's see how it goes. I think I can get along but I still have a lot to learn."
"With Twitter, the translations are helping me. I still cannot do them alone, but I think it's important to reach everyone," he continued. "Obviously those here have also asked me to write in English."
The ex-Atleti hitman confessed that he has also encountered problems on the road.
"When I arrived I kept trying to get into cars on the wrong side! I had been warned, but it takes years to change. I thought I was going to struggle more, but I have already started to drive and it was not as complicated as it originally seemed."
Aguero also displayed positivity about the long-term impact of his move to City, where he feels it will enable him to improve as a human being, as well as succeeding in his football career.
"I live my life with great joy," said the forward. "Adapting to another culture and be part of it will help me grow as a person. Certainly it's not easy, but I have a great opportunity ahead of me and I will make every effort not to waste it."
"I came to a new country, a different league, another language, but I'm sure is the right choice," he concluded.
"The Premier League is very competitive and has a high level of excellence. City are club with a very serious project that will allow me to continue my progress in football. I am only 23 years old and have a lot to learn yet."
Aguero is in line to make his debut on Monday, in his side's league opener against Swansea City.
Messi: Aguero will be exceptional at City
Lionel Messi is convinced Sergio Aguero will spark Manchester City’s title charge this season.
City paid Atletico Madrid £38million to sign the 23-year-old striker.
And Messi has no doubts his Argentina team-mate will be a big success in the Premier League.
The Barcelona wizard would have loved Aguero to join him at the Nou Camp.
But even the Spanish giants weren’t prepared to compete with City’s financial muscle in the market.
Messi said: “I have no doubt that he will be successful at City.
“He will give them a real cutting edge. He’s unique – he has immense power, strength and an incredible work ethic. He will certainly stand out in terms of what he will bring to City.
“Defenders will find him so difficult to play against.
“There is no doubt in my mind that City have signed a very exceptional player.”
Aguero, who is still gaining match sharpness, is set to start on the bench tomorrow. But Messi is convinced his mate will have no problems adapting to life in the Premier League.
Messi explained: “He’s flexible and can play in a number of positions. Adapting to the pace of the Premier League won’t be a problem.
“Carlos Tevez has been a huge success in England and Aguero will be no different.
“I think it shows the serious intent of Manchester City when they are signing a player of his quality.
“Personally I would have loved to have seen him stay in Spain and preferably move to Barcelona.
“But he was excited by the challenge and ambition of City. Money isn’t a motivating factor for him. He loves a challenge.
“More importantly, he wants to win trophies and obviously feels the move offers him that opportunity in England.”
Messi also feels City are building a team that will strike fear into opponents at home and abroad.
“They have the vast financial power to compete and therefore they will become a real threat if they are managed properly,” he said.
“It takes time to make your mark but every season you see them improving. And they will continue to improve when they are signing players like Aguero.”
Messi maintains it’s City’s neighbours United who carry the greatest threat this season.
“They remain the team everyone needs to beat. They have the vast experience and success behind them,” addd Messi.
“You can’t buy that. Like Barcelona, they seem to get better every season. They are hungry for more success.
“I expect United to carry the greatest threat to our defence of the European crown.”
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