ROUND UP
City could complete the capture of Alvaro Negredo this week, according to reports today.
The Sevilla striker has been repeatedly linked with a move to the Etihad in recent weeks, and the Daily Mail expects the deal to be concluded in the next few days.
Jesus Navas has already been recruited from the La Liga outfit this summer, and Negredo is also said to have impressed Manuel Pellegrini during the new City manager’s time with Malaga.
“The 27-year-old Sevilla striker was on the verge of joining Atletico Madrid but the prospect of playing for Manuel Pellegrini at City is said to have convinced Negredo to make the switch to the Premier League,” reports Joe Bernstein.
“The Spanish international, fourth top scorer in La Liga last season with 25 league goals, was targeted by Pellegrini while he was Malaga manager but then he did not have the resources to sign him.
“The club were chasing Napoli's Edinson Cavani, who is on the brink of agreeing a £50m move to Paris St Germain, but baulked at the price and were convinced by Pellegrini that Negredo, who started his career with Real Madrid's reserves, would fit their style of play better.”
Elsewhere, Micah Richards will not be swapping Manchester for Italy this summer – according to the Guardian.
Inter Milan is the latest club said to be keen on the popular right back, but the 25-year-old looks set to pull on the City shirt next season.
“Richards, who has two years remaining on his deal, has spoken to Manuel Pellegrini and been told by the coach that he is an important part of his plans. Richards also believes he deserves an increase in salary on his present earnings of around £65,000 a week,” writes the paper’s Jamie Jackson.
“While there is reported interest from Internazionale, it is thought that Richards's preference is not to play abroad at this stage of his career.”
Staying with Inter Milan, footballitalia.net reports that Walter Mazzarri’s side have overtaken Juventus in the chase for Aleks Kolarov.
The Serbian left back spent three years with Lazio before joining City in 2010, and should he desire to leave the Etihad it seems he would have no shortage of Serie A suitors.
“Up until now Juve had been the absolute favourites for the 27-year-old former Lazio player,” explains the website’s report.
“However, according to Italian transfer expert Alfredo Pedullà, Inter have made the step forward and are now leading the race.
“The Nerazzurri are raising funds by terminating the contract of Dejan Stankovic, therefore saving on his hefty wages."
Manchester City line-up Gareth Barry as first big-name 'swap' for New York City franchise
The club will look to keep the midfielder, send him to the American city and ensure he stays away from the clutches of Premier League rivals
Manchester City want to keep Gareth Barry – and make him their man in New York, writes Alan Nixon of the Sunday People.
City supremosare keen to extend the midfielder’s contract and stop the long-serving star quitting on new boss Manuel Pellegrini as he arrives.
The news of the Barry plan comes as LA Galaxy revealed they wanted to make Frank Lampard the highest-paid player in MLS history to tempt him to leave Chelsea.
And part of City’s masterplan is to offer Barry a deal as the first big name ‘swap’ to the New York City franchise that the Arab owners have bought.
Barry is seen as the perfect type of player for the new MLS team when it starts and also as an ambassador to forge links between the two Citys. It is a carefully-conceived scheme that would see Barry, 32, stay on top-class money for the rest of his career and away from the clutches of other Premier League sides.
New York City is due to be up and running in 2015 which would fit with Barry’s own plans as he will be reaching the English ‘retirement’ stage by then.
And Galaxy have not given up on Lampard, who signed a new one year deal at Stamford Bridge in May.
A Galaxy insider said: “We did everything in our power to make Frank a Galaxy player including a package that would have made him the highest paid player in MLS history this summer – but we have to respect his decision to sign an extension with Chelsea.
“It is something we would like to revisit next summer. We know of his and his fiancee’s visit to LA this week – and hope their break is enough to persuade them to call LA home next year.”
Pellegrini set to clinch £20m signing of Negredo as Man City miss out on Cavani
Alvaro Negredo is expected to complete his £20million move to Manchester City this week.
The 27-year-old Sevilla striker was on the verge of joining Atletico Madrid but the prospect of playing for Manuel Pellegrini at City is said to have convinced Negredo to make the switch to the Premier League.
The Spanish international, fourth top scorer in La Liga last season with 25 league goals, was targeted by Pellegrini while he was Malaga manager but then he did not have the resources to sign him.
City need to bolster their attack having sold Mario Balotelli to AC Milan last January and Carlos Tevez to Juventus last month.
The club were chasing Napoli's Edinson Cavani, who is on the brink of agreeing a £50m to Paris St Germain but baulked at the price and were convinced by Pellegrini that Negredo, who started his career with Real Madrid's reserves, would fit their style of play better.
Atletico Madrid could move for Edin Dzeko if they lose out to City for Negredo, a fomer team-mate of another summer sigining Jesus Navas.
Bosnia international Dzeko has also been linked with Napoli as a possible replacement for Edinson Cavani with Paris St Germain closing on a £53m deal.
However, Rafa Benitez is considering other targets.
Pellegrini is happy for Dzeko to stay at City but the 27-year-old is keen to play and his sale would help offset other deals such as the one planned for Negredo and Real Madrid defender Pepe.
Manchester City confident Micah Richards will sign new deal
• Right-back wants more money and playing guarantee
• Joleon Lescott also in the frame for new contract
Manchester City's Micah Richards is expected to sign a new contract even though talks on the deal have stalled. Photograph: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images
Manchester City are confident that Micah Richards is happy at the club and will sign a new contract despite talks stalling due to the right-back wanting assurances about regular playing time.
Richards, who has two years remaining on his deal, has spoken to Manuel Pellegrini and been told by the coach that he is an important part of his plans. Richards also believes he deserves an increase in salary on his present earnings of around £65,000 a week.
While there is reported interest from Internazionale, it is thought that Richards's preference is not to play abroad at this stage of his career. The 25-year-old endured an injury-plagued campaign last season due to an ankle problem he picked up playing for Team GB at London 2012 and a knee injury that then ruled him out from late October to mid-April. He has been undergoing specialised work during the close season to strengthen his fitness.
Meanwhile Joleon Lescott, who has a year left on his contract, has been told he does have a future at City if he wants to remain at the club. Kolo Touré's departure to Liverpool has strengthened Lescott's position recently but he had slipped down the pecking order under Pellegrini's predecessor, Roberto Mancini, and he is keen to play regularly next season before England's prospective participation in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Gareth Barry, who also has only 12 months remaining on his contract, may well depart as he is conscious that Fernandinho's £30m arrival means his first-team chances will be limited.
Sevilla's Alvaro Negredo is being monitored by City. The 27-year-old is one of a number of strikers who are potential targets for the club, with Benfica's Oscar Cardoza another.
City set for Osvaldo talks
Manchester City are set for talks with Roma with a view to buying striker Pablo Osvaldo, according to reports.
The 27-year-old, who scored 16 goals last season, has attracted interest from City who are looking to replace Carlos Tevez.
He has previously had spells at Fiorentina, Bologna and Espanyol. City are still thought to be interested in a deal for Sevilla's Alvaro Negredo.
Fred rules out summer move away from Fluminense
Brazil international Fred has ruled out a move away from Fluminense this summer, insisting that he intends to see out his current contract.
The 29-year-old caught the eye of clubs across Europe after scoring five goals in Brazil's Confederations Cup win last month.
His prolific form has seen him linked with a move to Manchester City and Fenerbahce, though the striker has insisted that he does not see himself leaving Brazil.
"We don't know what will happen in the future but right now I don't see myself leaving Fluminense," Fred told Radio Brasil.
"I have a long contract with Fluminense and my intention is to see it out."
Fred joined Fluminense from Lyon in 2009.
Mancini in no rush to return to management
The former Manchester City coach is open to a return to Serie A, and would also consider taking charge of a national team, but admits he is enjoying a break away from football
Roberto Mancini will consider the prospects of returning to Serie A one day, but reiterated he was just enjoying his break from the game for the time being.
The 48-year-old has been out of job since being sacked by Manchester City in May, amidst failing to defend the club's Premier League crown and losing the FA Cup final 1-0 to Wigan.
The Italian admitted he might be interested in making a return the country he made his name as a coach, at Lazio and Inter, though he reiterated he was in no rush to do so.
"I have time to come back to Italy, as I am still young," Mancini told Sky Sports Italia. "Staying abroad, or being put in charge of a national team, could also be a good experience.
"However, I'm happy with this time off. I've done this work for many years, and there is always so much pressure. Going forward relentlessly is not easy."
However, Mancini expressed his bitterness at being shown the door at the Etihad again, claiming the Premier League runners-up comprehensively failed to grasp the feats he achieved during his four-year tenure.
"We did things well with a team that hadn't won for 50 years," he lamented. "I brought in three trophies, so I am very happy with what I achieved there."
Mancini tried signing Roma star while at Manchester City
Former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has admitted that he tried to sign Roma star Daniele De Rossi last year.
The 48-year-old, who was sacked by City in May, has never hidden his admiration of De Rossi and even called him “one of the best midfielders in the world”.
Mancini spoke to TV channel T9 about his unsuccessful attempt at acquiring the veteran last season.
“Last year I tried to bring De Rossi to City, but both the player and Roma refused,” the tactician stated.
“For me, Daniele De Rossi is one of the best midfielders in the world.”
The Italian has had successful coaching stints with Fiorentina, Lazio, and Inter and conceded that he would have accepted a job with the Giallorossi if he had been offered one.
“Me to Roma? Gladly I would have come, but I have never been contacted by Trigoria.”
Daniele De Rossi has been with the Lupi since 2001 and despite his insistence that he wants to remain with the club, he has been the linked with moves to Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain
PSV Eindhoven keen to loan Karim Rekik
Eredivisie side PSV Eindhoven have admitted that they are keen to bring Manchester City defender Karim Rekik in on loan.
PSV technical director Marcel Brands said that the Dutch side will find out in the coming week whether the player will be involved with the City first team next season or if he will be available to loan.
"He has to start with Manchester City on Monday and during the pre-season it will become clear whether or not he can be loaned out," Brands told Eindhovens Dagblad.
Rekik joined City from PSV's rivals Feyenoord in 2011.
SNUB COUNT: 247
GOLDEN BOLLOX: 7th July 1989
Home-grown midfielder Ian Scott joins Stoke City. Scott managed 24 appearances and scored three goals during a two-year period, but having played 23 times during the 1987/88 campaign he failed to kick on and played just once the following season.
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcantara, 22, has a "good chance" of signing for Manchester United this week for about £17m on a five-year deal. Observer
Arsenal and Chelsea remain interested in Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, 27, while both have also made enquiries about Liverpool striker Luis Suarez, 26. Mirror
Tottenham are planning to sign Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke for £20m and are prepared to wait until after the new season has started before completing the deal for the 22-year-old. Sun
Manchester United winger Nani, 26, could join Roma this summer, his agent Jorge Mendes has revealed. Metro
Liverpool's no over-30s policy could scupper a move for Real Madrid's Xabi Alonso, 31, but manager Brendan Rodgers may bend the rules to land the former Reds midfielder for £10m. DSSC
Sunderland have agreed a fee with Velez Sarsfield for defender Gino Peruzzi, 21, according to the Argentine club's chairman. Shields Gazette
Stoke City are interested in Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe, 30, as Mark Hughes looks to reunite the England striker with Peter Crouch. People
Norwich City want to sign Manchester United midfielder Nick Powell, 19, on loan. Sun
Crystal Palace are set to offer former Chelsea and West Ham United striker Carlton Cole, 29, a chance to stay in the Premier League following his release by the Hammers. Express
Arsenal have begun talks with manager Arsene Wenger, 63, over a new contract as the board look to secure the Frenchman's long-term future. Mirror
Darren Fletcher made 10 appearances for Manchester United in the 2012-13 season
Midfielder Darren Fletcher, 29, has undergone a final make-or-break operation that will determine whether he plays for Manchester United again. The Scotland international has bowel disease ulcerative colitis. People
West Brom's new striker Nicolas Anelka, 34, has two targets for his West Brom career - to get them into Europe and then quit playing. Sun
Manager Jose Mourinho claims Chelsea were unknown to the rest of the world before he first arrived at Stamford Bridge. Mirror
Between the end of last season and the beginning of the 2013-14 campaign, Manchester United's 29-year-old striker Robin van Persie will have clocked up 50,000 miles in flights playing exhibition games. Times
Borussia Dortmund have launched their new kit in spectacular style - by revealing the chosen design in a huge plantation of over 80,000 flowers. Metro
Chelsea's hopes of signing Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso, 31, have been given a massive boost with the Spanish side interested in signing Real Sociedad player Asier Illarramendi, 23, as a replacement. Daily Star
Everton and Tottenham look set to battle it out as they attempt to sign Barcelona forward Gerard Deulofeu, 19, on loan. Independent
Hull manager Steve Bruce wants to sign 28-year-old South Africa striker Katlego Mphela - nicknamed Killer because of his lethal finishing - from Mamelodi Sundowns. Sun
West Ham have agreed a £6.7m fee to sign Colombian striker Duvan Zapata, 22, from Argentine club Estudiantes. Mirror
Norwich goalkeeper John Ruddy, 26, is in advanced talks over a move to Chelsea. Express
Queens Park Rangers are preparing a £4m offer for Celtic striker Gary Hooper, 25, who is also wanted by Norwich City. Sun
Swansea City manager Michael Laudrup is ready to join the chase for Blackburn Rovers forward Jordan Rhodes, 23, after making a firm inquiry about the Scottish international. Daily Telegraph
Swansea City have stepped up their efforts to sign striker Wilfried Bony, 24, from Vitesse Arnhem with an improved £13.7m package. Mirror
Loic Remy, 26, could play for Queens Park Rangers in the Championship next season as other clubs show little interest in the France striker. London Evening Standard
Spanish club Levante want to sign Arsenal's 29-year-old striker Marouane Chamakh. DSSC
Chelsea defender John Terry, 32, has revealed how Roman Abramovich's arrival at Stamford Bridge left him fearing for his place in the side - but says the Russian's desire to win trophies has transformed the club. DSSC
Everton's new assistant manager Graeme Jones believes Roberto Martinez faces a challenge to change the Toffees' style of play. Sky Sports
The jacket of the ball boy "kicked" by Eden Hazard last season during Chelsea's League Cup semi-final clash with Swansea is being sold for charity. DSSC
more bollox soon ...
