ROUND-UP
You’d have thought that the most open title race in years would dominate the news on the day preceding another decisive weekend of Barclays Premier League action.
Arsenal, Chelsea, City and Liverpool are all in action over the next few days but the newspapers you’re waking up to seem more preoccupied with events set to take place in boardrooms across Europe when the football’s all done and dusted for another season.
The DSSC is particularly active on this front, linking City with a whole host of players, including a talented trio of English talents.
Luke Shaw and Ross Barkley are familiar names in our media round-ups this season, but Nottingham Forest’s youth international Jamaal Lascelles is a new one… on me, at least.
Mail journalist Sami Mokbel believes the Blues would move on these starlets to satisfy the league’s homegrown quota if they were to lose any existing domestic stock this summer.
Mokbel’s story reads: “The club are identifying summer targets to satisfy Premier League rules on homegrown players, with Southampton full back Luke Shaw, Everton midfielder Ross Barkley and Nottingham Forest defender Jamaal Lascelles in their sights.
“City nominated nine homegrown players in their squad at the start of the season but face losing several of them this summer.
“Dedryck Boyata, who qualifies as homegrown even though he is Belgian, has been offered a new deal despite playing only one league game this season.”
Leaving these shores behind, another player making a return to the MCFC media round-up carousel is Porto defender Eliaquim Mangala.
It’s the DSSC's tireless scribe Sami Mokbel again who claims a deal for the former Standard Liege man is imminent.
“Manchester City are closing in on a deal for £20million-rated Porto defender Eliaquim Mangala,” he reports.
“Sources in Portugal claim sporting director Txiki Begiristain is in Porto with the remit of watching the highly-rated defender play against Sevilla in the Europa League.
“Mangala scored the winner for Luis Castro's side and Begiristain hopes to conclude a deal for the 23-year-old to join ahead of next season before returning to Manchester.”
More transfer gossip, you say? Well, you asked for it… try this one for size.
The Manchester Evening News are reporting that Txiki Begiristain is in talks with Monaco over the potential signing of Colombian striker Radamel Falcao.
Mike Keegan believes that City will go toe-to-toe with Chelsea for the 29-year old, despite the knee injury which could yet keep him out of the World Cup.
“Blues director of football Txiki Begiristain is reported to have met with the player, who cost Monaco £50m, and his agent in Madrid on Tuesday night,” Keegan asserts.
“The meeting has sparked a media frenzy in Spain while a Blues source told M.E.N. Sport clubs often meet players and agents.
“The Blues – and United – have also been linked with teenage Sao Paolo defender Lucas Silva. The 17-year-old captained Brazil’s Under-17s and is also said to have attracted the attention of Juventus.”
See what I did there? I just snuck another rumour in there without warning you. It’s that kind of morning.
City meet with Falcao ahead of summer swoop
The Blues could beat Jose Mourinho – who has said he wants to bring him to Stamford Bridge – to the striker
City could be set to steal a march on Chelsea and land Monaco striker Radamel Falcao in a stunning summer swoop.
Jose Mourinho is a known admirer of the 28-year-old and has gone on record to state his desire to bring him to Stamford Bridge.
But in a move that will stun the Portugese, Blues director of football Txiki Begiristain is reported to have met with the player, who cost Monaco £50m, and his agent in Madrid on Tuesday night.
Also present, according to accounts in Spain, were Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, Singaporean businessman Peter Lim and Monaco owner Dimitry Rybolovlev.
The meeting has sparked a media frenzy in Spain while a Blues source told M.E.N. Sport clubs often meet players and agents.
The Blues – and United – have also been linked with teenage Sao Paolo defender Lucas Silva. The 17-year-old captained Brazil’s Under-17s and is also said to have attracted the attention of Juventus
Manchester City closing in on £20million-rated Porto defender Mangala
Manchester City are closing in on a deal for £20million-rated Porto defender Eliaquim Mangala.
Sources in Portugal claim sporting director Txiki Begiristain is in Porto with the remit of watching the highly-rated defender play against Sevilla in the Europa League.
Mangala scored the winner for Luis Castro's side and Begiristain hopes to conclude a deal for the 23-year-old to join ahead of next season before returning to Manchester.
The former Standard Liege man came close to joining the Etihad Stadium club in January, but City's £38million double swoop for the Frenchman and team-mate Fernando collapsed on transfer deadline day.
City, however, remain interested in both and if all goes according to plan for City, Mangala will arrive before the start of next season.
The news will come as a blow to Chelsea, who have also shown a keen interest in Mangala in recent months.
Mangala moved to Porto in 2011 for £5.4million after impressing in the Belgian Pro League with Standard Liege. He won a title there in his first season, although he made just 11 appearances, and a Belgian Cup in his final season.
In two full seasons in Lisbon, Mangala has won back-to-back Primeira Liga titles with Porto, becoming a leader on the pitch and in the dressing room.
He is known as a potent attacking force, and has used his lean 6ft 2in frame and spring to great effect in the last two years, scoring seven goals last term and five so far this season.
The pacey, left-footed Mangala can also play at left-back.
However, Porto are struggling this season, finding themselves in third place, 15 points off league-leading Benfica with just five matches to play.
Mangala has two caps for France, though he was eligible to play for Belgium having moved to the town of Namur from Parisian suburb Colombes when he was just five.
The forgotten Manchester City man who could help Alan Pardew
Scott Sinclair has had a tough time at the Etihad but a move to Newcastle United offers an escape
A grand total of six appearances and no goals with West Bromwich Albion is unlikely to have many clubs clambering to take Scott Sinclair off Manchester City’s books but Newcastle United and Alan Pardew would be wise to move for the midfielder.
The 25-year-old hasn’t made much in the way of a contribution to the Baggies’ battle against relegation, since moving to the club on a season-long loan, with the Hawthorns club three points clear of relegation and 16/5 for the drop.
But he could yet prove a worthwhile investment for the Toon – a team languishing in mid-table mediocrity and in dire need of some pace and creativity in the midfield.
City, meanwhile, will be all too happy to offload a player who managed just 11 appearances in his single full season and was, alongside Jack Rodwell, one of two disastrous English signings made by Roberto Mancini at the Etihad.
In truth, the Italian never gave Sinclair his full backing, limiting the former Swansea attacker to bit part appearances but it could be a different story under Pardew, with the Newcastle boss always keen to give English players an opportunity.
And the one-time Chelsea academy star would be a welcome addition to the Toon squad, providing support to a midfield all-too-reliant on the attacking creativity of Hatem Ben Arfa which can, at times, be sporadic.
Newcastle have little to play for this season but a weekend home clash with Manchester United does offer an opportunity for them to restore some pride following abject losses to Southampton and Everton.
The Magpies are 11/4 with Ladbrokes to claim a victory over the Red Devils and complete a rare double over the reigning Premier League champions who are 19/20 for the win.
But whether they win, lose or draw, manager Alan Pardew may be left asking himself: “Would it have been any different if we had signed Scott Sinclair?”
On-loan Everton midfielder Gareth Barry not thinking about future
On-loan midfielder Gareth Barry is happy to wait until the summer to discuss his future as Everton chase qualification for the UEFA Champions League.Barry has impressed during his season at Goodison Park and his contract at parent club Manchester City expires at the end of the campaign.
Everton boss Roberto Martinez has previously confirmed that he wants to keep the 33-year-old and Barry is keen to ensure he makes the right decision regarding his future.
"The manager made it clear we'll discuss things in the summer and to concentrate on football, that's what I need to do," Barry is quoted in The Sun.
"Let's focus on the end of the season, hope it is successful and take it from there.
"I'm 33 so it will probably be my last contract. I want to make sure it is the right one."
Martinez has also sparkled at Everton this season in his first year in charge and he has the club in contention to finish in the top four.
Everton currently trail Arsenal by four points, but have a game in hand and face Arsene Wenger's side at home on Sunday.
Barry added: "A few weeks ago, Arsenal were looking at the title, now they are looking behind them. That's how quickly things can change."
Sergio Aguero and James Milner hope Manchester City can win title
Sergio Aguero and James Milner are hoping Manchester City's Premier League title win two years ago will swing this season's race in their favour.
City won the league in dramatic fashion on the final day of the 2011/2012 season when Aguero's last-gasp goal against Queens Park Rangers secured a 3-2 victory to pip local rivals Manchester United on goal difference.
This term's title fight could also go down to the last day, with City currently trailing leaders Liverpool by four points, but holding two games in hand.
Manuel Pellegrini's side head to Anfield a week on Sunday and Aguero, who has recently been sidelined by a hamstring injury, is keen for City's past experience to make a difference.
"It does help but it's not just that game," Aguero is quoted in The Sun regarding the way City won the title in 2012.
"The more you play, the more experienced you become. You must learn from your mistakes and not repeat them.
"Obviously no one expects to be level on points going into the last game of the season again, but we know we have the mentality to repeat 2012."
The Argentine striker added: "Chelsea, both at home and away, were tough matches. Liverpool were a good side, too, and the game at Anfield will be huge.
"Any game in the Premier League is difficult, especially away from home. It's all about doing things in the right way."
City midfielder Milner echoed Aguero's sentiments and outlined the importance of the game at Liverpool, who are chasing a first title since 1990.
Milner said: "It looks like Liverpool are our main rivals. Chelsea are still in there as well. Hopefully we can rely on our experience which we've got.
"We've been there, we've won it before. Liverpool haven't in recent times, so hopefully that could help us.
"But they are playing so well and we just have to concentrate on our game.
"The Liverpool game is vital. It's never an easy place to go, especially this season. They are on fire, playing well and deserve to be up there.
"We just need to try and finish with maximum points from now until the end and that will be enough."
How many City players are world class?
On Thursday MuEN asked how many players in the City squad could be considered world class - here are your responses.
Joey Barton's comments mentioned about Wayne Rooney and some of the England stars not being 'world class' sparked a debate about how many players are.
We asked you how many Manchester City players could be considered so and after nearly 2,000 fans responded , the results are in.
Every side needs matchwinners and the more on the pitch the better. Promising for City is that fans reckon they have EIGHT with that star quality.
Sergio Aguero was seen as the most world class player at the club - 99% of people responding considered him so.
But while the Argentine is the only forward seen in that top bracket, City's entire midfield is seemingly full of superstars.
Yaya Toure and David Silva received near-unanimous support, followed by Fernandinho (73%) and Samir Nasri (54%).
Further back, Pablo Zabaleta, Vincent Kompany and Joe Hart were also seen as world class.
There was very little dispute with the majority of players - each squad member either got a very high or a very low mark.
Dedryck Boyata (1%) was the least-supported, but Jack Rodwell (2%), John Guidetti (3%) and Costel Pantilimon (4%) also suffered at the hands of voters.
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho could be forced to sell wingers Oscar, 22, or Eden Hazard, 23, to fund summer bids for his top striker targets - Atletico Madrid's Diego Costa, 25, and Bayern Munich's Mario Mandzukic, 27. Daily Mirror
Chelsea face a £10m bill to get striker Fernando Torres out of Stamford Bridge as the 30-year-old striker wants to be compensated if he has to take a cut to his £175,000-a-week salary. DSSC
Chelsea and Liverpool are set to join Manchester United and Tottenham in the battle for Southampton midfielder Adam Lallana, 25. Goal.com
Manchester United are plotting a £50m double move on Southampton for Lallana and left-back Luke Shaw, 18. Talkshit
Everton will beat Tottenham in the race to sign their on-loan striker Romelu Lukaku, 20, on a permanent deal from Chelsea, but only if the Merseyside club qualify for the Champions League. Daily Mirror
Chelsea have put a £25m price tag on Lukaku even though he has never scored for the club. Sun
Yevhen Konoplyanka's English representative has fuelled speculation that Liverpool have renewed their interest in the 24-year-old Dnipro winger. DSSC
Swansea boss Garry Monk insists he has no intention of selling striker Wilfried Bony, 25, in the face of reported interest from Everton. Western Mail
Wolfsburg hope to persuade striker Ivica Olic, 34, to sign a new contract despite reported interest from Stoke City. Sky Sports
Manchester United are planning new deals for goalkeeper David De Gea, 23, defender Phil Jones, 22, midfielder Tom Cleverley, 24, and striker Danny Welbeck, 23. DSSC
Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert says there is no way back at the club for 30-year-old Darren Bent - currently on loan at Fulham - despite a long-term Achilles tendon injury to fellow striker Christian Benteke, 23. Birmingham Mail
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has urged his players to show they have the courage to win the Premier League title. Daily Mirror
Everton's on-loan Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry, 33, has put talks about his future on hold while he tries to help bring Champions League football to Goodison Park. Sun
And Barry says team-mate and fellow midfielder James McCarthy, 23, is one of the best players he has ever played with. Daily Star
Chelsea forward Andre Schurrle, 23, insists they can fight back from a 3-1 first-leg deficit to beat Paris St-Germain and reach the Champions League semi-finals. Daily Telegraph
Newcastle boss Alan Pardew admits he is finding problems motivating his players after six defeats in nine games, with some of them already thinking about the summer. Times
Sunderland are confident they will not face any further punishment after being fined for fielding striker Ji Dong-Won, 22, in five matches when he was ineligible. Daily Express
Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey, 23, could end an absence of more than three months by returning from a thigh injury to face Everton in the Premier League on Sunday. Guardian
Norwich defender Russell Martin, 28, says he and the rest of the squad have some making up to do with the fans - even after reimbursing the 899 supporters who travelled to last Saturday's 3-0 defeat by Swansea. Norwich Evening News
Goalkeeper Rob Green, 34, will follow team-mate Richard Dunne in winning a new contract at Queens Park Rangers when his current deal runs out this summer. Daily Mirror
Crystal Palace manager Tony Pulis has played down rumours of a rift with chairman Steve Parish after claims that they disagreed over the club's transfer policy. Sun
Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, 28, marked wife Coleen's birthday on Thursday by sending her a tweet that read: "Have a nice day." Independent
Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson is planning a cycle ride or a walk near his Sheffield home and perhaps a quiet beer in a country club on Saturday as results elsewhere could determine if the Foxes win promotion. Daily Express
GOLDEN BOLLOX 4-4-2010
Lescott wants to end career with Manchester City
Joleon Lescott has only been at Manchester City seven months, but he has seen enough to want to stay at Eastlands for the rest of his career.
The England defender angered Everton boss David Moyes when he forced through a £24million move to City last summer.
But at 27, he believes he has found the perfect club for his peak years. Lescott, currently sidelined by a groin problem, said: “I really understand why David Moyes wanted me to stay, but I hope he understands why I wanted to leave.
“There are no regrets. I don’t look back on my decision.
“This is where I wanted to be and I now want to be here for the rest of my career. I can’t see me ever going.”
Manchester City must fend off interest from arch rivals Manchester United if they want to sign German defender Jerome Boateng.
Manchester City were linked with 21 year-old Boateng during the January transfer window but at the time he hinted he would sign a new deal at Hamburg. However, Boateng is now stalling on a new deal and he has a 13 million Euro release clause in his current contract, with City in pole position to sign him.
Boateng is highly rated and starred for the Germany under-21 side against England in last summer's European under-21 championship final.
However, the News of the World report that Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is hoping to lure Boateng to Old Trafford. Ferguson has already strengthened his back four with the signing of Fulham youngster Chris Smalling . However, there is still some doubt over Nemanja Vidic’s Manchester United future and Rio Ferdinand’s long-term fitness.
Manchester City meanwhile have been rumoured to be looking to strengthen their defence for some time due to the disappointing partnership between big money signings Kolo Toure and Joleon Lescott.
Mancini keeps his feet on the ground
Robert Mancini was keeping a cool head as Manchester City became the first team to score five goals before half-time in the Premier League.
Emmanuel Adebayor (two), Craig Bellamy, Carlos Tevez, Patrick Vieira and Vincent Kompany were all on target in a 6-1 win at Burnley as City took full advantage of Tottenham's defeat against Sunderland to move back into fourth place in the race for a Champions League spot.
Mancini said: "It is a good position to be in and an important one. But it will be more important at the end of the season. We have some difficult games ahead and we need to show the kind of concentration we did. If we do that we have a good chance as it is going to be a battle with Liverpool and Tottenham."
The Italian added: "We played very well, especially in the first 25 minutes, and were focused as we wanted to win the game. We pressed high up the pitch and had a lot of ball in and around the box which gave us some chances."
Adebayor started the ball rolling in the fourth minute and added his second on the stroke of half-time.
In between Bellamy, Tevez and Vieira, with his first for the club, also found the target.
Kompany added a sixth in the 58th minute before Fletcher got a goal back for Burnley, who are facing a swift return to the second tier following last season's promotion.
Burnley manager Brian Laws apologised to the supporters after seeing his side cave in.
He said: "The game was over after the first seven minutes. The supporters and myself didn't expect that. They opened us up and killed the game.
"I apologise to the supporters for an awful display. It wasn't good enough and was unacceptable. I feel I am getting full commitment from the players but I am disappointed and feel let down. Everyone is in shock. It was incredible. However, I've got to pick them up as we have a massive game against Hull next week."
Spurs join chase for £25million Wolfsburg star
Tottenham have joined the race for £25million-rated Wolfsburg star Edin Dzeko.
The Bosnian striker, 24, has opened the door for a possible summer move to the Premier League after previously claiming he would prefer to move to Italian giants AC Milan.
Dzeko has attracted interest from English clubs, including Chelsea and Manchester City.
Spurs boss Harry Redknapp is looking to offload forwards Robbie Keane and Roman Pavlyuchenko in the summer, but knows Tottenham must qualify for next season’s Champions League to attract players of Dzeko’s reputation.
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