Plenty to go at this morning with City linked with moves in and out the Club, plus the start of the Capital One Cup build-up - at least from Sunderland’s point of view.
We’ll start with Caught Offside suggesting that crowd favourite James Milner is a target for title rivals Liverpool.
With Brendan Rodgers side already linked with Micah Richards, would the Blues really be prepared to sell either of the two Englishmen and strengthen their squad?
The report reads: “Liverpool are plotting a summer move for Man City midfielder Milner.
“The England international is something of a bit-part player at the Etihad Stadium and the 28-year-old has just over a year to run on his current contract so may well be considering his future.
“Thus far this term Milner has made just seven Premier League starts but is still seen as a vital back-up option to boss Pellegrini and the former Newcastle United, Leeds United and Aston Villa man faces a tough decision.
“A new deal could be forthcoming and it may well be a lucrative one, but the hard working utility man may well feel he needs regular first team football at this point in his career and could therefore look to secure a move away from Man City.”
That’s the first time James has been linked with a move away from the Blues – let’s hope it’s the last time, too.
Elsewhere, that bastion of tenuous rumours, Football Direct News (via Caught Offside again), also has something of a fresh lead with the suggestion a move for a PSG player could be on the cards in the months to come.
They write: “Manchester City are set to face some stiff competition from Real Madrid for the signature of Paris Saint Germain midfielder Blaise Matuidi as his contract talks at the club continue to drag out.
“Reports in Spain have said that Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti is keen on a summer reunion with his former charge, after the pair enjoyed a strong working relationship together at PSG last season.
“However, City had been hoping to bring the France international to the Etihad Stadium and have told the player that there is a huge signing on fee in place to tempt him over to the Premier League.
“The 26-year-old is hoping to sort his future out one way or another quickly, though, as the season winds to a close before the World Cup.”
He writes: “Sunderland head coach Gus Poyet said on Tuesday that he faces some 'big decisions' when he picks his team for Sunday’s Capital One Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley.
'It’s hard for people who have been involved and playing, not only in the league but especially in the cup,' Poyet told the club's website.
'They have helped us get there but everybody is fit and I am only allowed to take a certain number of players, so it’s going to be hard for a few.'”
No doubt Manuel Pellegrini faces similar headaches ahead of the game…
We’ll end today’s round-up with rejuvenated former City star Adam Johnson plotting the downfall of his former employers.
The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards reports: “Few give Sunderland any hope of beating Manchester City in Sunday’s Capital One Cup final, but Adam Johnson is adamant there is no team he would rather face at Wembley.
“Johnson already has England caps, an FA Cup winner’s medal and a Premier League trophy to cherish from his time as a City player, but he knows a win for Sunderland will give him something far more precious.
“Should he help Sunderland beat his former club and lift their first major trophy since the FA Cup in 1973, he will be guaranteed a place in history. It is the motivation that flows through Sunderland’s veins.
‘Winning this cup final with Sunderland would match anything I achieved at Man City,’ said Johnson, who is also hoping his excellent form will lead to an England recall.
‘City are going to win a lot of things. It was great to be part of the first team that won the FA Cup there for 40 years, but if you win a cup here, you’ll go down in history. It would complete the hat-trick of domestic competitions for me as well, which would be nice.”
No doubt several City players are also looking to complete their own domestic trebles at Wembley at the weekend – here’s hoping they succeed!
Summer exit for Pants
Manchester City goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon is likely to leave the club this summer unless he is guaranteed first-team football, [football] direct news understands.
The giant Romanian has filled in for first-choice shot-stopper Joe Hart this term in seven Premier League matches and eight domestic cup competitions, as well as a Champions League appearance
However, after a brief spell as number one he is now once again viewed as Hart’s understudy and the 27-year-old is open to a move unless he moves up the pecking order.
A source close to the Blues told FDN: “Costel is the ultimate professional and has reacted perfectly each and every time he has been left out, but he is at an age where he wants to play every week.
“It would be no surprise to see him go at the end of the season.”
The source added that City snubbed interest from clubs in La Liga before last month’s transfer window slammed shut.
Sticking with keeper news ...
Valdes deciding between Man City and Monaco
Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes is believed to be deciding between a move to either Manchester City or Monaco in the summer.
Valdes is out of contract at the end of the season and has already confirmed that he will not be signing an extension to his contract as he wants a fresh challenge.
The 32-year-old came through the youth system at Barca and made his senior debut in 2002 and has gone on to make 382 appearances for the club in the space of 12 years.
Barcelona have seemingly all but sewn up a replacement for Valdes, with German newspaper Bild claiming that Borussia Monchengladback keeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen has already undergone a secret medical ahead of a 12 million euro move to the Nou Camp in the summer.
Former Barca executives Ferran Soriano and Txiki Begiristain hold positions at Man City while ex-team-mate Yaya Toure is a key player for the Manchester Club, while Valdes also knows Alvaro Negredo and David Silva from international duty.
However, the keeper is also said to be keen on a reunion with Eric Abidal and the lifestyle that is on offer at Monaco, but Valdes acknowledges that the Premier League would represent a far greater challenge.
As yet it isn't known where Valdes will be playing next season, but the chances are that it will be at either City or Monaco, who are both keen on signing the Spaniard once his contract expires.
Samir Nasri to be offered new Manchester City deal
Manchester City playmaker Samir Nasri is reportedly on the verge of a new contract.
The Frenchman was in impressive form prior to suffering a knee injury that ruled him out for five weeks against Newcastle United in January.
The former Arsenal star recently returned to action and City are keen to tie Nasri down to a long-term deal ahead of the World Cup this summer, according to The Sun.
Nasri's current deal runs out next year.
Edin Dzeko back on Inter radar
Il Corriere dello Sport understands that Inter Milan are set to reignite their interest in Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko.
Having signed Hernanes from Lazio in January, the Nerazzurri plan to add another marquee signing to their ranks in the summer and the Bosnian forward appears to be high on their hit-list.
With Diego Milito past his prime and Mauro Icardi lacking experience, Inter hope to pair Edin Dzeko with Rodrigo Palacio in attack.
The Bosnian has long been on the radar of the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza outfit, and everything suggests the Nerazzurri will be making their interest concrete at the end of the campaign.
Edin Dzeko has seen more playing time this season due to Sergio Aguero’s constant injury problems, but he hasn’t quite managed to establish himself as a first team regular at Etihad.
And with the 27-year-old still scoring goals on regular basis, Inter are convinced he would be a great addition to the squad.
Arsenal join Man City chasing after 18 year old forward
18-year old San Lorenzo forward and Manchester City target Angel Correa, who is being dubbed the new ‘Sergio Aguero’, is also being tracked by Spanish giants Barcelona and City’s Premier League rivals Arsenal, according to the Daily Mail.
Correa can also play as a withdrawn forward behind the main striker and is showing great potential in the Argentine league this season. The 18-year old is rated at around 10 million pounds by San Lorenzo, who have reportedly rejected a bid from Atletico Madrid for the starlet.
While Manchester City have been scouting him for a couple of months now, Arsenal have also moved in to the race and could make an offer for him in the summer. City already have a number of forwards at their disposal while Arsenal can lure the Argentine with the promise of more first team football in the Premier League. Meanwhile, Spanish giants Barcelona could also be an attractive destination for the 18-year old as the Catalans are looking to build an impressive foundation of talented young players in their squad.
Correa is known for his excellent dribbling skills and good passing range, and has scored 8 goals in 39 league games for San Lorenzo since breaking into the first team last season
Manchester City star goes green for National Apprentice Week
Manchester City’s midfield star Jesus Navas took time out of his busy playing schedule to plant trees with a local apprentice in the lead up to National Apprentice Week (3-7 March).
Shovel in hand, the player demonstrated his manual skills and got to work at the entrance of what will be his new training ground, the City Football Academy. The newly planted blue Cedar tree, grown with the help of a trainee landscaper, will form part of a 2km wildlife corridor that’ll provide habitat and shelter for numerous wildlife, a legacy that is important to local residents.
Helping the players was City Football Academy apprentice, Michael Owen, 21, from Droylsden, Manchester. Michael has been working onsite with BAM Construction as a general construction apprentice, providing invaluable support for the landmark development which is due to open later this year.
“Our apprentices and trainees are instrumental for the club as they are having such a positive impact on all aspects of the business but they are also developing their own skills. It’s been exciting to get involved today and see some of the great work that’s been done around the site,” declared Navas.
Michael is equally impressed: “My apprenticeship with BAM at the City Football Academy has been instrumental in building qualities such as my approach to problem solving, remaining calm under pressure and prioritising tasks. It’s also helped me to work independently and work within a team; it’s an endless list of skills that you cannot learn from any other process,’’ he stressed.
The club’s apprenticeship programme was created in October 2010 and has since taken six apprentices under its wing. In partnership with BAM Construction, the City Football Academy has already employed 48 apprentices and further opportunities will be created with the expansion of the Etihad Stadium
The start of something special at Man City?
The Sky Blue half of one of England’s biggest cities has long lived in the shadow of its neighbours, but now City have recently emerged as, arguably, Manchester’s top force.
Their route to success has been fast-tracked by huge injections of money and the introduction of some of the planet’s finest talent – something that in the modern game is inevitable.
But lets get away from that, and focus on how good it must be to be a fan of City now. As mentioned before, dedicated followers of the Etihad Stadium side have been through the ringer over the years. City have long been nearly men, with promotion followed by relegation and off-field drama preventing them from taking their chances in the past.
All of this has occurred while across town United were scooping up lorry-loads of trophies and gracing television sets in some of European football’s top games and competitions. It must have been galling to turn up to work the next day to be confronted by a grinning United fan while your side was battling it out in the lower echelons of the game.
Thaksin Shinawatra’s takeover of the club in 2007 promised much, but ultimately failed to deliver, so City supporters were forgiven for greeting Sheikh Mansour’s arrival with a little pessimism. Yet, the Abu Dhabi billionaire has transformed the club with his vast resources, making them one of Europe’s strongest sides.
We can gloss over the FA Cup and Premier League wins – because lets face it if you follow football Sergio Aguero’s heroics are burned into your memory – and focus on where the club could be going ahead of the Capital One Cup Final.
As City prepare for their Wembley encounter with Sunderland, they are presented with the chance to lift the one English trophy that has evaded them since the new era began, and has actually not graced their trophy cabinet since the 70’s.
Manuel Pellegrini looks to be the manager they have long craved, and if he can nick a piece of silverware at the first time of asking, then it will surely serve to be a massive confidence boost for the Chilean himself and his talented squad.
Capital One Cup glory could really signal the start of a new phase in City’s development. The quadruple, albeit a distant dream, will still be alive, and in keeping such hopes burning then they really will have something to fight for between now and the end of the season
There is much to be excited about when it comes to this Man City team. The Capital One Cup could prove to be a turning point when we eventually look back on the Citizens story in the future – maybe this is when a footballing dynasty is born.
GOLDEN BOLLOX 26-2-2010
Family comes first for Carlos Tevez as Manchester City star returns to face Chelsea
Carlos Tevez flew back from Argentina last night after visiting his wife following the premature birth of their second daughter.
The Manchester City striker has been away for 10 days on compassionate leave but is in contention to face Chelsea tomorrow.
He said: 'When there is a family issue, football takes a back seat. I went to the hospital five times a day to feed the little girl. I'd come and go, I couldn't watch any football.'
Tevez's adviser Kia Joorabchian earlier reiterated the striker is a family man first and a footballer second.
His baby daughter Katie has been in intensive care after being born prematurely and it had been unclear when Tevez would return.
But the Iranian businessman told Argentinian newspaper Ole: 'Thank God, Katie is getting better despite still being in hospital.
'So Carlitos told me he was going to fly back to England in the next hours and will play Chelsea on Saturday.
'It has not an enjoyable trip home, but Carlitos had to stay because of problems, not because he did not want to play. It proves the sort of man he is. Family first.'
Manchester City defender Wayne Bridge quit England because of ex-Chelsea team-mate John Terry's failure to apologise over his alleged affair with his former partner, Vanessa Perroncel. DSSC
Cancer-fighting former Sunderland and Man City keeper given Capital Cup final ticket
CANCER victim Marton Fulop has been given tickets to the Capital One Cup final by Sunderlandd
The former Black Cats’ keeper)is currently taking a break from football while he deals with his illness and is confident he will one day return to the playing field.
But Sunderland wanted to boost his spirits and the 30-year-old says he could not appreciate the gesture more.
“It’s a really nice thing for the club to do,” said the Hungarian who says he will have no divided loyalties despite having played for both clubs.
“I spent three-and-a-half good years at Sunderland and only a couple of weeks on loan at Manchester City so it’s Sunderland for me.
“I had great times and it was great to play in the Premier League and before that, be part of that amazing promotion under Roy Keane.”
Fulop, who played for Sunderland from 2007-10, has been sidelined for a year now, with a malignant tumour being removed from his arm last June.
He is still battling the illness but is confident he will be able to return to professional football.
“That is what I have to believe and what I do believe,” the 24-times capped Hungarian international said.
“The doctors have said there’s no reason why I can’t return once I am over this illness and what was encouraging was the amount of clubs that inquired about me in January.”
In the meantime, Fulop has cup final day this weekend.
He recalls: “We never had any sort of cup run when I was at Sunderland, although I did reach the semi-finals of the Capital One Cup with Ipswich Town the season after I left Sunderland, so I know what the excitement is like.
“I’m just very pleased for the Sunderland fans.
“They were always great to me but they are great supporters generally.
“And I always thought the most remarkable thing about them was Sunderland’s away support, how they always sold out away grounds wherever we went.
“That’s one of the the reasons why I’m so glad to be going to Wembley this weekend - it will be great to see Sunderland fans packing out the ground and I hope they have an amazing, amazing day.”
Vieira keen for boy Blues to extend European adventure
City's youngsters take on Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Youth League on Wednesday, and the boss is hoping to go one better than the senior side.
Patrick Vieira is hoping to lead his young City side into the quarter-finals of the Uefa Youth League when they take on Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.
With the senior side needing to pull off the biggest win in the club’s history to overcome Barcelona in a fortnight, the under-19s can blaze a trail in the Spanish capital.
Whatever the outcome, tonight Vieira is proud of his youngsters, and believes they have gathered vital experience from a European adventure that took them to the Czech Republic, Moscow and Munich in the group stages.
After beginning the campaign in spectacular style with a 4-1 win at Viktoria Plzen and a 6-0 blitz of Bayern, City wobbled with a home defeat by CSKA, and a Bayern recovery meant the Blues had to go to Germany needing a point from the last game to qualify.
On a tense afternoon, they pulled off a goalless draw, and that was valuable beyond measure.
“What’s important for this competition is experience, and winning is even better,” said Vieira.
“But going to Munich and needing a point to get to the next round was great for the boys because they have never faced that kind of situation before.
“Going into the game, they were all really nervous, and that is a part of their development.
“That is what they have to expect, because when you play for Manchester City, people expect you to win every single game. The pressure is high and you have to deal with it. And we did deal with it, really well.
“We went to Bayern and played our own game, created chances, and didn’t concede a goal and that put us into the next round.
“It would be difficult to find a better competition in terms of giving the boys experience, when you look at how many games we have played in what is a youth Champions League – and now we are in the last 16.”
Now it boils down to a one-off game, with City ceding home advantage because they finished second in their group.
“It’s really exciting – you win and you go through, you lose and you are out. There is no second leg, and that brings a different kind of pressure,” said Vieira.
“As the weeks and months have gone by, they have understood better how it is important to think about the team first rather than thinking of yourself as an individual.
“They understand that when the team is performing, individual talent will always shine. We have
talent in our team, but you have to put that talent at the service of the team.”
Vieira has a great example of that ethos in Marcos Lopes, who has been in and around the first team for most of the season, as well as lighting up the Youth League.
He and striker Devante Cole, with five goals each, are joint second top scorers in the competition.
“It is important to have Marcos,” said Vieira. “When you have him in your team, he makes you stronger.
“But it is also good for the lads that they see
Marcos, and others, training with the first team, a player they see every day.
“It is important to them to get that chance of playing in our first team and Marcos has opened the door for other players to believe that they can play in our first team.”
Vieira is under no illusions that Atletico represent a tough test, saying: “We watched the last game they played, against Porto, and they are a good side.
“They are a typical Spanish team who like to play football, and keep the ball on the floor, but they also have an aggression that you don’t always find in Spanish teams and that makes them a very good side.”
PARTNERSHIP BOLLOX
Manchester City Football Club have announce a new partnership with iON Cameras.
The deal will see the brand become City's Official Global Sports Action Camera Partner.
Over the course of the multi-year partnership, iON will provide City with their cutting edge cameras and state-of-the-art software, including the Air Pro 3 and the Game.
With exclusive access to the first team, iON will capture unique behind-the-scenes training footage, bringing fans closer than ever.
In addition, iON cameras will also be used to enhance supporters' match-day experience on and off the pitch, through the installation of iON fan booths in BT City Square, the club's purpose built fan entertainment zone.
iON's cameras will also be a key tool in the club's performance analysis and coaching platform, that will help aid skills acquisition and technical performance amongst academy and first team players.
Commenting on the partnership, Tom Glick, Chief Commercial & Operating Officer for Manchester City Football Club, said, "We're delighted to welcome iON on board as our new Official Global Sports Action Camera Partner.
“iON's camera technology and software such as the Air Pro 3 and the Game, will provide real-time POV's into how the first-team and academy train, which can then be used by our expert performance analysis teams to gain competitive insights.
"The nature of the innovative content will also be a big hit with our fans around the world, especially during our International pre-season tours, where the cameras will play a key role."
Giovanni Tomaselli, iON CEO, added, "iON is excited to partner with Manchester City, and we can't wait to provide support to the club. The deal will enable us to help City coaches develop youth teams and players - part of iON's core philosophy - and also showcase how sport and technology can work excellently hand-in-hand.
"We're looking forward to this long-term partnership and hope the fans enjoy their up close and personal interaction with the team."
MCF.net THREAD: viewtopic.php?f=119&t=46102&start=50
[spoiler]Oksana Wilhelmsson - wife of Sweden winger Christian
[/spoiler]Liverpool have emerged as favourites to sign Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes when the 32-year-old's contract expires in the summer. Daily Express
The Reds will also make a club-record bid for Real Madrid midfielder Isco, 21, who they view as a long-term replacement for captain Steven Gerrard. Caughtoffside.com
Tottenham's French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, 27, is on the summer wish list of French giants Paris St-Germain. Daily Star
Atletico Madrid's president says the club will not sell striker Diego Costa this summer, despite interest in the 25-year-old from a number of Premier League clubs. Daily Mirror
Arsenal defender Johan Djourou, 27, has dropped a clear hint that he wishes to leave the Gunners and make his loan deal at Hamburg permanent in the summer. Daily Express
Barcelona want to hijack the plans of Manchester United and Manchester City to sign 23-year-old Porto centre-back Eliaquim Mangala. Daily Star
Real Sociedad's 22-year-old forward Antoine Griezmann, who has interested Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea, has been the subject of informal talks between the Spanish side and Paris St-Germain. Talkshit
Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi could leave the club as a result of a lack of first-team opportunities, with Italian side Inter Milan in line to bid more than £12m for the 26-year-old. Daily Mirror
Manchester United striker Robin van Persie questioned the team's set-up after their Champions League defeat by Olympiakos, saying that other players run into the spaces he would like to occupy. Independent
Olympiakos's on-loan striker Joel Campbell, 21, intends to return to Arsenal next season after scoring against Manchester United in the Champions League. Metro
And following Manchester United's defeat against Olympiakos, former captain Roy Keane says the Premier League has "brainwashed" people into thinking it is the best in the world. DSSC
Former Manchester United assistant manager Mike Phelan says the club may need an alternative shopping list this summer if they miss out on a place in the Champions League. Talkshit
West Brom manager Pepe Mel, 50, is under pressure from the club's board because he has not won a game since taking over in January. Birmingham Mail
The Spaniard's future is said to be in doubt after concerns were raised about his tactical approach. Times
Chelsea striker Samuel Eto'o is angry with his manager Jose Mourinho after the Portuguese boss questioned his forward's age and the lack of strikers at the club. Sun
Arsenal's January target Julian Draxler has refused to rule out the possibility of a future move from Schalke to European champions Bayern Munich. The 20-year-old midfielder has been heavily linked with a move to Arsene Wenger's side. Evening Standard
Juventus and Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo - widely regarded as one of the world's best deep-lying midfielders - says Liverpool's Steven Gerrard, 33, has the qualities to be successful in the role. Daily Express
Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood says his team will not "crawl into a corner and hide" after two consecutive defeats. Guardian
Prospective Leeds United buyer Massimo Cellino must provide more information to the Football League if his takeover bid is to succeed. Times
Conference side Wrexham have taken the unusual step of advertising their vacant manager's position on the club's official website following the departure of Andy Morrell. Wrexham FC
One Direction singer Louis Tomlinson has trained with Doncaster Rovers ahead of making his debut for the club's reserves against Rotherham on Wednesday. More than 4,000 fans are expected to watch the 22-year-old and his team-mates at the Keepmoat Stadium. Daily Star
MORE BOLLOX SOON
