Man City

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City discussing FFP with UEFA
July 9, 2011

ManC chief executive Garry Cook has revealed there hv been conversations betw the club & UEFA over how they intend 2 meet new Financial Fair Play regulations.

Given the grandiose plans 4 land around the stadium, it is estimated Etihad Airways has pledged betwn £300 million & £400 million over the next 10 years 4 a range of projects tat include renaming City's home the Etihad Stadium.

Even so, it will not come close 2 wiping out losses in excess of £120 million posted in City's last accounts, 2 May 2010, which leave them in jeopardy of failing 2 meet FFP.

However, Cook has confirmed an open dialogue with European football's power brokers & given the Blues' "aggressive" commercial plans, the gap is closing quickly.

"We hv a very open dialogue with UEFA," Cook said. "We hv had several meetings with UEFA abt our plans & they r very supportive of ManC's ambition.

"There r many football clubs who hv the backdrop of regulation tat is being placed in2 the world of football. We r no different 2 any other football club."

A special Airbus-330, with a City livery, will fly betw Manchester & Abu Dhabi as part of the deal, which also includes an extension 2 Etihad's present shirt sponsorship & the renaming of an area around City's stadium, now known as the 'Etihad Campus'.

It all forms part of an ultra-ambitious plan 2 gatecrash Europe's elite clubs. Owner Sheikh Mansour has invested in excess of £1 billion so far, including the acquisition of the club 3 years ago, & has been rewarded with a place in next season's Champions League + the FA Cup, City's 1st trophy in 35 years.

He has already shelled out on 2 signings tis week in Gael Clichy & Stefan Savic, although tat duo would be eclipsed by the arrival of Samir Nasri, with fresh reports surfacing in Italy tat a fee has been agreed with Arsenal, which City r yet 2 respond 2.

Having made the mistake of trumpeting rather 2 loudly his view of City's future direction, & been left with egg on his face when ManU beat the Blues in a 2010 Carling Cup semi-final, Cook is wary of saying 2 much @ such an early stage of the summer.

"I hv got in2 trouble with tis 1 b4," he laughed. "We will look 2 continue our growth, on & off the pitch. Our ambition 4 next year means we r competing in a new competition - the Champions League - + the 3 others. We will endeavour 2 be successful in all 4."

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Rummenigge issues City warning
July 9, 2011

Bayern Munich chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has criticised City 4 their refusal 2 discuss Jerome Boateng's sale & feels they may be denied the chance 2 play in the Champions League.

Boateng, who joined City for £10 million fr Hamburg last summer, struggled with injuries during his debut season in the Premier League & has made clear tat he would like 2 force thru a move 2 Bayern.

However, although the player has alrdy agreed the terms of a contract with Bayern, it appears a deal remains nowhere near complete.

"They r using a tactic I've never seen," Rummenigge said. "They don't respond, even if we try 2 contact them."

City hv already signed 2 defenders in the transfer window, Stefan Savic & Gael Clichy, & Rummenigge added: "I think they r going 2 hv 48 players under contract but according 2 Financial Fair Play they can hv only 25.

"According 2 their last balance sheet, if I'm correct, they're down £127 million. Maybe they still hv a trick up their sleeves but I'm not sure tat they will be permitted 2 play in the Champions League."

City chief executive Garry Cook has revealed the club has held a number of meetings with UEFA abt Financial Fair Play.

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City reject Bayern claims
July 10, 2011

ManC say they r "puzzled" by Bayern Munich chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge's criticism of the club's conduct over Jerome Boateng.

Boateng has already agreed a 4-year contract 2 join Bayern, but City hv been reluctant 2 sell the defender. Rummenigge stoked the flames by saying City hv refused 2 enter talks over the sale, but they hv now insisted the issue is simply a matter of "wildly" different valuations.

A club spokesman told the Sunday Mirror: "Mr Rummenigge's claims r something of a puzzle 2 us as not 1 call fr Bayern Munich has been left unanswered & indeed a face-2-face meeting & several conversations hv taken place on the topic.

"A personal deal has clearly already been agreed by Bayern, directly with the player, but our respective valuations vary wildly."

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United legend Irwin wary of City slickers
July 11, 2011

Former ManU full-back Denis Irwin believes tat ManC will pose the greatest threat 2 the Old Trafford side's hopes of claiming a 20th league title next season.

Ahead of the opening game of United's pre-season tour of the USA, which takes place against New England Revolution on Wednesday, the Irishman recently told ESPNsoccernet of his belief tat, when the real games begin, the team fr Manchester's blue half will be the 1 2 watch.

He said: "4 the title, I think ManC will be a huge threat, particularly if they hang on 2 (Carlos) Tevez & sign a couple of quality players as well. They r getting better, the noisy neighbours, & it is going 2 be very interesting in Manchester next year."

United's visit 2 North America in 2010 saw the debuts in red of 2 hitherto unproven youngsters. 1 year on, Chris Smalling has emerged as an able deputy 4 Rio Ferdinand & Nemanja Vidic, while Javier Hernandez has established himself as a 1st-choice following a 20-goal debut season in England.

Irwin agrees with the comparisons which hv been drawn betw Hernandez & Ole Gunnar Solskjaer but adds that he sees the qualities of another of his former teammates in the Mexican.

"I'd compare him 2 (Andrew) Cole as well. He was such a quick player who made a lot of his own chances becos of how fast he was. I think Hernandez is very much like tat as well, he is a really rapid player," Irwin explained.

"He is like Ole 2, in tat he looks 2 play off the shoulder of the last defender & he knows where the goal is. Ole was a fantastic student of the game while Coley scored some great goals 4 us so a combination of both those players is really a plus."

Smalling & Hernandez have been joined by David De Gea, Phil Jones & Ashley Young as Sir Alex Ferguson continues 2 reshape his squad. As youth comes in2 Old Trafford, a number of experienced faces hv left the club & there has been speculation tat another, Dimitar Berbatov, may also be sold.

However, despite the omission of the Premier League's joint top-scorer fr the matchday squad 4 the Champions League final, Irwin expects the Bulgarian 2 remain in Ferguson's plans.

"I know (Berbatov) didn't get much playing time in the last 3 of 4 months of the season but he is a very important player 4 United. You can't just go moving out players willy-nilly. He is a fantastic player & I expect him 2 stay," said Irwin.

Retirements will deprive United of 2 of tis season's title-winners. Paul Scholes has hung up his boots aft 676 matches & will now take on a coaching role with the club. Meanwhile, Irwin compares the task of replacing Edwin van der Sar with tat of finding a successor 2 Peter Schmeichel in 1999, aft which a number of goalkeepers were given a chance 2 claim the number 1 shirt, with varying degrees of success.

Irwin said:"It's going 2 be very hard, very, very hard. I remember 2 well. Big Pete was a monster of a keeper 4 us. When you get a back 4 or back 5 tat play so often 2gether, they develop a great understanding. In our case, we knew wat he would do on crosses, he was a fantastic shot-stopper.

"Van der Sar had an unbelievably good 6 seasons @ United. He was great with both feet & made very few mistakes which is wat u 1. He had very good concentration levels as well. Sometimes @ United u only hv 2 make 1 or 2 saves every game but they r important ones."

1 veteran who will continue 4 @ least 1 more season is Ryan Giggs & Irwin is impressed with the way the veteran Welshman has evolved as a player since he made his debut as a 17-year-old substitute in March 1991.

"He actually came on 4 me against Everton - it's a long time ago! 2 play 4 tis club @ the highest level for 20 years is some achievement. He was a left winger & then had 2 kind of reinvent himself a little bit," reflected Irwin.

"The game has got quicker & more physical with bigger players but he has shown he can play off the front man or in central midfield. He played left-back @ West Ham (in April) so it just shows the ability he has got."

United's 19th title took the club past Liverpool in2 1st place on the list of English champions. However, hopes of a 4th European Cup triumph were dashed by Barcelona @ Wembley.

"We had such a good season," said Irwin. "We won the league by 9 points & our home record was great but we came up against a Barcelona team tat is probably the best I hv seen of any teams, certainly in my day. You just hv 2 look @ the names: (Andres) Iniesta, (David) Villa, Xavi, (Lionel) Messi. We got well beaten on the night & I think everybody has held their hands up & said they were much better."

Irwin concedes tat the current Barcelona side is playing @ a level 'it might take 2 or 3 years 2 reach. He also admits tat the 2 great United teams 4 which he played would hv taken very different approaches 2 stopping Pep Guardiola's men.

He said: "The 1994 team, had we played them, would hv tried 2 kick them! The game was different then & we had some tough players: (Roy) Keane, (Paul) Ince, (Steve) Bruce, (Gary) Pallister. Paul Parker was a fantastic man-marker so maybe he could hv taken Messi. With Giggs & Kanchelskis we had a lot of good pace as well 2 go with the tough lads.

"The 1999 side was very attacking. We won the European Cup final despite our 2 best players not playing. So it's very difficult 4 me 2 say but, certainly, if we had played Barcelona in 1994, we would hv tried 2 kick them!"

Catching Barcelona is 1 of the greatest challenges faced by Ferguson, who will celebrate 25 years as United manager in November. The Scot turns 70 the following month but Irwin is in no doubt tat his old boss is ready 2 take on the test.

"(Ferguson) leads the club by example," reflected Irwin. "He's 1st in2 training, his desire & hunger r there 2 see &, if any player doesn't match tat, he will soon on his way. When the players come in 4 pre-season, he will spell out wat is expected of them.

"It's a winning mentality & all of tat comes fr the manager. His man-management is great & he is steeped in football knowledge as well but it is his determination & desire 2 win trophy aft trophy aft trophy every year tat comes back every pre-season."

Aft New England, United face MLS clubs fr Seattle & Chicago, followed by the league's all-stars in New Jersey. The tour ends on July 30 with a friendly against Barcelona on the outskirts of Washington, D.C. The encounter will provide another reminder of the benchmark set by the Catalan giants, 1 which Ferguson will hope 2 reach in Munich next May.

B4 then, domestic duty will take priority 4 the champions &, while Irwin does not rule out Chelsea, Arsenal or Liverpool fr a title race he believes could be the tightest in years, of all the pretenders 2 ManU's throne, it is their cross-city rivals who represent the biggest danger.

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Joorabchian: Tevez deal is close
July 12, 2011

The agent of wantaway 4ward Carlos Tevez, Kia Joorabchian, has confirmed tat discussions r underway 4 the transfer of the Argentine 2 Corinthians.

News broke on Monday night tat the Brazilian club had tabled a bid of €40 million 4 the striker, who has expressed his desire 2 leave ManC & return 2 South America 2 be closer 2 his family.

Corinthians hv until July 20 to complete the transfer, which is when the international transfer window 4 Brazilian clubs closes.

"Negotiations hv already begun. Corinthians r in contact with us," said Joorabchian. "His [Tevez] dream & mine is 2 see him back with Corinthians. He said he has a job tat does not end there, he 1s 2 return becos he has the dream of winning the Copa Libertadores.

"Corinthians hv made the offer, now it depends only on ManC. The City has 2 make a decision.

"Everybody is working 2 make tis happen, I, Corinthians, Tevez, Adrian Ruocco [the other agent who works 4 Tevez]. It is impossible 2 determine the situation, but I think it is close."

Joorabchian also claimed tat Tevez would only ever sign 4 2 clubs in South America.

"Carlos will not play 4 any other Brazilian club than Corinthians, tat is an absolute certainty," he told ESPN Brasil. "Boca Juniors & Corinthians r in his heart. He would only play 4 these 2 clubs if he goes back 2 Brazil & Argentina.

"Football in Brazil has changed, grown. His dream was always 2 return 2 the Corinthians, & tis time there is a possibility."

Corinthians' director of football Duilio Monteiro Alves added that he was hopeful of completing a deal b4 the Brazilian transfer window closes: "I don't 1 2 get our fans' hopes up. We'll try ... tat's all I can say. [Signing Tevez] isn't impossible. It's a dream we're trying 2 realise."

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Wenger questions City deal
July 13, 2011

Arsene Wenger believes ManC's new sponsorship deal threatens 2 undermine the credibility of UEFA's Financial Fair Play plan.

UEFA president Michel Platini is bringing in rules 2 prevent clubs spending beyond their means & limiting the contributions of wealthy owners, & it was felt tat City - who lack the marketing appeal of the likes of Real Madrid & ManU - would struggle 2 comply with the regulations.

However, City hv been boosted by their the record sponsorship deal with Etihad Airlines, which sees the stadium renamed, the shirt sponsorship extended, & the company given input in2 a forthcoming training centre close 2 the ground close 2 the stadium.

Reports hv put the value of the deal betw £300 million & £400 million. With Etihad being Abu Dhabi's airline, & City owner Sheikh Mansour coming fr the capital of the UAE, some hv suggested the figure has been artificially inflated.

Arsenal agreed a far inferior sponsorship deal with Emirates airline in 2004, & Wenger believes the apparent enormity of City's agreement indicates an attempt 2 get around the UEFA regulations.

"It raises the real question abt the credibility of the Financial Fair Play," he said. "They give us the message tat they can get around it by doing wat they 1. The difficulty & the credibility of the Financial Fair Play is @ stake.

"If Financial Fair Play is 2 hv a chance, the sponsorship has 2 be @ the market price. It cannot be doubled, tripled or quadrupled. If they bring the rules in they hv 2 be respected.

"He [Platini] is very strongly determined on tat. He is not stupid, he knows tat some clubs will try 2 get around tat.

"@ the moment I believe they r studying, behind closed doors, how they can really strongly check it. Tat is his big test."

A City spokesman has since denied the deal is as valuable as claimed & dismissed Wenger's remarks as "unfounded & regrettable".

"The financial details of the comprehensive agreement announced last week betw ManC & Etihad Airways remain confidential & figures being speculated abt r not accurate," a club spokesman said.

"ManC is a pro-active member of the European Clubs Association & is working actively & with transparency with regard 2 Financial Fair Play. In light of these facts, recent comments abt the partnership by some observers r unfounded & regrettable."

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Adebayor talks up Real Madrid return
July 14, 2011

Emmanuel Adebayor has welcomed comments fr Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho hinting the Togolese 4ward is more likely 2 move 2 the Bernabeu tis summer than Neymar or Sergio Aguero.

And the wantaway ManC striker, who played on loan @ Real 4 the 2nd half of last season, is determined 2 return 2 Spain & end his nightmare spell @ Eastlands.

Having been a regular starter under former City boss Mark Hughes, Adebayor fell well down the pecking order aft Roberto Mancini replaced the Welshman & has found himself exiled in Manchester, where he is currently training alone.

But things appear 2 be looking up 4 Adebayor, 27, aft Mourinho's recent assertion & he says he would be delighted 2 be reunited with the Portuguese manager.

"We talked b4 we went on vacation," Adebayor told AS. "He said he was calm, tat he wanted me 2 stay. If he called me right now, I would catch the 1st plane out 2 LA [where Real r currently on their pre-season tour]. And if I could play 3 or 4 years in Madrid, I would retire @ the club.

"I'm hoping & working 2wards my dream. I only 1 2 return 2 Real Madrid. I will wait 4 his call. [Mourinho] gave me the confidence I needed, made me believe in myself, enjoy football again. We were convinced we could win titles, which was mportant. He created a great environment.

"I talk 2 [Karim] Benzema almost every day - yesterday we talked 4 a while. I've been in touch with Marcelo, Cristiano [Ronaldo]. They r good friends.

"[Mourinho] is the best coach I've ever worked with, no doubt, & Madrid will win titles with him. I would love 2 play under him again & I say, 'I'm here if you need me'. If we do not meet again, I wish him & the club well & I say tis wholeheartedly: 'I owe you 1'."


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Vieira quits 4 City role
July 14, 2011

Patrick Vieira has retired fr football & taken on a role as football development executive @ ManC.

Vieira, 35, joined City fr Inter Milan in January 2010 to help provide leadership & experience, but his contract expired tis summer.

He told the club's official website: "Tis role is a fantastic new challenge 4 me & I m very grateful 2 ManC 4 offering me tis opportunity.

"I hv alot 2 learn abt the non-playing areas of the business but there r many very experienced ppl here 4 me 2 learn fr & I m confident tat I can make a significant contribution 2 the club's ongoing success.

"I m particularly pleased 2 be given the opportunity 2 work with the club's community scheme.

"Everyone @ ManC - the fans, the staff & the players - hv made me & my family feel very welcome here over the past 2 years & I m very happy 2 hv been given the chance 2 stay & develop my career away fr the pitch."

Brian Marwood, City's chief operations officer, added: "Patrick is the ultimate professional & it is our very great privilege 2 introduce him as our new football development executive. His experience in the world of football is virtually unparalleled & he will be a huge asset 2 our club as old & young alike benefit fr his knowledge.

"His contribution 2 world football during his time as a player was extraordinary & he will be remembered as 1 of the greatest players 2 grace the Premier League. Whilst it is sad 2 see Patrick's playing career come 2 an end, we r delighted tat he has chosen 2 extend his time with ManC in tis new capacity."

Vieira enjoyed a glittering career 4 club & country. With Arsenal, he won the Premier League 3 times & the FA Cup 4 while, with Inter, he secured 4 Serie A titles. With France, he won the World Cup in 1998 & Euro 2000.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger reacted 2 the news of Vieira's retirement by hailing his former charge as a "special" player, who contributed 2 1 of the club's most successful eras.

Wenger said: "You can only hv lot of respect 4 wat Patrick has achieved. His career is sensational. He was an exceptional player 4 us.''

"We hv classy players in midfield now but Patrick was special. He was a tall player with good technique,'' Wenger told the club's website.

"We hv exceptional players in midfield with their own character. But @ Arsenal we will be 4ever grateful 4 Patrick's contribution.''

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City: No Juve bid for Tevez
July 15, 2011

ManC hv said they hv not received a bid fr Juventus 4 Carlos Tevez, despite Corinthians president Andres Sanchez claiming one of £45 million had been made.

Sanchez revealed tat City were considering Juve's bid, as well as Corinthians' offer of £35 million, but a ManC spokesman told ESPNsoccernet: "We haven't had anything fr Juventus".

Tevez is keen 2 return 2 South America 2 be closer 2 his family & Sanchez maintained early on Friday tat: "Nothing has changed. They (ManC) hv 2 decide whether 2 sell or not. They hv a proposal for €52 million (£45 million) fr Juventus, but Tevez does not 1 2 stay in Europe.

"I keep dreaming. I made the offer in the end, even I was surprised. But it now depends on City. If I m president of a club tat has Tevez then I would not 1 2 sell. But the word of the player has a lot of weight.

"You see tat when the player 1s 2 leave, he will leave anyway. In football, contracts were made 2 be broken."

Sanchez also claimed tat the club hv a plan in place tat will make them 1 of the biggest clubs in the world inside 5 years.

"Within 3 or 4 years, Brazilian soccer is going 2 be the world's richest. Just do the accounts," he said. "The Corinthians hv a recipe that no-1 imagined 2 years ago. Corinthians will be, financially speaking, 1 of the world's strongest teams."

Juventus had been looking 2 make a move 4 Sergio Aguero, the Atletico Madrid striker who is keen 2 leave the club tis summer. However, the Argentine has now been linked with a move 2 City to replace his fellow countryman should he leave.

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Yaya expects title success
July 15, 2011

Yaya Toure has revealed ManC r expecting 2 win the Premier League title tis season.

City hv finally broken in2 the Champions League aft finishing 3rd last term, & they hv already added Gael Clichy & Stefan Savic 2 the squad tis summer with a big-name signing such as Sergio Aguero expected 2 follow.

Toure knows tat things will be more demanding as they compete in Europe's top club competition, but he believes City will win the title 4 the 1st time since 1967-68.

"The new season will be very, very hard & we need 2 improve, becos tis season the club will play in the Champions League," he told the club's official website.

"And we expect 2 stay in the top 4 of the Premier League & we expect 2 win the Premier League becos now we r coming with more confidence, the players know each other better. I think tis year will be fantastic 4 us."

City will be boosted by the return of Yaya's brother, Kolo, in September when he completes his 6-month suspension aft failing a drug test.

Yaya said: "Kolo's well. He's in New York with the family. We hope September will come quickly & we hope 2 help the club win something again next year.

"Now I think he's more happy than anybody becos he will come quickly back 2 the team, & 4 the team we need him becos we know the Premier League is very hard & we need 2 hv 2 or 3 players per position."

Toure has also tipped 17-year-old Spanish teenager Denis Suarez, who signed fr Celta Vigo earlier in the summer, 2 make an impact.

"He's a midfield player with very, very good quality," he said. "He's young & he has an amazing ability 2 take the ball, like all the Spanish players, & I think it's fantastic 4 the club."

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Mancini hopes over Aguero and Nasri
July 16, 2011

ManC boss Roberto Mancini is hopeful of signing Arsenal's Samir Nasri "b4 the end of the month" & confirmed his interest in Sergio Aguero.

Although Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has insisted Nasri, who has only 12 months remaining on his contract, will still be @ the Emirates next term, Mancini is determined 2 push thru the transfer.

Arsenal r well aware tat if they do not sell Nasri during the current transfer window they could lose 1 of their star players 4 nothing next summer. And with City reportedly prepared 2 pay £27 million 2 land the France international it is an offer the North London club will find hard 2 resist.

Mancini told Sky Sports News: "Samir is under contract with Arsenal. Also 4 Samir it depends on many things.

"I don't know in tis moment, I don't know the situation but 4 Nasri it is difficult.

"I hope tat we can buy becos we need other players, & I hope tat tis player can arrive b4 the end of the month.''

Mancini has also set his sights set on Atletico Madrid striker Aguero aft City received an improved £40 million bid 4 Carlos Tevez fr Brazilian club Corinthians.

City turned down a £35 million bid 4 the Argentina international earlier tis week & r thought 2 be holding out for £50 million, but Mancini appears resigned 2 losing his skipper in turning his attentions 2 Aguero.

Despite Corinthians claiming Juventus had made a formal offer 4 Tevez, ManC insist they hv not received any formal bids 4 the striker fr any European clubs. Tevez, who played 4 Corinthians b4 moving 2 West Ham in 2006, is keen 2 return 2 Brazil.

If City accept Corinthians' final bid, Mancini is likely 2 pursue Tevez's international team-mate Aguero, who has made it clear he does not 1 2 stay @ Atletico. "Aguero is a player tat can play 4 ManC becos he is young & he is a good player like Carlos," Mancini said. "He can score alot of goals & can play with Mario [Balotelli], with Edin [Dzeko]...it could be [possible]."

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Corinthians lodge second Tevez bid
July 16, 2011

Corinthians hv made an improved offer 4r ManC striker Carlos Tevez.

Corinthians saw a €40 million (£35 million) bid turned down by City earlier tis week, with the Premier League club said 2 be seeking a fee nearer £50 million.

ESPNsoccernet understands tat the Brazilian team hv upped their proposal to €40 million + €4 million in add-ons. City r tempted by the terms although they could look 2 negotiate further.

Corinthians r under pressure 2 wrap up a deal b4 Wednesday, when Brazil's international transfer window closes. Juventus hv also been mooted as suitors, but no official offer has been forthcoming fr the Italian team.

It is reported tat City hv concerns over how the South American club will finance the deal, but Kia Joorabchian has insisted they hv the funds vailable, citing sponsorship & TV rights money.

City manager Roberto Mancini is already plotting 4 life without Tevez aft confirming he will look 2 bring in the Argentina international's compatriot Sergio Aguero fr Atletico Madrid.

Should Aguero arrive @ Eastlands as Tevez's replacement, the 23-year-old will hv big shoes 2 fill - the latter having scored 44 Premier League goals in 66 outings(66%) since arriving fr ManU in 2009.

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City flirting with self-sabotage
July 17, 2011

ManU r overhauling their squad aft letting squad players go & seeing Edwin Van Der Saar & Paul Scholes retire. Chelsea 1 the subtlety of Luka Modric 2 continue the renewal of their squad aft the January purchases of David Luiz & Fernando Torres.

However, as ManC start the season, they'll hv 2 spend most of their time not looking 2 improve, but resolving errors of the previous years. 4 a side tat is so used 2 calamity, it's perhaps no surprise tat even $ hasn't solved their tendency 2wards self-sabotage. Perhaps, more fairly, going fr strugglers 2 title ambitions so quickly was always going 2 be a messier bz than a billionaire owner, & fans, would hope.

Most pressingly, the brains trust of Garry Cook, Brian Marwood & Roberto Mancini hv 2 replace Carlos Tevez. As much as the move was inevitable - Tevez is a consistent agitator 4 all his self-conscious crowd pleasing - the fact is tat he is almost impossible 2 replace.

On the pitch @ least, he is committed , selfless & in the finest form of his career. City will expect tat Edin Dzeko is more likely than not 2 finally succeed. However, even if he finds form it would be foolish 2 begin the season with just Dzeko & Mario Balotelli, the darts & women's prison fanatic.

They hv other strikers. 1 is Emmanuel Adebayor, ostracised 2 the point of no return. They hv Craig Bellamy, cut out becos he puts his knees b4 Mancini's training demands. They hv Roque Santa Cruz, a man with 1 good season in the last 5. Jo is now a striker whose potential has now been swapped 4 regret, each loan move generating nothing more than diminishing returns.

All r on wages so high tat any potential buyers simply cannot afford them. Tat so few clubs r willing 2 take a risk on these pricey & variously spoilt players, highlights the short sightedness of ManC's policy.

Having 2 accommodate unwanted players - even 2 train with the youth team - isn't just bad 4 morale. Unhappy players will pass on their dissent 2 other squad members, but it is also a drain on financial resources. As rich as ManC r, Financial Fair Play potentially means tat it's no longer sustainable 2 keep hold of disgruntled talent. Tis is potentially not such a disaster 4 City as it might be 4 other clubs aft they signed a £400 million deal with Etihad 2 rename their council-owned stadium.

Difficulties may arise should the agreement falls thru. If common sense prevails, & there's no guarantee it will, an outrageously overpriced sponsorship deal betw 2 state-owned companies should be seen as a slight-of-hand trick, & not a genuine business deal. Their Abu Dhabi wealth has bought them their league position, some very talented players, & entry 2 the Champions League. However, if they r going 2 make a significant impact on Europe, they need @ least 3 far superior players. ManC's problem is tat beyond $, they just can't offer wat their rivals can.

2 the players tat would markedly improve them, who r available, they r not the most attractive club. Wesley Sneijder would rather join ManU, & Samir Nasri was rumoured 2 think the same. Luka Modric has his heart set on Chelsea. If they get Samir Nasri, it's not becos he 1s 2 join ManC, it's becos Arsene Wenger will hv succeeded in keeping him out of United's clutches.

Money is enough 2 buy most available players, but it rarely persuades those of the quality tat separates title winners fr runners-up. ManU & Barcelona offer the best chance of trophies, & point 2 regular achievement on every front. Real Madrid, 2, hv the same prestige. 4 City there is no quick fix 2 bridge tis gap. The focus needed is simply spread 2 thin, as they resolve 1 problem aft another.

There r deeper problems. With the requirements of certain number of young, home-grown players, City r struggling. ManU & Barcelona both hv a common sense approach here. Barcelona invest heavily in developing their own & United buy the best young players.

Vladimir Weiss & Stefan Savic are excellent prospects, but there's nobody else confidently expected 2 break thru, & there's little emphasis on youth getting its chance either. Micah Richards might be cited as the exception 2 tat rule. However, Micah Richards is 1 of the weakest players in the 1st team.

While emerging players r cheaper 2 sign, they bring an additional benefit. Young players refresh a squad, & push senior players perform 2 keep their place. It's not a disastrous situation, but a lack of it adds 2 a sense of stagnation.

Unless City hv an exceptionally efficient solution, tis year may be 1 4 consolidation. The worry is tat although all these matters will take time 2 resolve, time is just 1 of the requirements. Plenty of clubs plan 4 the future, invest in infrastructure & aim 4 Europe, but few ever achieve anything of note.

It can take a genius 2 deliver sustained success, & City definitely don't hv tat yet. ManC might hv impressive ambitions, but their plan 2 achieve them so quickly will ultimately hold them back.

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Corinthians' bid for Tevez accepted
July 18, 2011

Roberto Mancini has confirmed tat ManC hv agreed a fee with Brazilian club Corinthians 4 the sale of Carlos Tevez.

City hv accepted a bid in excess of £40 million aft rejecting an initial appoach by Corinthians 4 last season's joint-top scorer in the Premier League.

City r currently on a pre-season tour of the US & following their win over Club America, Mancini confirmed a deal had been struck.

"We hv an agreement with Corinthians but Carlos now is still a City player," Mancini said.

Asked whether Tevez would now be allowed 2 discuss personal terms, Mancini said: "I don't know tis. I repeat, @ the moment, Carlos is still a City player.

"I 1 2 wait. @ the moment we r here, we r working with the other guys. We should think abt tis.''

Corinthians will hv 2 move quickly 2 complete any deal 4 Argentina striker Tevez, who is keen 2 return 2 South America 2 be closer 2 his family, as Brazil's international transfer window closes on Wednesday.

If a deal is struck 2 take Tevez back 2 the club he won the Campeonato Brasileiro with in 2005, City r likely 2 target Atletico Madrid 4ward Sergio Aguero as a replacement & the 23-year-old Argentine will hv big shoes 2 fill.

Tevez has become a City icon since joining fr arch-rivals ManU in 2009 & his goals inspired them 2 FA Cup glory last season, as well as a 3rd-place finish & qualification 4 the 2011-12 UEFA Champions League.

The talismanic 4ward has scored 52 goals in 81 appearances 4 City, but has been regularly linked with a move away fr the club over the past 12 months; ahead of tis year's January transfer window he made & then withdrew a transfer request & again expressed his desire 2 leave 2 weeks ago.

Tevez has also previously been linked with Juventus, Inter Milan & Real Madrid but has maintained tat his motivation 4 moving is 2 be closer 2 his daughters.

"Living without my children in Manchester has been incredibly challenging 4 me," Tevez said earlier tis month. "Everything I do, I do 4 my daughters, Katie & Florencia. I need 2 be closer 2 them & 2 spend more time with them."

City defender Joleon Lescott admitted he would be disappointed 2 see Tevez depart but understood his wishes.

Lescott told Sky Sports News: "We'll be disappointed if Carlos leaves but it was down 2 the club & Carlos wat was best 4 each other & they hv come 2 an agreement so I wish both parties all the best.

"Carlos is his own man. Last season he played to 110% every game so none of us will be holding any grudges 2wards him & we'll wish him all the best if he does leave."

[joew2005]

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Tevez transfer deal collapses
July 20, 2011

The deal betw ManC & Corinthians 4 striker Carlos Tevez appears 2 hv collapsed, with the Brazilian club revealing they r unable 2 make the 1st payment immediately.

Corinthians now say they r in no position 2 make an up-front payment, & with the transfer window in Brazil closing on Wednesday, the club hv made a statement on their official website suggesting the Argentine will hv 2 remain with City until @ least next January.

"The board of Sporting Club Corinthians hereby officially announce the impossibility of hiring the Argentine striker Carlos Tevez," the statement said.

"While acknowledging the efforts of ManC & all involved in the negotiation, more time is needed 4 the transfer 2 be achieved, given tat the window 2 sign players fr abroad closes on Wednesday, July 20.

"There is no more sufficient time 4 the transfer 2 go thru. We r aware our fans wanted Tevez 2 join our club again & we hope we can hv the player with us in the future."

It is understood City requested Corinthians make their 1st payment b4 the transfer is completed, instead of early in 2012 as stated in the Sao Paulo club's original offer, forcing negotiations 2 stall.

Corinthians' director of football, Duilio Monteiro Alves, earlier confirmed the negotiations were not going well, saying: "I'm pessimistic. City 1 us 2 start the payments now, & we cannot do tat."

Adrian Ruocco, Tevez's attorney added: "Regrettably, judging fr the pace of negotiations right now, it is improbable tat we will come 2 any agreement with Corinthians," he told Lancenet.

"The only thing tat stands in the way of a deal is tis matter abt the 1st installment. But we will wait until Wednesday, tat is the only thing we can do."

[joew2005]

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Balotelli: We can cope without Tevez
July 20, 2011

Mario Balotelli is hoping ManC team-mate Carlos Tevez decides 2 stay @ Eastlands but insists the club will be able 2 cope shld the talismanic Argentine leave.

The Tevez transfer saga took a new twist on Wednesday when Corinthians pulled out of a move 2 sign him, leaving the 4mer ManU star's future very much up in the air.

He has consistently stated over the past few months tat he 1s 2 leave City 2 move closer 2 his family in South America, but tat now looks unlikely 2 materialise.

The latest development in his Tevez's protracted departure fr Eastlands appears 2 leave him in limbo, but Balotelli says the club will be able 2 move 4ward whether he stays or goes.

"It does not matter if Carlos is here or not," Balotelli said. "If Carlos is here it's good, while if he goes away I'm sure some1 else will arrive.

"But how I play is all down 2 me. It doesn't matter who else is @ ManC.

"Carlos is a great player, so I hope he's going 2 stay. But I've seen great players leave clubs b4. It happened @ Inter. Tis is football.

"We hv a good team here. If a player 1s 2 leave it's his decision but we'll still be a good team."

Balotelli polarised opinion during a tumultuous 1st season @ City but is confident he will be able 2 improve on his 10 goals in 2010-11 when the new campaign starts.

"I hope there will be a lot of goals 2 come fr me tis season," he said. "I thought my 1st season was so-so. I know I can score alot more. I will show City fans tis season wat I can do."


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Redknapp eyes Adebayor loan
July 20, 2011

Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp has confirmed his interest in Emmanuel Adebayor, but only if ManC r prepared 2 loan out the 4ward.

Adebayor is well down the pecking order @ City, having spent the 2nd half of last season on loan @ Real Madrid.

The Togo 4ward has spoken positively abt returning 2 the Spanish club & Real manager Jose Mourinho has not given up on Adebayor, but he has another potential option available 2 him.

Redknapp is working hard 2 keep Luka Modric @ the club, but he is also looking @ new faces & has spoken 2 Spurs chairman Daniel Levy abt the possibility of bringing in a player who 1s starred 4 their bitter north London rivals Arsenal.

"He is a name tat was mentioned & I spoke 2 the chairman abt the player, abt the possibility of loaning him, but whether they [City] would loan him I don't know," Redknapp told a press conference.

"If they would loan him he would be of interest. He is a quality player. We will wait & see."