Owen Hargreaves signs one-year deal with Manchester City

 

Hargreaves managed just four appearances in three seasons 

 

Manchester City have signed Owen Hargreaves on a one-year deal.

Hargreaves, 30, who was released by Manchester United after four injury-blighted years at Old Trafford, had a medical at City on Tuesday.
The Calgary-born England international will train with his new team-mates at Carrington on Thursday.
Hargreaves had been linked with West Bromwich Albion before emerging as a shock target for City coach Roberto Mancini.
City keeper Joe Hart was visibly stunned when the news of the former Bayern Munich midfielder's possible arrival as a new team-mate was revealed to him during a media briefing while he was on England duty ahead of the Euro 2012 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Wales.
He responded when told of the deal: "Pardon? Is he? Wowzers. Where's that come from? Really? I don't know what to make of that. That's been put right on my toes.
"It could be a massive signing. You can tell how important he was.

"I've never been involved with him but I saw a lot of him before and how highly he was regarded when he was at Bayern Munich and at Manchester United.
"He's a huge player and if he's fit and a part of Man City, he'll be another great signing."
City defender Joleon Lescott added: "Owen is an experienced player, he has played in the Champions League, is an international. It is only going to be good for the City squad if he signs.
"People ask if it represents a gamble but the club know what they are doing, Owen knows what he is doing. He is still a good player.
"If we can get him fit, I'm sure it won't be very long before he is back to his best. He will be a player with a point to prove after his injuries."
But United striker Wayne Rooney fears his former team-mate will find it difficult to get back to his best.
"He worked really hard and got back last season, played one game and then got a hamstring injury," Rooney said.
"He's been out for a couple of years. I think it will be difficult for him to get back to his best. I hope he can do so.
"From an England point of view he was a type of midfield player that we hadn't really had before.
"If he can get back that would be great but it will be difficult for him."
Hargreaves was England's star performer at the World Cup in Germany in 2006 before joining United for £18m the following year.
Hargreaves played in the 2008 Champions League final victory over Chelsea in Moscow but then began to suffer with knee problems, restricting him to four appearances in three seasons.
He lasted just 10 minutes of his comeback against Wolves last September and United opted not to renew his contract as a result.

Carlos Tevez set to come in from the cold at Manchester City

 

Sergio Aguero and Carlos Tevez

 

Frustrated Carlos Tevez is set to come in from the cold in Manchester City’s next match.

The Blues face Wigan at the Etihad Stadium on September 10 – and Tevez is pencilled in for his first start of the season.

He has been sidelined by both club and country, with Sergio Aguero replacing him in both teams, and the red-hot form of Edin Dzeko also squeezing him out at Eastlands.

But Tevez’s chop from the Argentina squad means he is now favourite to step back in for the Blues, unless someone launches a late bid before the transfer window closes tomorrow.

Of City’s first-team squad, only Tevez, Gael Clichy and the injured Nigel de Jong are not on international duty this week.

Aguero faces a long-haul trip to India and Bangladesh for Argentina’s exhibition matches against Venezuela and Nigeria – and that will be key in Roberto Mancini’s thinking, as the latter match takes place just three days before the Wigan clash.

That match begins a hectic period of seven games in the space of three weeks, including Champions League clashes with Napoli – just four days after Wigan – and Bayern Munich.

Mancini has also said Tevez, the last player to return to pre-season training, will be back to 100 per cent by next week.

Aguero has revealed that Tevez has found it tough being dropped by City and Argentina, but backed him to come back strongly.

“We have spent a lot of time together and we talk about everything, and I know he is a little bit frustrated,” said Aguero.

“As we all know, it’s up to the coach to decide who plays, and who doesn’t. I am sure we will both have our chances here at City and with Argentina. I hope he stays and we play many games together, but it’s up to Roberto Mancini to make that decision.”

Tottenham Hotspur 1 Manchester City 5:

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

1 - 5

FT

MANCHESTER CITY

Sunday, August 28 13:30

Premier League

White Hart Lane

Kaboul (68)

(HT 0-2) ATT: 36,150

Dzeko (34, 41, 55, 90+3) Agüero (60)

Awesome twosome: Edin Dzeko and Samir Nasri have forged an instant relationship and both shone in thrashing Tottenham 

This was one for the thesaurus. A match to have a reporter struggling for superlatives, just as Younes Kaboul was left trailing Edin Dzeko and Michael Dawson clutching at air as Sergio Agüero powered past.

Adjectives, almost, were not enough to sum up events, to sum up Manchester City on this day. So let’s just settle on one, and borrow it from Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas. City, he claimed last week, looked “amazing”.

On Sunday they were amazing – amazing ability, amazing organisation, amazing belief and an amazing victory. A real cause of wonderment. The Harlem Globetrotters of the Premier League with a ring of steel in defence.

Tottenham Hotspur weren’t beaten. They were picked off. The assassin was Dzeko, who scored four well-crafted goals, but he was aided by a triumvirate of tricksters behind him — Agüero with, either side of him, David Silva and Samir Nasri, who produced a sumptuous performance on his debut after his protracted £23 million move from Arsenal. Nasri left the pitch with a Cheshire Cat grin, striding alongside Dzeko who clutched the match ball.

“So, what first attracted you to the millionaire Paul Daniels?” parody chat-show host Mrs Merton (aka Caroline Aherne) once asked his wife Debbie McGee.

A similar line of loaded humour could apply to Nasri who now has the bucks — and the bang. Why had he joined City? Why wouldn’t he? This is a team of genuine title contenders.
Here, also, was Dzeko, a £27 million recruit last January who scored just once in 14 league games, showing exactly what all the fuss was about and why every leading club — including Spurs — had dabbled with signing him. He became the first City striker to score four goals in a Premier League game and now has, with the Community Shield, struck seven times in four matches.
For City, it’s three league games, 12 goals and nine points. For Spurs, it’s eight goals conceded against the Manchester clubs inside a week — and no points.
With the uncertainty over Luka Modric’s future still troubling, it has been a difficult start to the campaign for Spurs and manager Harry Redknapp.
He 'went for it’ on Sunday — pitching Modric in alongside his countryman, Niko Kranjcar, in the centre of midfield in an attacking formation.
It was a brave policy — and one that meant opportunities were traded. Nasri should have given City the lead when Brad Friedel beat out Silva’s snap shot only to mis-hit wide. But then Gareth Bale skied over when Peter Crouch flicked on a cross. Before that Joe Hart had, twice, dealt with fierce shots from Rafael van der Vaart.
A goal was inevitable and it came with Gareth Barry and Nasri combining and then the Frenchman playing a one-two with Agüero before he finally delivered. Dzeko, showing a poacher’s instinct, strained ahead of Kaboul to poke the ball home.
There was then the contest’s pivotal passage: Crouch blazed a header over, from Bale’s driven cross, and immediately City countered with Nasri running free down the left, picking out Dzeko with another cross and the striker, leaning backwards, twisted his neck to send his header across Friedel and into the net.
Dzeko then claimed his hat-trick. With City’s movement beguiling Spurs once more, Yaya Touré overlapped Agüero, who had rolled the ball towards the byeline.
Touré ran on and centred low for Dzeko to turn the ball home. Agüero then struck, and the way in which he brushed aside Dawson, before lifting the ball over Friedel from the angle provoked the City bench to stand and applaud.
Spurs hit back when Hart pushed over substitute Jermain Defoe’s dipping shot and from the corner Kaboul powered his header into the goal.
Although the introduction of Jake Livermore added some bite into the Spurs midfield (he replaced the distracted Modric) any hopes of salvaging some respectability ended when Van der Vaart limped off after tearing a hamstring, reducing Spurs to 10 men.
Dzeko saved the best until last. The last kick, in fact. Deep in injury-time he attacked the corner of the Spurs area again, slipping a pass into Barry’s feet.
The midfielder, in front of England manager Fabio Capello, capped a fine performance by rolling the ball invitingly back towards Dzeko who struck a first-time shot that curled around Friedel and ruffled the net one last time. Amazing.

Micah Richards signs new Manchester City contract

 

Richards returned to the England squad earlier this month 

 

Micah Richards has signed a new four-year contract at Manchester City.

The defender, who came through the club's academy, has made nearly 200 appearances for City since his debut as a 17-year-old in October 2005.
Richards has established himself as the club's first choice right-back, despite the transfer riches available to City.
He was recalled to the England squad earlier this month for the Netherlands game, which was later postponed because of riots in London.

Shaun Wright-Phillips set for talks with three clubs

 

Shaun Wright-Phillips

 

Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips is to hold discussions with QPR and two other clubs over a potential move, his agent has confirmed.

The 29-year-old has fallen down the pecking order at the Etihad Stadium as a result of their huge investment on players in recent years.

Wright-Phillips has also been linked heavily with Bolton over the summer.

Agent Wayne Lindsay said: "There have been three bids accepted, one from QPR, and at some point he will be speaking to all those clubs."

Wright-Phillips is one of a number of players at City, also including Craig Bellamy, Nedum Onuoha, Wayne Bridge and Roque Santa Cruz, who appear surplus to requirements.

All could potentially move on before next Wednesday's transfer deadline while another player, Emmanuel Adebayor, joined Tottenham on loan on Thursday.

England international Wright-Phillips rejoined City for a second spell in 2008 in the hope of reviving his career after a frustrating three years with Chelsea.

Yet despite a good relationship with current City boss Roberto Mancini, he has been unable to win a regular first-team place.

Samir Nasri: Manchester City quality proves I made right choice

 

Samir Nasri

 

Samir Nasri has trained with the Manchester City players for the first time and declared: "I saw real quality and now I know I mad the right choice."

The 24-year-old will come straight into contention for Sunday's clash at Tottenham after completing his £23m move from Arsenal.

Nasri, speaking at a press conference on Friday, said: "I was really impressed because I trained with big players and I was really happy to train with them.

"I saw real quality and now I know I made the right choice.

"I said on Wednesday it was the club of the future and I am still convinced of that."

Meanwhile Nasri has insisted he never said Arsenal fans lack passion.

When he joined on Wednesday the 24-year-old spoke of how much was looking forward to playing in front of City's "passionate" fans, comparing them with those of his hometown club Marseille.

"Arsenal have good fans but not that passionate since they moved from Highbury to the Emirates," he added.

Those comments have widely been interpreted as a slight on Gunners supporters but Nasri claims they are no such thing.

"You got that wrong," said Nasri as he was officially unveiled as a City player. "I never said Arsenal fans were not good.

"I just said I saw real passion when I signed here and I said Arsenal was a little bit different. That is the only thing I said.

"Cesc [Fabregas] said as well that the difference between Highbury and the Emirates was the atmosphere.

"Don't get me wrong, I never said Arsenal fans have a lack of passion."

Samir Nasri straight on the attack for Manchester City

 

NEW BLUE: Samir Nasri

 

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini’s goal-hungry offensive on the Premier League is about to get a new, ravenous set of fangs.

The Blues boss made it plain that he envisages a City attack featuring new boy Samir Nasri and David Silva, along with two-goal Argentinian ace Sergio Aguero.

And Mancini is toying with the idea of playing them as a front three, or as three attacking midfielders in behind man of the moment Edin Dzeko or Carlos Tevez.

The permutations opened to Mancini with the arrival of Nasri, after a summer-long pursuit, are many.

Nasri expressed his relief at finally tying up the deal, and revealed the influence that City football ambassador Patrick Vieira had as he made his mind up about joining City.

Reports suggested that he had preferred a move to United, Real Madrid or Barcelona, and that only City’s much bigger wage offer had swayed his decision.

But he denied that, saying: “I’m finally a City player and that is what I have wanted from the start, so I am really happy.

“I was a little bit frustrated because I told the manager (Arsene Wenger) I wanted to leave.

“I said for the whole pre-season I wanted to do the pre-season with Manchester so I could know my team-mates a little bit more.

“It’s a new start and I’m looking forward to it.

“Patrick made a difference as he is a legend in France and everyone loves and respects him.

“When someone who has played for Arsenal, Inter and Juventus tells you that Manchester City is the place to be, that it’s the club of the future and wants to win everything, and that they have a big, big, big project, you have to listen.

“When you see his career, you have to respect what he has done in the past.”

Nasri also spoke to Gael Clichy, who beat a path from the Emirates to City earlier in the summer, and Kolo Toure, who made the same journey two years ago.

“I spoke to them a lot,” he said. “They called me on holiday and I also spoke with Patrick who I knew from the national team.

“It was important to have advice from people who have played for the club and know the club very well.

“They know the difference between Arsenal and Manchester City, and for me they made a big difference.”

Nasri also revealed that he was looking forward to playing in front of the City fans saying they are more passionate than he is used to at Arsenal.

“I can see they are really passionate,” he said.

“It reminds me a lot of Marseille. Arsenal have good fans but not that passionate since they moved from Highbury to the Emirates.

“And I remember that when we played against City, when we lost 3-0, the crowd was amazing and that’s what I want.”

Manchester City to call halt to summer spending after £23m capture of Samir Nasri from Arsenal

Samir Nasri, accompanied by Patrick Vieira, leaves the Bridgewater Hospital in Manchester after his medical last night
 
The £23m signing of Samir Nasri should bring City’s summer spending to a halt.
The Blues are today expected to complete the capture of the France international midfielder after he had a medical in Manchester last night.
Mancini hinted at the weekend that the Blues may yet move for another midfielder but M.E.N. Sport understands that – unless the situation changes quickly – Nasri will be the final buy of this transfer window.
On a dramatic day, Nasri trained with Arsenal in the morning, and reports suggested he would join the Gunners’ flight to Italy for tonight’s Champions League play-off against Udinese.
But, as we reported last night, Nasri had no intention of boarding the flight, as playing would have cup-tied him for City’s European campaign and jeopardised the whole deal.
He pushed through an agreement over agents’ fees and Arsene Wenger admitted defeat as Arsenal announced Nasri was heading north for a medical, and the player arrived here last night.
The signing has a double edge, as it strengthens City but weakens an Arsenal side which is a main rival for a top four place this season.
But Wenger admitted that the prospect of losing for Nasri for nothing next summer, when his contract was due to expire, had forced their hand, and he had not been prepared to lose the fee by taking Nasri to Udine and including him in the team.
"You cannot think only about one game in the season and the decision had a logic but it is, of course, as well, a business interest," he said.
The deal has dragged on all summer, to the annoyance of Mancini and Wenger, but the Arsenal boss pointed the finger at City for the delay, which leaves them eight days to find a replacement.
He said: "It’s not naive, but what you forget maybe is that it doesn’t depend only on us. We wanted to sort all these cases out very early after the summer, but it wasn’t possible. And the pace is not only dictated by us, unfortunately." There are still formalities to complete but Nasri should sign today and go straight into the squad for Sunday’s trip to Spurs.
There were reports yesterday that City were lining up West Ham’s England midfield star Scott Parker and towering Uruguay defender Sebaastian Coates but there is no interest in Parker and Coates is extremely unlikely, even though Mancini likes the look of him.
City have had the 21-year-old closely watched but the consensus was that he was not worth the £12m Liverpool appear to be ready to pay.

Samir Nasri wants Manchester City deal before Euro trip

 

Samir Nasri, who played in Arsenal’s defeat to Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium, wants his agent to seal the City move quickly

 

Samir Nasri was today trying to force through his move to Manchester City before he has to board Arsenal’s flight to Italy.

The Gunners midfielder has told his agent to quickly sort out his £3m payment demand which has protracted the deal after the clubs agreed on a £22m fee.

Nasri is keen to avoid playing in Arsenal’s Champions League play-off second leg against Udinese, as that would cup-tie him for City’s European campaign and could even jeopardise the whole deal.

City would seek to re-negotiate the deal if that happens, so Arsenal may also be keen to complete it before the afternoon flight to Udine. That means Nasri will be lined up for a debut at Spurs on Sunday but is likely to begin on the bench.

Nigel de Jong has already given the Blues a boost by declaring he should be fit to return for that clash with the fellow top-four hopefuls.

The Dutch midfielder missed the 3-2 win at Bolton with a bruised foot, which prevented him from training all week, but manager Roberto Mancini believes he will be fit again for the trip to White Hart Lane.

And that is a big bonus for City, with midfielder Gareth Barry claiming the Blues may not have conceded two goals at the Reebok Stadium had their midfield stalwart been playing. “Nigel is a big loss, he’s the type of player that helps shut out teams – it’s no coincidence that we conceded two goals without him,” said Barry.

The statistics back that up, as City only won one of the seven league games de Jong missed last season.

De Jong watched from the Reebok stands alongside Patrick Vieira as the Blues won a pulsating battle, in which Carlos Tevez made a return as substitute following his late return to training due to Copa America duty.

But manager Roberto Mancini has warned that Tevez may not be fit to start against Spurs, and may have to again be satisfied with a place on the bench. He is pencilled in for his first start of the season in the home clash with Wigan on September 10.

“Carlos played well for 20 minutes but he is not ready – he needs another week to 10 days, so maybe he will be 100 per cent after the international break,” said Mancini.

Meanwhile, Fiorentina winger Alessio Cerci, who is a City target, has ruled himself out of a move to the Blues, saying he wants to stay in Serie A.

But the star of City’s FA Youth Cup win in 2008, Vladimir Weiss – who has made just two first team appearances for City – is poised to join Dynamo Kiev in a £4m deal after passing a medical on Monday.

Samir Nasri close to a deal with Manchester City

 

Samir Nasri could soon be playing for City

 

Samir Nasri should be a City player by tomorrow. Blues boss Roberto Mancini revealed that the £25million transfer from Arsenal is still happening despite weekend reports that it had been derailed.

There had been talk that Nasri, who played in the Gunners’ 2-0 home defeat by Liverpool on Saturday, had been having second thoughts and that an agent’s £3million fee demands had derailed the whole deal.

But Mancini, after seeing his side rack up a breathtaking 3-2 win at Bolton to claim top spot in the Premier League, dismissed such talk and suggested Nasri would be wrapped up by tomorrow.

And he even hinted that the Blues could still dip into the transfer market again before next week’s deadline.

Shaun Wright-Phillips could now join Bolton and Emmanuel Adebayor is lined up to move to Spurs next week – once City have played them on Sunday.

But Nasri is the player who Mancini feels can turn his exciting squad into one which can challenge for Premier League honours and make an impression in the Champions League.

Asked about Nasri, he replied: “I hope that we can do this in the next one or two days.

“I am happy because we need players. I had a problem because we don’t have a lot of players. From September when we start to play every three days – Champions League, Carling Cup, FA Cup – we would have a problem because we are missing other players.

“Nasri has been a target for a long time but we still need other players. We have 22 at the moment.”

If Nasri does not sign in the next 24 hours, as Mancini believes, he will be eligible to play for Arsenal in the Champions League play-off second leg against Udinese on Wednesday.

And if that happens, he would be ineligible for City’s entire campaign – that would jeopardize the entire deal, Mancini hinted.

“If he plays in the Champions League it is a big problem,” he said.

Asked if he would still sign him if that happened, the manager replied: “I don’t know but hopefully we close in the next 24 hours.”

Mancini was delighted that City fans gave Carlos Tevez a rousing reception when he played the last quarter of the game as a substitute.

The reaction had been uncertain after Tevez agitated for a move and was less than flattering about Manchester in an interview on Argentine television over the summer.

But City fans have judged him on his performances on the field and he has never given less than 100 per cent in a Blue shirt.

Unless a surprise bid comes from left field before the August 31 deadline, Tevez will remain at City as part of a potent strike force. And Mancini feels the reaction of the fans can only help: “It was a good reception. Carlos is an important player to our supporters because he has scored so many goals and nothing will change that.”

Mancini was less delighted by his team as they tore up the unfair “boring City” tag which occasional observers landed them with last season. While the fans reveled in a five-goal spectacle, he was furious at his team’s “stupid” defending as they leaked two goals.

“We played well. When we play football, it makes it very difficult for the other team,” he said.

“But sometimes we are strange. We scored three goals but conceded two stupid goals – we can’t concede goals like that.

“We dominated the game and had a lot of chances to score but we suffered in the last few minutes. That is why we always have to play football.

“These games are really difficult because Bolton are a good team, and a physically strong team, and every long ball was difficult. In the first half we were perfect and, if we had paid attention, we maybe wouldn’t have conceded those goals.”

Mancini had a final word of praise for midfielder and opening goal scorer Silva: “He is an incredible player but Aguero also was very good in the first half – he was tired in the second half.”

Samir Nasri's £23m move from Arsenal to Man City still alive

 
Wenger said he selected Nasri to play because the midfielder "loves this club" 
 

Samir Nasri's £23m move to Manchester City is still alive - despite a hold-up that saw him play in Arsenal's home defeat against Liverpool on Saturday.

Nasri's surprise appearance came as reports in France claimed the transfer had broken down and the midfielder was now set to stay at Emirates Stadium for the rest of the season.
It is believed the framework of a deal is in place between City and Arsenal as well as Nasri but financial details remain to be ironed out before the switch can be finalised.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger selected Nasri, 24, as the Gunners lost 2-0 to Liverpool, where his lively performance was well-received by the fans.
Afterwards, Wenger admitted he had not decided whether to pick him in Wednesday's Champions League qualifier second leg against Udinese in Italy.

NASRI - CAREER STATS

• Born: 26 June 1987, Marseille
• Height: 5ft 10in
• Position: Attacking midfield
• Marseille: 145 apps, 11 goals
• Arsenal: 125 apps, 27 goals
• France: 24 apps, 2 goals

If he played it would make Nasri ineligible for City's own Champions League campaign, a significant factor in manager Roberto Mancini's desire to add him to his squad alongside recent £38m purchase Sergio Aguero.
Mancini said ahead of Sunday's game against Bolton that he hoped the move could be concluded "very quickly" but the hold up meant Nasri was drafted into a depleted Arsenal side against Liverpool.
Nasri's future was cast into doubt when negotiations about a new contract, understood to be worth £90,000-a-week failed to reach a successful. His current deal runs out at the end of this season.
Manchester United indicated their willingness to pay £20m for Nasri earlier this summer as Arsenal faced the prospect of losing him on a free transfer, but neighbours City soon emerged as favourites to clinch a deal.

Emmanuel Adebayor, meanwhile, is still on course to complete his loan move from City to Tottenham before the transfer window closes at the end of this month.
Dialogue continues between the two clubs about the structure of the deal, but it is fully expected to go through.

Carlos Tevez could make Man City return against Bolton

 

Tevez vowed never to return to Manchester 

 

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini says Argentine striker Carlos Tevez could play against Bolton on Sunday.

Tevez missed City's pre-season tour and start of the new league campaign having been given an extended break due to his involvement in the Copa America.
Earlier in the summer, the 27-year-old said he wanted to leave the club and vowed never to return to Manchester.
"He will probably be available although I want to wait until Saturday to make a decision," said Mancini.
Tevez looked set to join Corinthians in July, but that move fell through with the Brazilian side claiming there was not enough time to complete the deal before their transfer window shut.

TEVEZ SAGA TIMELINE

• 12 December 2010 - Tevez says he is going to leave Man City
• 20 December 2010 - Withdraws transfer request and commits future to club
• 16 May 2011 - Says he will only stay at club if solution found to "family issues"
• 8 June 2011 - Tevez says he will never return to "small and wet" Manchester
• 4 July 2011 - Confirms he is going to leave Manchester City

The former West Ham and Manchester United striker has also been linked with a move to Inter Milan but Mancini said there had been no recent interest from other clubs in the Argentine.
Mancini added that despite wanting to leave the club, Tevez was mentally fit to play against Bolton and had been focused in training.
"He has worked very well in these two weeks," added Mancini.
"When Carlos plays, he always plays very well and gives 100%. I think maybe he is not 100% fit, but his mind is okay."
Meanwhile, new national manager Alejandro Sabella has left Tevez out of the Argentina squad for a pair of friendlies in Asia next month.
Sabella, who has named one squad of domestic players for back-to-back friendlies against Brazil and one including overseas-based players for games against Venezuela and Nigeria, has overlooked Tevez but included his new City team-mate Sergio Aguero in the latter.

Yaya Toure says new-look Manchester City will be talked about all over the world

 

Yaya Toure: Manchester City will be talked about all over the world

 

Yaya Toure believes the  revamped Manchester City will soon demand respect throughout the world of football.

The Blues midfielder says the summer strengthening of the Blues – due to continue today with the signing of Samir Nasri – will help them become one of the best teams on the planet.

Yaya played a huge part in taking City to a new level last season, with winning goals in the FA Cup semi-final and final, and some powerful performances as they secured Champions League football.

But, after picking up Sergio Aguero, Gael Clichy and Stefan Savic with Nasri set to jon them for £25m, Yaya feels they can move on again.

“The team is looking in good shape – we have signed big players and they look fantastic in training,” said the big Ivorian.

“My ambition is to make people talk about Manchester City with respect, and that is why I am here.

“The manager and Garry Cook are doing fantastic and we will see in a few short years that Manchester City will become one of the best teams in the world. I am totally sure of that.”

But City are not just refining the quality of the first team, they are also drafting some of Europe’s top young talents into the Academy.

The Blues signed highly-rated Spanish youth international Denis Suarez in the summer, and he was taken on the tour of the USA and Canada.

And he caught Yaya’s eye. He said: “It is not easy to settle but he has David Silva and myself speaking Spanish and we are all trying to help him.

“It is very good for the future of the club to have such talented young players – they make the club stronger.

“Denis is a midfield player with very good quality. He is an amazing player and has the ability to take the ball, like all Spanish players.”

The Blues have four triallists from around Europe working with the elite development squad at the moment.

Top of that list is Croatia under-17 striker Ivan Dzoni, who scored against Oldham reserves on Wednesady, while 22-year-old Argentine midfielder Jose d’Angelo has also impressed.

The others are Benfica starlet Francisco Silva junior and former AC Milan striker Luca Scapuzzi.

Can Sergio Agüero's artillery propel Manchester City to the title?

The firepower to win the Premier League is in place at City. It's now up to Roberto Mancini what he does with it

Sergio Agüero announced his arrival in English football with two goals in Manchester City’s 4-0 victory over Swansea on Monday. 
Back in Argentina there were knowing smiles and the sense of it all being perfectly usual. "Tremendo Debut" ran the headline in El Diario. El Intransigente went for "El 'Kun' Brillo" while Olé hailed "Ciudadano Ilustre" (the Illustrious Citizen), reflecting on the night when Sergio Agüero announced his arrival in English football and offered the first hard evidence that Carlos Tevez may no longer be as essential to Manchester City as water is to a flower. As debuts go, City have to go back a long way to find anything on a similar level to what was witnessed under the floodlights against Swansea City on Monday, culminating in that almost brutal, spearing drive from a distance where only a certain type of footballer would have thought it feasible to score. Ali Benarbia was probably the last City player whose debut invited such a frisson of excitement, even if that was back in the days when the stands at Maine Road too often rang with groans and moans. Denis Law scored on both his debuts for the club and City supporters still recall the body-swerve with which Georgi Kinkladze eluded three opponents 15 seconds into his first match. But it is probably necessary to go back to 5 September 1981 to find the nearest comparison: Trevor Francis's first appearance, with a massed Mancunian following behind one of the goals at Stoke's Victoria Ground. Francis, like Agüero, scored twice and set up the third. "City have a new hero", the Guardian reported the following day. Too much can be read into one game, of course. Footballers, like managers, can have honeymoon periods only for the sun to dip. Agüero, however, looks like a man in a hurry and for his new employer, the Argentinian's presence could conceivably go a long way to shifting the perception that has built of Roberto Mancini's team being too conservative to take the Premier League trophy from one side of Manchester to the other. The allegation is not entirely justified but Mancini made the point himself a couple of weeks ago, that the team would have to conjure up an extra 10 to 15 goals. They managed 60 last season, which is not too shabby but still a fair distance behind Manchester United (78), Arsenal (72) and Chelsea (69), and the memories linger of those occasions – predominantly the home fixture against United and away at Arsenal – when a scoreless draw felt like the sum total of their ambitions. That is not to suggest Mancini will change his philosophy that the first rule of a football match is not to concede, but the difference this season is that his options in attack have improved and, in turn, there no longer appears to be the same over-reliance on Tevez. What should not be overlooked from Monday's 4-0 rout either was the fact that Edin Dzeko no longer looked like the striker who made fans wince at times last season. The Bosnian was sharp, sure of touch and played with an assurance that was rarely seen last time. He, too, will be subjected to the small print of Agüero's opening statement that it was "only Swansea" but the early signs are of someone who has rediscovered the self-belief that made him such a prolific scorer in the Bundesliga. Then there is the fact that Tevez looks almost certain to stay at City, with Mancini reiterating there were no potential buyers and that last season's joint winner of the golden boot could return against Bolton Wanderers on Sunday. Tevez was not ready against Swansea, essentially because he decided against coming back from a post-Copa América break at the same time as Agüero and Pablo Zabaleta, his Argentina team-mates. He did not bother gracing the Etihad Stadium with his presence on Monday either, and has stretched everyone's patience to the point that Mancini must surely remove the captaincy. Tevez, though, is still a striker who could be of significant use and, perhaps crucially, someone who can play well, sometimes brilliantly, regardless of whatever grievances are clattering around in his brain. A Tevez-Agüero partnership has the potential to trouble the most accomplished defence, even before we consider the possible permutations with Dzeko, the brilliance of David Silva behind them, Adam Johnson's penetration from wide and the prospect that this is the time for Mario Balotelli to develop into a serious footballer. Trying to predict what will happen with the Italian is not easy, especially as he is still troubled by knee issues, but the fact he scored 10 times in 29 appearances last season – a campaign he regards as a personal failure – demonstrates he can have a significant input. For Mancini, there is also the prospect of Samir Nasri adding his refined touches and Agüero – "a photocopy of Romario", to use the manager's description – getting even better once he is fitter and more attuned to English football. The artillery is definitely there, which makes it really a question of what Mancini does with it. In the Community Shield he reacted to United making it 2-2, from 2-0 down, by taking off Balotelli and bringing on Gareth Barry, a holding midfielder, for the final 30 minutes. Balotelli, in fairness, had been poor in the extreme but it is difficult to imagine Sir Alex Ferguson making that kind of change. This, perhaps, is the time Mancini looks at the goalscorers and creators in his squad and knows he can take off the handbrake.

Tottenham confirm they are in talks with Manchester City over Emmanuel Adebayor

 

NEGOTIATIONS: Adebayor is set to make his City exit

 

Harry Redknapp has confirmed that Tottenham are in talks with Manchester City over a move for Emmanuel Adebayor.

Adebayor fell out with City boss Roberto Mancini last season and the Italian has made it clear the £25million striker has no future at the club.

Spurs and City have been in negotiations for some time over a possible deal, with Adebayor's reported £170,000 a week wage packet proving to be the only real stumbling block.

Spurs boss Redknapp hopes to seal a move for the striker soon, saying on Wednesday: "The chairman is talking to Man City about the player but where they (the negotiations) are at, I genuinely don't know."

Adebayor spent the second half of last season on loan at Real Madrid, where he scored twice against Tottenham in the Champions League quarter-final first leg clash between the two teams at the Bernabeu.

During that match Spurs fans chanted abusive songs at the former Arsenal marksman, but the player himself said this summer the songs would not put him off signing for Redknapp's team.

Roberto Mancini - the best is still to come from Sergio Aguero for Manchester City

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Sergio Aguero takes the applause after coming off the bench to register his first goals from the club

 

Sergio Aguero exploded on to the Premier League scene as City began the season in style.

The £38m new boy scored twice and set up another in a stunning substitute appearance as the Blues subdued brave Swansea 4-0.

But Roberto Mancini says City fans won’t see the best of him for another three weeks!
Aguero poached one goal and smashed in a brilliant second to send City fans into raptures, with Carlos Tevez not even in the squad.

A smiling Mancini, who bought Aguero as a replacement for wantaway Tevez – and that looks an exceptionally shrewd move – suggested Aguero is still short of his best.

“He is not tired but he needs to recover, because he only finished the Copa America three weeks ago,” he said. “For the last week he has worked with the team but he needs another two to three weeks to be 100 per cent – maybe!

“For me, he is a fantastic striker, and still young, but he will be a fantastic player for us in the future.

“He scored a lot of goals in Spain and Argentina and is a fantastic striker.”



But Mancini was delighted with his team’s performance after a slow opening 20 minutes, as they stepped it up and scored four goals after the break.

“It was the perfect start to the season,” he said. “It was important to start the season well, and important to score goals, especially for the strikers.”

Carlos Tevez is expected to be fit and available for next Sunday’s trip to Bolton – who share top spot with the Blues in the embryonic league table – and Mancini feels he has some great options from which to perm his strike force.

“I think we have four important strikers in Carlos, Mario Balotelli, Sergio and Edin Dzeko, and they can all play together,” he said.

“Carlos is still here and, unless a club pays his value, he will stay. Yesterday morning he worked at Carrington and maybe for the next game he will be available.”

City fans went home dreaming of a stylish season but Mancini warned them to be cautious: “The season will be long and hard, and every game is difficult,” he said. “In the first half Swansea played very well and gave us some problems.

“After the first goal it was easier, but until then it was not easy at all.”

Team-mate Joe Hart was another one excited by what Aguero has to offer. “He’s decent,” Hart said. “£38m is a big price but it’s £38m well spent. We’ve not seen much of him so far, the manager has kept him well protected.”

Captain Vincent Kompany added: “He’s come in with a surprise. The great thing for me was that he was defending too. That’s important.”

Aguero was joined on his debut by Gael Clichy and Stefan Savic.

“There’s a great bond here. Sergio, Gael and Stefan are feeling the love,” Hart said.

Roberto Mancini calls for quick start to Manchester City's season

 

Roberto Mancini says his team must beat the smaller sides if they are to challenge for the Premier League title

 

Roberto Mancini has de-manded his City stars hit the ground running tonight if they are to make a serious Premier League title challenge.

Despite his transfer frustrations, Mancini will not accept a repeat of the start to last season that saw the Blues take only five points from their opening four games.

City’s boss has openly expressed his annoyance at not getting all of his summer targets signed up in time for tonight’s opener at home to Swansea.

Samir Nasri will not be able to play even if the Blues manage to complete a deal to sign him from Arsenal today, because Premier League rules required him to be registered by noon on Friday. Mancini is also still keen to bring in a specialist winger, and has targeted Fiorentina’s Alessio Cerci.

The manager is wary of the consequences of making a slow start as he bids to improve on last season’s performance, which saw the Blues record their highest league finish since 1977 as well as win the FA Cup.

He knows that the bar has been raised this season, with the club’s owners expecting a serious push for the title.

And for that reason, he has already consigned last term’s achievements to history.

“The other seasons are part of the past now,” he said.

“This is an important season because it could be a very, very big season for us.

“We have three difficult games – Swansea because it is their first Premier League game, then Bolton away, then Tottenham away. They are three important games.”

While the trips to the Reebok Stadium and White Hart Lane promise to be tricky early examinations of City’s title credentials, they are 1-4 favourites with the bookmakers to beat promoted Swansea tonight.

Mancini’s philosophy is that the Blues must take maximum points against the Premier League minnows this term, then focus on tackling the big boys.

City dropped a total of nine points against last season’s bottom six – the exact gap between them and champions United.

And that is why Mancini is looking for a statement of intent against Swansea tonight.

“If you want to win a league, you need to beat the small teams first,” he said.

“You only win the league if you win the games you are expected to win.”

Mancini is set to go into tonight’s match without Carlos Tevez, who is still building up his match fitness, having only returned to training last Monday.

Tevez was given a three-week break after helping Argentina reach the quarter-finals of the Copa America.

His compatriot Sergio Aguero is not ready fit enough to start for the Blues, but could make his debut as a substitute.

Roberto Mancini says Carlos Tevez could stay at Manchester City

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini believes Carlos Tevez could stay at the club beyond the transfer window - because nobody else wants him.

The want-away striker was thought to be interesting Inter Milan but, with time ticking away, nobody has made contact with the Blues.
"It is two weeks until the end of the market," said Mancini.
"I don't know if he will stay but, at the moment, there isn't a team who want to take him."
The Argentina international wants to leave Eastlands and a transfer to former club Corinthians fell through at the last minute in July.

Carlos Tevez - Did you know?

Continue reading the main story

• He has scored 13 international goals for Argentina
• He won a gold medal at the 2004 Olympic Games in Greece, also picking up the golden boot
• He is one of just 22 players to have played for Manchester City and Manchester United

City want around £40m for the 27-year-old and, with his wage demands, there are few clubs in the world who could finance a move.
"I think it is difficult for him to leave," said Mancini. "I would be happy if he stays."
Tevez, who is contracted to City until 2014, has been a key player for the club since arriving from neighbours Manchester United in 2009.
He helped Mancini's side to FA Cup success and Champions League qualification in the 2010-2011 campaign. He has scored 43 Premier League goals in his two seasons at City - the highest total of any player in the top division.
Mancini, meanwhile, has indicated Tevez will not be involved in Monday's Premier League opener with Swansea, while fellow countryman Sergio Aguero is only likely to be on the bench as he is also lacking match sharpness.
"Sergio is not ready to play 90 minutes," added the City manager.

Blues concern: Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini irked by transfer sagas

 

Roberto Mancini

 

Roberto Mancini is concerned that Manchester City's failure to get their transfer business done quickly this summer could come back to haunt them.

Although efforts to secure the services of Samir Nasri from Arsenal are continuing, even if the French midfielder signed it would now be too late for him to be involved in the Barclays Premier League opener against Swansea on Monday night.

Despite being labelled the richest club in the world thanks to the wealth of Abu Dhabi-based owner Sheikh Mansour, it was into July before the Blues added to last season's squad with the additions of Gael Clichy from Arsenal and defender Stefan Savic from Partizan Belgrade.

They spent a club record £38million on striker Sergio Aguero less than three weeks ago, and so far he has not played a game.

With the future of skipper Carlos Tevez remaining uncertain, it adds up to a somewhat uncertain build-up for Mancini.

The Italian is acutely aware his side dropped five precious points before the end of August last year, so it is little wonder he is worried at the damaging effect it could have on his team this time around.

"It is not important whether you are the richest club or not," said Mancini.

"The market is difficult. I understand that.

"But when you have your targets, it is important to go very hard.

"It was important to have these players for pre-season because it is there that you prepare for the season. At the moment, we don't have these players.

"I asked and I hope we can have them this week.

"But last year it was the same. In the first three games we lost against Sunderland and drew at Tottenham. That is why it is important to have them before."

Sam's the man: Manchester City close on £25m Samir Nasri deal

 

Samir Nasri

 

Manchester City are nearing a £25million swoop for Samir Nasri - but Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was giving little away about the deal at Friday's press conference.

Nasri has been left out of Arsenal's squad to face Newcastle, as has Cesc Fabregas who is on the verge of a move to Barcelona.

Wenger hinted a deal for Nasri was imminent on Thursday when he said: “Ideally you want it to be sorted out before the season starts.”

But at Friday morning's press conference he said: "I expect nobody to leave.

"The best thing for us one day before the championship starts is to focus on possible transfers.

"At the moment there is no news. If there is news I promise I will give it. I will decide what's best for the club.

"My personal feelings are not important. What is important is the club and how well we do.

"I have not been disappointed with their attitudes. They are professionals. I take nothing personally.

"The transfer speculation is disruptive but that is not an excuse."

The Blues are hoping to get Nasri on board in time for their first league match of the season, at home to Swansea on Monday night. The 24-year-old, who has a year remaining on his contract at the Emirates Stadium, has made it clear to Wenger that he will not sign a new one.

He knows that he can continue to play Champions League football by moving to City, as well as more than double the £90,000-a-week salary he has been offered by the Gunners.

Despite closing on Nasri, Blues boss Roberto Mancini is still looking to do a £6m deal for Fiorentina’s young winger Alessio Cerci before the transfer window shuts.

Stoke join Bolton in battle to snap up Manchester City's Shaun Wright-Phillips

 

Despite being in the margins at City several clubs are keen to recruit England star Shaun Wright-Phillips

 

Stoke are ready to take on Bolton in the chase to sign City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips.

The Blues are open to offers for the 29-year-old, who has started only five Premier League games since Roberto Mancini took charge in December 2009.

Potters boss Tony Pulis has been looking to build on last season’s run to the FA Cup final by bringing in experienced names.

Pulis, who has already signed Jonathan Woodgate and Matthew Upson this summer, is in the market for a right winger, and can offer European football to Wright-Phillips.

Bolton have spent a large chunk of the summer trying to force through a £4m deal for the City Academy graduate, who has a year to run on his contract at the Etihad Stadium.

But Wanderers cannot afford to match Wright-Phillips’ £65,000-a-week salary, and will only take him if he agrees to a significant pay cut.

That has opened the door for Pulis, while Sunderland and Wigan are also keeping an eye on the situation.

On Thursday Bolton boss Coyle reiterated his desire to bring Wright-Phillips to Bolton.

"Shaun is a tremendous player," said Coyle.

"He is someone I would love to bring to the club. Whether it is possible, only time will tell.

"There are financial implications involved. Players at Manchester City are on contracts that are more than we could pay. There is a threshold we cannot go beyond.

"But there has been dialogue between our chairman and (City chief executive) Garry Cook. That is where we are at the moment. There is nothing concrete."

Wright-Phillips, who has had an impressive pre-season for City, has declared he would love to stay at and fight for his place.

But Mancini has indicated that the winger won’t get many chances this season.

“Shaun is a fantastic guy,” Mancini said. “I love him as a guy and as a player.

“But it is difficult for me when I need to decide to leave him in the stand. For him, it is difficult that he can’t play in every game.

“I need to speak with him to decide what to do next. If he wants to stay, he can stay. He always works very hard, and he is an important presence in the dressing room.

“But I understand that it is not easy for him when he doesn’t play in every game.”

City remain hopeful of  sealing a £25m deal for France international Samir Nasri within days.

Meanwhile, Inter Milan aim to free up the funds to sign Carlos Tevez by selling Samuel Eto’o to Russians Anzhi Makhachkala.

Manchester City rush to land Samir Nasri to finalise Euro mission plans

Manchester City have sights on Samir Nasri City will step up with their efforts to sign Samir Nasri in a bid to make sure they can use him on their Champions League adventure.

Arsenal have named the French midfielder in their squad for their Champions League qualifier against Udinese.

Nasri will be suspended for Tuesday’¹s first leg at Emirates Stadium, but could yet feature in the return eight days later if City have not tied up a deal.

And if that happens and the Gunners win through to the group stages, the midfielder would not be allowed to play for City in the competition.

City boss Roberto Mancini is hopeful that a £25m deal for Nasri can be completed within days. The Blues have not yet made an official bid for the 24-year-old, but are ready to move quickly if the Gunners indicate that they are prepared to accept an offer.

Nasri himself is understood to be happy with the personal terms he would be offered at City, leaving the speed of a deal now in Arsenal’s hands.

Mancini is determined to push ahead with his squad-building plans  and has indicated that he is ready to leave £70m of talent kicking its heels on the sidelines for a season if they cannot find new clubs.

Mancini will not back down on his decision to leave Craig Bellamy, Emmanuel Adebayor, Wayne Bridge, Roque Santa Cruz and Nedum Onuoha out of his 25-man Premier League and Champions League squads.

Bellamy has a year to run on his £90,000-a-week contract and, with City refusing to pay it up to release him early, has indicated that he will see the season out.

City are confident goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon’s work permit will clear in time for Monday¹s  opener against Swansea. The Romanian international, 24, agreed a deal last week to sign from FC Timisoara for £1.6m.

Arsenal open the door for Samir Nasri's £25m move to Manchester City

One of the summer's transfer sagas may be coming to a conclusion as Arsenal await a bid from Manchester City for Samir Nasri. 

Samir Nasri stands to get his move to Manchester City this summer as Arsenal's resolve to hold him to the terms of his contract has softened. Arsène Wenger, the Arsenal manager, said at the beginning of Arsenal's tour of east Asia four weeks ago he was so determined to keep Nasri this season that he would rather lose him at the end of his deal next summer as a Bosman free agent and, in the process, write off upwards of £20m in lost fees.
Yet there is now an acceptance at the club that if and when City formalise their interest in the midfielder with a sizeable offer, in the region of £25m, they would be wise to accept, particularly as the player wants the transfer.
Nasri, who has stalled on signing the new contract on offer at Arsenal, which is worth £90,000 a week, knows that he could take home as much as double that at City. Arsenal's hand is being forced further by the reality that Nasri is extremely unlikely to agree to fresh terms at the club.
The City manager, Roberto Mancini, spoke after Sunday's Community Shield defeat to Manchester United of the need to "complete" his squad. "We have the targets we had at the start of pre-season," he said, as he ruled out the possibility of the Internazionale midfielder Wesley Sneijder being one of them. Mancini is on record as stating his admiration for Nasri, which has irritated Wenger. Arsenal, who signed the winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain from Southampton on Monday, are now braced for a bid.
Nasri has told team-mates that he is relaxed about whether he stays or goes this summer but his conviction to leave has hardened in recent days and the situation has fuelled the feeling of unease behind the scenes at the London club.
Some of the squad have been demoralised by the Cesc Fábregas saga. The club captain is more intent than ever to return to Barcelona yet he remains at the club and with the armband, as the European champions have so far failed to approach Arsenal's £40m valuation. They are poised to improve on their original £27m offer and Fábregas is also prepared to help by waiving a £4m payoff in his contract. Fábregas has not featured in pre-season and he has hardly trained, which Wenger has attributed to a hamstring injury.
Nasri, meanwhile, did not travel to Lisbon at the weekend for the 2-1 friendly loss to Benfica because of what Wenger described as a "muscular problem" but, to general angst at Arsenal, he has joined up with the France squad in Montpellier, ahead of the friendly against Chile on Wednesday. Nasri trained and will start.
The disquiet in the Arsenal dressing room has not been helped by Wenger's relative lack of activity on the transfer market, although it is proving difficult for many managers to force various issues. As Wenger has admitted, Arsenal need a central defender with Premier League experience but he has been frustrated so far in his pursuit of Everton's Phil Jagielka and Bolton Wanderers' Gary Cahill.
Wenger completed the signing of the 17-year-old Oxlade-Chamberlain for a fee that could rise to £12m subject to add-ons but with the clamour for established stars who could fire a title challenge, the timing of the deal feels unfortunate. That is not Oxlade-Chamberlain's fault and the player who can also be used as a second striker in the same mould as Theo Walcott, who made the same move from Southampton to Arsenal in 2006, is relishing the opportunity to test himself in the Premier League. He underwent his medical on Monday.
When Wenger outlined his hardline stance over Nasri in Malaysia, he also said Arsenal could not be considered a "big club" if they sold both Nasri and Fábregas this summer. "Because a big club holds on to its big players and gives a message to all the other big clubs that they cannot come in and take them away from you."
But Wenger's preparations for the Premier League season opener at Newcastle United on Saturday have been thrown into turmoil by the prospect of him losing his two best midfielders.

Goalkeeper Joe Hart signs new five-year deal at Man City

 

Hart has made 11 appearances for England 

 

England goalkeeper Joe Hart has signed a new five-year deal to stay at Manchester City.

The 24-year-old saw off the challenge of Shay Given to become City's first-choice goalkeeper last season after a successful loan spell at Birmingham.
The former Shrewsbury man is also firmly established as England's number one under Fabio Capello.
"I feel very privileged to be staying here for another five years," Hart told City's official website.

Did you know?

Hart made his senior debut for Shrewsbury on 20 April 2004, a day after his 17th birthday. He played the full 90 minutes against Gravesend & Northfleet.

Hart joined City from Shrewsbury for just £600,000 in 2006 and has made 121 starts for the Blues to date.
He set a new clean sheets club record last season and won the Premier League's Golden Gloves award in the process.
"I'm absolutely delighted to have signed a new deal and it is a very exciting time to be a City player," said the 24-year-old.
"I can't think of myself being anywhere other than City and it really feels like home.
"When I signed from Shrewsbury it was always my aim to become first choice here and I was prepared to do anything to achieve that, including going out on loan a few times to prove my worth."

Man City deny bidding for Inter Milan's Wesley Sneijder

Sneijder's future has been one of the main talking points of pre-season 

 

Manchester City have denied they have agreed to pay £31.4m for Inter Milan's Wesley Sneijder after reports surfaced in an Italian newspaper.

La Gazzetta dello Sport reported on Friday that City had signed the 27-year-old Dutch international.
A source at Manchester City has told BBC Sport no bid for Sneijder has been made for the midfielder.
FA Cup holders City play Premier League champions Manchester United in the Community Shield on Sunday at Wembley.
Sneijder scored with a free-kick after being named in Inter Milan's starting line-up against AC Milan as they city rivals contested the Italian Super Cup in Beijing.
AC Milan recovered to win 2-1 with second half goals from Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Kevin-Prince Boateng.
The article in La Gazzetta said he would fly to England after the match to begin talks with City.
Inter have also denied any talks have taken place regarding a proposed move to the Premier League for Sneijder.

WESLEY SNEIJDER

Began his career at Ajax in 2002 before moving to Real Madrid in 2007, winning La Liga in his debut season in Spain. Two years later he moved to Inter Milan, winning the Champions League in his first season.

On Thursday, Inter coach Gian Piero Gasperini said: "I think there is a bit of misinformation flying around, in fact a lot. I've realised that when it comes to Inter, people exaggerate situations that don't exist.
"It's normal during the transfer window that there are rumours especially revolving around a club like ours which has great players.
United have been linked with signing Sneijder before the end of the transfer window, but manager Sir Alex Ferguson has consistently denied he has made an offer for the player.
On Monday, after arriving in China, Sneijder was asked about a possible transfer away from Inter Milan.
He replied: "Maybe. I have played in many big competitions in Holland, Spain and Italy and I'm still here.
"What is going to happen we will see but I am a happy guy. There is always a chance something will happen but we will see."

Roberto Mancini says Manchester City squad is too small to win title

Roberto Mancini's top target is Samir Nasri and the Manchester City manager thinks Arsenal's stance is softening.

Roberto Mancini goes into the Community Shield on Sunday believing Manchester United are "five yards" ahead of Manchester City and warning that the Eastlands club can forget about winning the Premier League unless they sign at least two more players.
City have already made the biggest signing of the summer, Sergio Agüero joining from Atlético Madrid for £38m, as well as bringing in two defenders, Gaël Clichy and Stefan Savic, but Mancini still believes the FA Cup winners come up short compared to Sir Alex Ferguson's side.
"They are on the top," Mancini said. "They're a strong team, they won the last Premier League, they have bought good players and at the moment they are over us. We are very close but United have maybe five yards more than us.
"We want to improve on last season and we'll try to win the Premier League but we need two or three more players and, if we can do that, I think we will be very close. But look at United – they have 29 senior players whereas we have 20. To be competitive, we need more. We're missing players, we don't have enough for the whole season and it's a problem. We haven't managed to get all the players we want and it is important we get them now in the next seven days."
Mancini's top target is Samir Nasri, and City's information is that Arsenal's position may be softening and that the London club may, after all, consider selling the Frenchman to another English club. Mancini, however, upset Arsène Wenger earlier in the summer by discussing his pursuit of the player so he was careful not to inflame the situation again. "It's better we don't talk about this," he said.
Costel Pantilimon, a 6ft 8in Romania goalkeeper, became City's fourth signing of the summer on Friday, joining the club for around £1.6m from Timisoara, subject to a work permit, to become Joe Hart's understudy. Alessio Cerci, the Fiorentina winger, is another target and Mancini also wants a central midfielder. "We had five last year but Patrick Vieira has retired now."
City actually have a senior squad of 24 players, even excluding Emmanuel Adebayor, Wayne Bridge, Craig Bellamy, Roque Santa Cruz and Nedum Onuoha, all of whom are training away from the main group because they do not fit into the manager's plans. Mancini made it clear he would not change his mind – "They are good players but not part of our plans," he said – even though he believes City, with their current squad size, may find it difficult to adapt to the rigours of competing for the title as well as playing in Europe.
"We need a good list of players because when you are playing in the Champions League for the first time it is very hard, totally different from the Europa League, and you need to change five, six, even seven players after every Champions League game. Tottenham struggled with this last season and we don't want to have the same problem. It's different for Manchester United, they needed only three [new] players. For them, it is easier."
City also have to clear up Carlos Tevez's position, and Mancini said he could not be certain whether the Argentina striker would remain at the club. Internazionale may be keen on a player-plus-cash exchange involving Samuel Eto'o or Wesley Sneijder. Otherwise, Mancini believes Tevez will return to training on Monday after being given a three-week break to recuperate from the Copa América.
"He's still a City player at the moment. He's a professional and, if he doesn't get another team, he'll play for us and he'll play seriously like last year." The manager spoke to Tevez for the first time in the entire summer on Monday – "His telephone is working again" – and reported that the club captain was "happy" and "told me he would come back".
Mancini believes his side will have to score "10 to 15 more goals than last season" if they want to win the league, an indication that he will be more attack-minded in the new campaign. Agüero, who, was also involved in the Copa América, will be given his debut as a substitute at Wembley, and Ferguson believes Mancini's men could provide the most credible challenge to United in the title race.
"We accept that challenge and it's good for us, as it keeps complacency away from the door," the United manager said.

Sergio Aguero will be on the bench for Community Shield

 
Aguero is one of eight strikers now on Manchester City's books 
 

Manchester City's record signing Sergio Aguero is set to be on the bench for Sunday's Community Shield against Manchester United at Wembley.

The Argentina striker has had blistered feet since his move from Atletico Madrid but is now training as normal.
Fellow new signings Stefan Savic and Gael Clichy will also feature.
Last season's captain and top scorer Carlos Tevez is still on leave after the Copa America and is not expected to report back to the club until Monday.
Manager Roberto Mancini said: "Sergio is OK. He had a problem, but on Thursday he did 20 minutes training.
"I don't think he's 100% ready but he is fit to be on the bench."
Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick is likely to miss out after picking up a slight Achilles problem in Edwin van der Sar's testimonial on Wednesday.
Darren Fletcher, Antonio Valencia and Rafael are all back in training while Javier Hernandez will miss the start of the season after he suffered from a concussion last month.
Sir Alex Ferguson said: "Chicharito [Hernandez] won't be involved for maybe another two or three weeks.
"He had a concussion some years ago and we are just playing safe with that but he should be back by the end of August."

Carlos Tevez return to Manchester City training delayed

 
Tevez scored 23 goals for Manchester City last season 
 

Manchester City say they have granted Carlos Tevez extended leave and expect him to report for training on Monday.

It means Tevez will miss Sunday's Community Shield game against former club Manchester United at Wembley.
City had earlier said he was due to return on Thursday, although BBC Sport understands that, as of Wednesday afternoon, Tevez was still abroad.
In June the 27-year-old Argentine said he would never return to Manchester "even on vacation".
He later asked to leave the club for personal reasons but a £40m move to Brazil side Corinthians collapsed.
A City spokesman said there would be a light training session for the whole squad on Monday.
"Carlos has now been given extended leave so he can return on Monday, which is 21 days after Argentina's exit from the Copa America," said the spokesman.

TEVEZ SAGA TIMELINE

• 12 December 2010 - Tevez says he is going to leave Man City
• 20 December 2010 - Withdraws transfer request and commits future to club
• 16 May 2011 - Says he will only stay at club if solution found to "family issues"
• 8 June 2011 - Tevez says he will never return to "small and wet" Manchester
• 4 July - Confirms he is going to leave Manchester City
• 21 July - Potential move to Corinthians breaks down
• 22 July - Is pictured with Marco Branca, the head of technical staff at Inter Milan
• 4 Aug - Is due to report back to training at Manchester City

As well as Corinthians, Argentina striker Tevez has been linked with Inter Milan and Real Madrid.
The Brazilian side pulled out of the transfer saying there was not enough time to complete a deal before the Brazilian transfer window closed at 0400 BST on Thursday, 21 July.
Tevez's advisor said his client still wanted to leave Manchester City to spend more time with his family in South America but was not "overly worried" by the collapse of the Corinthians deal.
"This is Carlos Tevez we are talking about, one of the best players in the world. We are not overly worried," Kia Joorabchian told BBC Sport.
"He wants to leave but is still a City player at the moment and we will of course respect that."
The former West Ham and Manchester United player missed City's pre-season tour of the United States because he played in the Copa America for Argentina.
City gave him special dispensation to return to pre-season training later than his team-mates because of his involvement in the tournament.
At the end of July, City manager Roberto Mancini admitted he had still not been able to contact his captain and pictures then emerged of the Argentine speaking to the Inter Milan official responsible for player transfers - Marco Branca.
That meeting was later passed off as a coincidence.
Tevez missed the club's open training session at Eastlands on Wednesday and also did not take part in their pre-season promotional filming for Sky Sports.

Manchester City's David Silva insists no bad blood for Carlos Tevez

 

Carlos Tevez will be welcomed back when he returns to training tomorrow

 

David Silva insists he will welcome Carlos Tevez with open arms when City’s want-away striker returns to training tomorrow.

Tevez is due back at Carrington after being given an extended break following the Copa America in Argentina.

It is the first time Tevez will come face to face with his team- mates – and manager Roberto Mancini – since revealing  for a second time he wants to leave the club and declaring that he would never return to Manchester.

But despite the transfer spat, Silva is adamant there is no ill-feeling towards Tevez from within the City dressing room and says he hasn’t given up hope of lining up alongside the Blues skipper again next season.

Silva said: “Carlos has to return and, well, that’s great. He’s a very important player for us.

“I don’t think there will be a problem. We know Carlos well. If he stays, great. There are a lot of competitions and we hope to play well in them all. He’d help that.

“I haven’t spoken with him. When he’s on holiday you have to leave him be and let him relax. That way he comes back and actually can’t wait to come back.”

Silva enjoyed a successful first season in England, picking up an FA Cup winners’ medal and securing a place in the Champions League group stages.

The 25-year-old – already a European Championship and World Cup winner – has high hopes of adding to his medal haul next season and believes the Blues have signed just the man to help him do it.

“This is my second season and I hope it turns out well, like my first,” said Silva. “I hope I win another trophy. At the end of last season we had some good
performances.

“Sergio Aguero is a brilliant player,” he added. “I think he’ll turn out very well and he can really help us. “We have to adapt with him and he has to adapt with us.”

Manchester City linked with £22m move for Samir Nasri

 

Samir Nasri

 

Manchester City have again been linked with a £22m bid for Arsenal playmaker Samir Nasri.

The 24-year-old Frenchman has just one year left on his contract at the Emirates, and the Sun report the Blues are ready to test Arsenal's resolve with an offer.

City boss Roberto Mancini admitted he was on the look out for another midfielder and winger in Dublin over the weekend.

Money always goes to money... Manchester City stars flying high as club seal deal with Etihad Airways

Football has been about the haves and the have-nots for years, but Manchester City have been pulling ahead of the pack in recent years. In financial terms at least.
And now England's wealthiest club have sealed an estimated £120million deal to rename their Eastlands ground the Etihad Stadium.

Flying high: Manchester City players with the Blue Moon Rising jet as it flew in from Abu Dhabi on Thursday

City's players were on hand to toast the deal, posing with a special plane that flew in from Abu Dhabi, which was emblazoned with the club's name.

Since buying City in 2008, Sheikh Mansour has ploughed nearly £1billion into the club.

On the ball: City stars including Vincent Kompany greeted the airline

They won the FA Cup last season, ending 35 painful years without a trophy, but surely they must now move to the next level and make a serious bid to win a first league title since 1968.
The sky's the limit, it seems...

Big deal: City players in club colours pose with the plane