Arsenal, Spurs and City transfer news: Roma danger man on the move?

Man City, Tottenham and Arsenal want Roma's Miralem Pjanic

Following Fergie's departure, the chasing clubs will believe they have a chance at toppling Man United, with Tottenham, Arsenal and Man City reportedly lining up a transfer for one of Serie A's most wanted players. talkSPORT's Transfer Spotlight has more on Miralem Pjanic...

Name: Miralem Pjanic
Date of birth: 02/04/1990
Birthplace: Tuzla, Bosnia-Herzegovina
Position: Midfielder
Club: Roma
International: 39 caps, 7 goals (correct as of 10/05/13)

What's the latest?
After starting this season on the bench for Roma, the 23-year-old Pjanic has been turning in some outstanding performances for the Serie A club and Man City, Arsenal and Tottenham are all said to be chasing him. Seen as one of the Italian side's prized assets, an asking price of around £25m is being banded about and Roberto Mancini is understood to be keen on Pjanic as a replacement for Samir Nasri, while Arsenal's need for quality in midfield is well documented.

Did you know?

1) Pjanic's father was a former third division footballer in Yugoslavia and initially spotted Miralem's talent, encouraging him to join Luxembourg club FC Schifflange 95 when he was seven after his family moved to the country prior to the outbreak of war in his homeland.

2) He played for Luxembourg at U17 and U18 level, but pursued his senior career with his country of birth, Bosnia-Herzegovina for whom he made his debut in a 2-1 defeat to Bulgaria in 2008.

3) Pjanic is a threatening midfielder who excels in the playmaker role for Roma where his strong passing and vision make him one of the club's better players and this season he has made 30 Serie A appearances, scoring three goals.

4) Before starring in Italy, Pjanic began at Metz in France when he was 14 and he made his debut three years later against Paris Saint-Germain in 2007, with his debut season earning him a nomination for the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year award, though he lost out to Hatem Ben Arfa and his club were relegated at the end of 2008, which saw Lyon pounce.

5) Injury disrupted Pjanic's first season at Lyon, but in the 2009/10 campaign, he was given Juninho Pernambucano's famous no.8 shirt following the Brazilian's departure. He played a key role for the French club including scoring the equaliser in Lyon's 1-1 draw with Real Madrid at the Bernabeu in the Champions League last 16 in 2010. He joined Roma in 2011 for £8.8m.

What is being said?
He says:
"Perhaps one day [Edin Dzeko and I] will get the opportunity to play in the same club side, but, for now, I’m proud to be able to wear [Roma's] shirt"
They say:
"I wouldn't be surprised if Pjanic came to City, and I sincerely hope he does. I have recommended Pjanic before to Manchester City - they know all about him."
- Man City and Bosnia-Herzegovina striker Edin Dzeko



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Manchester City Transfer Rumours: The 3 Big Targets

Manchester City have lost the FA Cup final and will finish the season trophyless. The fact that it was a reckless challenge from Pablo Zabaleta, the most consistent player of the season, which precipitated the defeat makes it even harder for fans to take.

Even if they had won today, there would still be no question that City have regressed this season. A team with the budget City have will always be judged by how they fare in the league and Europe, and at no point this season have they challenged for either of the two big trophies.

The rebuilding process looks to have already begun with rumours that Manuel Pellegrini, the Malaga manager, has agreed to replace Roberto Mancini at the start of next season.

Whoever is in charge next season, they have a unique opportunity to establish the club as the dominant force in English football following the announcement on Wednesday the Sir Alex Ferguson is retiring.

It had generally been assumed that nobody could challenge Manchester United’s supremacy of domestic football until Sir Alex retired. For the first time in 27 years, United will begin the season without the great man in charge, and teams like City,Chelsea and Arsenal will see it as an opportunity to finally displace them as the biggest club in England.

The manager will also have to learn the lessons from last year and spend wisely in the summer. This is one of the most important transfer windows in the club’s history. Here is a look at three players who are repeatedly linked to City.

For a scouting report of Fernandinho, read Chris Atkins' article here.

Read more at : Click Here

Malaga's Manuel Pellegrini has denied he has a deal agreed to replace Roberto Mancini as Manchester City manager.

After losing the FA Cup final to Wigan on Saturday, Mancini criticised City's owners for not quashing reports that a deal with Pellegrini, 59, was done.

But Pellegrini told Malaga's website: "I categorically deny that I am the new Manchester City coach.

Mancini at Manchester City

Premier League: 133 games, 82 wins, 27 draws, 24 losses. Win percentage: 61.7%

FA Cup: 19 games, 13 wins, three draws, three losses. Win percentage: 68%

League Cup: Nine games, four wins, one draw, four losses. Win percentage: 44.4%

Champions League: 12 games, three wins, four draws, five losses. Win percentage: 25%

Europa League: 16 games, 10 wins, three draws, three losses. Win percentage: 62.5%

Community Shield: Two games, one win, one loss. Win percentage: 50%

Overall: 191 games, 113 wins, 38 draws, 40 losses. Win percentage: 59.2%

"I have an agreement with Malaga not to talk to anyone and nothing has been agreed with any other outfit."

He added: "Nothing has been signed and no agreement reached. I've been fortunate enough, and very proud, that every year the big clubs are interested in me.

"I hope the future of this club will become somewhat clearer in the next few days."

Mancini took over from Mark Hughes in December 2009, leading City to the FA Cup in 2011 and the Premier League title a year later.

City officials met with with Pellegrini's agent, Jesus Martinez, in April. Martinez also represents Malaga midfielder Isco, a reported target for the Blues.

Mancini said he did not know why the meeting had taken place.

Chilean Pellegrini, who has previously had spells in charge of Real Madrid and Villarreal, took charge of Malaga in November 2010.

In his first full season in charge, he guided Malaga to fourth in La Liga and Champions League qualification for the first time.

Malaga reached the last eight of the Champions League, before being knocked out by Dortmund. They are currently sixth in La Liga.

They will not play in European competition next term after being banned by Uefa over unpaid bills.