Nasri : Pellegrini would be a `good fit` for Manchester City

                                         

London: The Frenchman would welcome the arrival of the Chilean and is aiming to stay at the club and mount challenges for the Premier League and Champions League next season.

Samir Nasri believes Malaga coach Manuel Pellegrini would be a good fit for Manchester City as he looks to cement his place in the first team at the Etihad Stadium.

The Chilean is the No.1 candidate to replace Roberto Mancini, and he is likely to bring playmaker Isco with him to the Etihad Stadium.

But while Nasri was unwilling to talk about transfer targets, he does believe Pellegrini, who guided Villarreal to the Champions League semi-finals in 2005-06 and was seconds away from repeating the feat with Malaga this season, would be a shrewd appointment.

"The club is going to let us know as soon as they sign someone, but for the moment it`s just talk," said Nasri.

"If it is [Pellegrini], it`s a good fit. In the Champions League, he`s always had success with Villarreal or Malaga. The way his teams play, it`s always attractive and that`s what we need at Manchester City."

Nasri was rumoured to have fallen out with former City boss Roberto Mancini after the Italian criticised his player in public, but he admitted that his departure was "sad".

"It`s a bit difficult, but this season we had big expectations," he added. "We didn`t achieve anything. We just qualified for the Champions League.

"It was Mancini who brought me to Manchester City, so it`s sad. But that`s football. Before I was at Manchester City, when I was at Marseille, I had five different managers... that`s football."

And the 25-year-old stated his desire to stay at Eastlands, despite recent links to French champions Paris Saint-Germain.


"Yeah, of course [I would like to stay]," he continued. "You know [the rumours], that`s just talk. In Paris now, you have new owners and they just won a title in France, so the media will talk about it. But I`m really happy in Manchester. I`m looking forward to next season."

Thinking ahead to 2013-14, the former Arsenal man is hoping for a title challenge and more luck in the Champions League, following two successive exits at the group stage.

"Next year we won`t have any excuses," Nasri concluded. "At some points, we had a lack of experience. We can have all of the talent in the world but you can`t buy experience."

"To be honest, we were unlucky two times with the [Champions League] draw. In the group stage, to play [Borussia] Dortmund and Real Madrid is a bit difficult. But a team like Manchester City should expect to go on to the finals of the Champions League. I hope that next year, we are going to do it."

Nasri staying with City

Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri insists he wants to stay at the Etihad Stadium.

The France international had been linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain but says he has no plans to leave.

Nasri endured something of a fractious relationship with former boss Roberto Mancini and is now keen to make his mark under the new manager.

He told Sky Sports News: "It is not true, it is rubbish. They just talk.

"The director of PSG (Leonardo) said maybe he wants to buy some French players and said my name. He is someone I have known for a long time from when he was at Inter Milan.

"I want to stay in Manchester, I don't want to leave, it is just talk."

Edinson Cavani and Isco are Manchester City's £50m gift to Manuel Pellegrini

MANCHESTER CITY are set to give new boss Manuel Pellegrini a £50million welcome present by landing their two top summer transfer targets, Edinson Cavani and Isco.

Edinson Cavani could swap clubs with Edin Dzeko

The appointment of Pellegrini from Malaga will not be formalised until early next month, but he has given chief executive Ferran Soriano and sporting director Txiki Begiristain the green light to press ahead with deals for Cavani and Isco.

Former boss Roberto Mancini was fiercely critical of City’s “slow” transfer strategy last summer when he missed out on his three top targets, Robin van Persie, Javi Martinez and Eden Hazard, and the club ended up rushing through the last-minute signings of Scott Sinclair and Maicon.

This time City have been working on deals for Napoli striker Cavani and attacking midfi elder Isco – one of Pellegrini’s players at Malaga – for several months and are now understood to be close to securing their targets.

In a bid to stave off competition from Chelsea, they had more talks with Napoli yesterday over a cash-plus-player swap deal for striker Cavani, with Edin Dzeko moving in the other direction.

Cavani, who had been a long-term target for Mancini, has a £50m release clause in his contract, but with Dzeko rated at around £20m, City are hopeful of landing the Uruguay international for around £30m.

Isco could follow Manuel Pellegrini to Manchester City

I said go to City and take the chance to negotiate over Dzeko and see what they are willing to do for Cavani

Napoli’s film producer president Aurelio De Laurentiis

Napoli’s film producer president Aurelio De Laurentiis denied he had flown to England to appoint Rafa Benitez as the club’s new coach following the departure of Walter Mazzarri, but confirmed he has sent his sporting director Riccardo Bigon to have talks with City to conclude a deal for Cavani.

He said: “I did not go to London for Benitez. I was there with [managing director] Andrea Chiavelli and Bigon and for a simple reason – I have to prepare for the release of the film about Steve Jobs.

“However, I told Bigon, ‘Go to City and take the chance to negotiate over Dzeko and see what they are willing to do for Cavani’.”

Carlos Tevez’s own future is also uncertain. He has only a year left on his deal and City are likely to sell him if they land Cavani, Isco and another target, Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho from Shakthar Donetsk.

According to reports in Spain, City have offered Malaga the £17m that would trigger the release clause in Isco’s contract. City’s young Spaniard Denis Suarez could also be part of the deal.

Gael Clichy is the first City player to speak out after Roberto Mancini's sacking

Gael Clichy became the first player to break ranks and speak after Mancini’s dismissal, insisting the former manager can have no complaints just a year after winning the Premier League title.

Clichy was speaking at a Manchester City visit to Staten Island in New York, where City have donated football equipment to a local community group helping the island recover from Hurricane Sandy.

“He’s the manager and you have to take responsibility. The manager is there to make the choices,” said Clichy.

“Of course, when results are good it’s all down to the manager. When the results are not so good, it’s also down to him.

“We have to be aware that he was probably at fault for this but, as players on the pitch, we also have to take responsibility and know that we did not perform, whether we played three, four or six at the back.”

City are certainly moving forward globally. They have announced a ground-breaking deal with baseball giants New York Yankees to create a 20th MLS club.

The deal, which could grow to around £500m, will see the newly-formed New York City FC join the league in 2015 in a new stadium in the football-mad area of Queens and rival the existing New Jersey-based Red Bulls.

City will be wearing a new Nike kit in their two exhibition games against Chelsea in the US this week.

Nike have renegotiated City’s £6m-a-year, 10-year deal with Umbro – now owned by Nike – which was signed in 2009. Nike will now pay City £12m a year for the next six years and the improved deal will help City’s bid to comply with UEFA’s financial fair play regulations.

Manchester City transfer targets: Six La Liga players Manuel Pellegrini could bring to the Etihad

Could Isco, Gonzalo Higuain and Fabio Coentrao be on the new City boss's summer shopping list?

With Malaga coach Manuel Pellegrini set to take over from Roberto Mancini at Manchester City, we asked La Liga expert David Cartlidge to pinpoint some of the Spain-based players the new boss might want to bring with him.

Roberto Mancini was sacked on Monday night, just two days after his side were beaten 1-0 in the FA Cup Final by Wigan.

The team had already conceded the Premier League title to rivals Manchester United.

Pellegrini is widely expected to take the job, and his current club Malaga have now confirmed he will leave at the end of the season, paving the way for his to take the reigns at the Etihad.

Here are six players David thinks might well be following him to Manchester.

Isco
Malaga
Attacking Midfield
21-years-old

With David Silva's injury problems this season contributing to his stuttering form, it’s time some of the playmaking burden was taken off him.

Isco is an ideal solution to the creative side of City’s game, and the bonus is that Pellegrini knows the 20-year-old inside out from his time at Malaga.

The player's maturity is in large part thanks to Pellegrini, as he allowed him freedom in a creative sense but also taught him discipline and maturity in terms of his moves into central areas.

Isco, like his countryman Silva, is blessed with an abundance of technique, ability in tight areas, swift changes of direction and excellent vision of the game. He can be played on the left side of midfield, but with that license to cut in and work behind the attack between the lines.

Let’s not forget how much Pellegrini loves a playmaker - see exhibit A: D'Alessandro, Riquelme - so there is no reason why Isco couldn’t coexist with Silva.

Gonzalo Higuain

Real Madrid
Striker
25-years-old

Rumours of Gonzalo Higuain’s departure from Real Madrid come around every summer and it appears this could be the season it finally happens.

Pellegrini’s a huge fan of mobile forwards, and while City have one in the shape of Sergio Aguero another in Higuain would be a huge bonus.

This Argentinean comes without the off-field baggage of Carlos Tevez, but can still provide the same monstrous effort on the field. Higuain has the ability to pull players away from key defensive positions, and also hold the ball up, lay-off the ball and player either back to goal or in behind. Not to mention he can finish too.

Higuain’s never truly been loved in Spain’s capital, but after a few games the City fans would want to throw their arms around the industrious 25-year-old - if Arsenal don't get to him first.

Geoffrey Kondogbia

Sevilla
Central / box-to-box midfielder
20-years-old

A revelation this season, Geoffrey Kondogbia could have already been in the Premier League. The Frenchman was at one point close to a move to Reading, but the club decided after a few scouting trips he wasn’t up to much. How they must regret that now!

The Frenchman has been in outstanding form for a struggling Sevilla outfit, and has brought all his physical capabilities to the table.

He sits alongside another deep midfielder and can quite easily form a double pivot but also emerge forward with powerful runs.

His decision making around the penalty area needs vast improvement but what he can provide is energy and impact in the engine room. It would be excellent for his development to work alongside Yaya Toure.

Miranda or Diego Godin

Atlético Madrid
Centre backs
28 and 27 respectively
Both have been integral features of the imperious Atlético Madrid defence this season, and both would represent a dependable presence in terms of defensive rotation.

Vincent Kompany and Matija Nastasi will undoubtedly be the first choice pairing but rather than splash out big for another centre-back, Miranda or Godin would be content to rotate and won’t break the budget.

Miranda’s been a sensation since arriving on a free transfer and is quick across the ground, strong, positionally aware and does the basics well.

Godin has attracted interest before from the Premier League and played over 70 games with Pellegrini at Villarreal, so the bonus is the Chilean knows him very well. The Uruguayan is excellent in the air, clears his lines swiftly and is physically commanding too.

Fabio Coentrao

Real Madrid
Left-back
25-years-old

Another - along with departing boss Jose Mourinho - who could soon see the exit door at Real Madrid, Coentrao’s a player City looked at before and know well. They might have to look again given how much he’d suit a Pellegrini system.

Joan Capdevila was an important part of Villarreal’s defence under Pellegrini making over 80 appearances with the Chilean at the helm, and his galloping up and down the left flank was a vital feature of the side.

With Pellegrini often liking his wide players to cut inside it leaves space in the channels to run into, few full-backs are better when it comes to attacking forays than Coentrao.

The Portuguese could form a perfect tandem with an inside cutting Isco, as he places emphasis on attack foremost.

Coentrao’s defending has improved vastly as well, and especially so in the big games he’s offered dependable, error-free displays.

Check out all the latest News, Sport & Celeb gossip at Mirror.co.uk http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/isco-gonzalo-higuain-fabio-coentrao-1890364#ixzz2U0Z3zPgh
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Man City Transfer News: Radamel Falcao Given Permission For Etihad Move?

Manchester City target Radamel Falcao has been given permission by current club Atletico Madrid to move to the Etihad this summer, according to The Sun.

The La Liga side will reward the Colombian for helping them qualify for next season’s Champions League by green lighting the big money move to the ex-Premier League champions, according to the report.

City have been linked with a move for the South American goal-machine, who has netted 34 goals in 40 overall appearances this season.

However, they could face stiff competition from ambitious French side Monaco, who have just been promoted back into Ligue 1 and are bankrolled by Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev.

They are reportedly preparing to table a £50 million offer for the ex-Porto man, as they aim to mark their return to the top flight in France next season with a huge statement of intent.

Atletico’s general manager Miguel Angel Gil Marin said of Falcao’s proposed move:

“Before the start of the season we talked with Falcao and we promised him ‘if you help us to reach the Champions League next season, Atletico will help you.

“Every decision he will take, Atletico will be with him.”

Falcao began his professional career with Argentinian side River Plate where he gradually made a name for himself by scoring 45 goals in 105 appearances. But it would not be until his spell at Porto, and then Atletico, that he would really establish himself as a world class striker.

In his last four seasons, he has never failed to score fewer that 30 times a season, with his most prolific campaign coming in 2010/11, when he bagged 38.

Read more at http://whatculture.com/sport/man-city-transfer-news-radamel-falcao-given-permission-for-etihad-move.php#SrgCtWWPQlbZ5ewZ.99

City consider Robben deal as ex-Chelsea winger heads for Bayern Munich exit

Manchester City are weighing up a move for Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben.

The 29-year-old is available for around £12m but much will demand on City balancing their books against the backdrop of Financial Fairplay regulations.

Exit: Arjen Robben is set to be axed by new Bayern boss Pep Guardiola

As reported by Sportsmail last month, Robben is the shock casualty of the new Pep Guardiola era at Bayern Munich after being made available for transfer by the Bundesliga champions.

The 29-year old winger, who cost £24million when he left Chelsea for Real Madrid in the summer of 2007, is up for sale, as former Barcelona coach Guardiola begins to stamp his mark on Bayern’s fortunes.

Guardiola wants him out and is ready to listen to offers, in a development that could spark interest from several leading Barclays Premier League clubs.

Final bow? Robben celebrates Bayern being crowned Bundesliga champions

Robben has expressed his displeasure at outgoing coach Jupp Heynckes’ selection policy, after frequently finding himself behind Franck Ribery, Toni Kroos and Thomas Muller in Bayern’s starting line-up.

‘It is disappointing to find myself on the bench so often, and I can’t say I am very happy about it,’ he said. ‘When I come on, I give everything for the team, but I see no reason why I should not be playing.’

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2324022/Manchester-City-consider-Arjen-Robben-transfer.html#ixzz2U0YCIovy
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Monday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

_____________________________________________________

Juventus want to sign Carlos Tevez, 29, from Manchester City as well as his fellow Argentina striker Gonzalo Higuain, 25, from Real Madrid.

Tevez scored 11 Premier League goals this season.
Full story: Daily Mirror 

Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas will target Porto midfielder Joao Moutinho, 26, this summer.
Full story: the Sun 

Liverpool could make a move for Tottenham defender Danny Rose, 22, who has spent the season on loan at Sunderland.
Full story: Daily Mail 

Bayer Leverkusen striker Andre Schurrle is confident of making a move to Chelsea this summer. The Germany striker, 22, claims Leverkusen's 1-0 win at Hamburg was his final game for the club.
Full story: Sky Sports 

Hull are prepared to pay £3m for Peter Odemwingie after the 31-year-old Nigerian striker, who failed to force through a January move to QPR, angered his West Brom team-mates once again by criticising them in the wake of the 4-0 defeat at Norwich.
Full story: Daily Mirror 

Norwich and Swansea are both interested in Bournemouth midfielder Harry Arter, 23.
Full story: Sky Sports 

GLOBAL GOSSIP (SOURCED BY BBC MONITORING)

Real Madrid may sack Jose Mourinho with two games still to play in the Spanish season as relations with the club's directors hit a new low following the defeat by Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey final.
Full story: El Mundo (in Spanish) 

Carlos Tevez is interested in a move to Monaco but would also consider joining Paris St-Germain this summer.
Full story: Gazzetta dello Sport (in Italian) 

Jovetic scored in Fiorentina's 5-1 win at Pescara on Sunday.

Fiorentina sporting director Daniele Prade says the club are set to decide on the future of Montenegro forward Stevan Jovetic, 23, who has been linked with Arsenal, Manchester City and Juventus.
Full story: Tuttosport 

Manuel Pellegrini will make Real Madrid defender Pepe, 30, his top transfer target when he takes over as manager of Manchester City.
Full story: Marca (in Spanish) 

Barcelona defender Dani Alves, 30, has said he would consider a move to Paris St-Germain or Monaco.
Full story: Sport 24 (in French) 

Sevilla's Spain forward Alvaro Negredo, 27, has rejected interest from West Ham as he wants to join a bigger club.
Full story: Marca 

Coach Walter Mazzarri has confirmed he will leave Napoli this summer.
Full story: Tuttosport (in Italian) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Retiring Paris St-Germain midfielder David Beckham, 38, has been tipped for a role in management by the Ligue 1 side's boss Carlo Ancelotti.
Full story: Daily Telegraph 

Former Blackburn, Blackpool and Portsmouth boss Michael Appleton is set to be unveiled as the new boss of newly-promoted Championship side Doncaster Rovers.
Full story: the Sun 

Aston Villa have started talks over a new deal for Belgium striker Christian Benteke, 22, who has scored 23 goals since joining from Genk last summer.
Full story: Birmingham Mail 
AND FINALLY

Sir Alex Ferguson did not always enjoy the best relationships with referees, but officials Michael Oliver, Chris Foy, Ceri Richards and Dave Bryan had their photographs taken with him and got autographs from the retiring Manchester United manager after the 5-5 draw at West Brom.
Full story: Daily Mail 

Chelsea's players gave Guus Hiddink a £200,000 watch at the end of his spell at Stamford Bridge but outgoing boss Rafael Benitez did not even receive thanks from John Terry, Frank Lampard or Paulo Ferreira during on-pitch speeches following the 2-1 win over Everton.
Full story: Daily Mirror

NIKE MANCHESTER CITY 13-14 HOME KIT RELEASED AND AWAY KIT LEAKED

Man City released the new Manchester City Nike 13-14 Nike Home Kit. We can also show you images of the new Man City Away Kit. The Manchester City 13-14 kits are produced by Nike after Umbro was sold. The Manchester City 13-14 Shirts are sponsored by Etihad.



NIKE MANCHESTER CITY 2013-14 HOME KIT

The Manchester City 13-14 Home Kit is for the first time made by US brand Nike. Manchester City 2013-14 Home Shirt is light blue colored as usual and features a classical design.

Nike Man City 13-14 Home Shirt features a white round collar with a navy trim at the top as well as white sleeve cuffs with navy trims at their ends.

       

The Nike Man City 13-14 Home shorts are white with a blue stripe on each side, while the Man City 13-14 Home socks are white with a light blue upper part with a navy trim at its lower end.

From 13€ - Buy Football Kits now at Unisportstore.com



NIKE MANCHESTER CITY 2013-14 AWAY KIT





Nike Manchester City 13/14 Away Kit leaked. According to Footy Headlines sources this Kit will be the new 2013/14 Man City Away Kit produced by Nike in Black / Gold. The new Man City 2013-14 Away Kit features two different tones of Black as well as a golden sponsor.

From 13€ - Buy Football Kits now at Unisportstore.com