So, what tasty morsels can I serve you today?
Let’s start with Vincent Kompany’s warning to Monday night’s opponents Liverpool that the demands of Champions League football will test their title credentials.
Quoted in an article on the Mirror’s website, the Belgian cautions: “When the Champions League comes in, it will be a different competition all over for Liverpool and for all the clubs involved, because it will get more demanding as the weeks go on.”
Sharing his thoughts on City’s opening home fixture, the 28-year-old remarked: “It’s the first time for me that it’s come so early in the season. But if we perform like we did at Newcastle, we’ll be hoping to get the three points.
“The win [against Newcastle] was important as it takes a lot of pressure off the Liverpool game. It’s one of the most poisonous away games you can have at the start of the season and we did really well. I’m proud of the guys.”
Reflecting on the news of new contracts for some of the champions’ key stars (including himself!), the defender was delighted, suggesting it proves City have what it takes to become a major force.
“It’s one thing to make new signings but it’s another to make sure we have a core of players who know the league and have enjoyed success in the league,” he asserted.
“Then we can move forward with a certain style and philosophy that has been successful for us.
“For me, it’s important to see quality, new players coming but it is as important to see players like David Silva, Aleksandar Kolarov and Samir Nasri remaining at the club.”
Aye, aye captain!
Transfer news now and Valencia are apparently eyeing a £25m swoop for Alvaro Negredo, according to the Manchester Evening News.
Writes Stuart Brennan: “If the Spanish club meet City’s valuation of £25million, ‘The Beast’ is likely to be sold – although the deal may now have to wait until the winter transfer window.
“Reports in Spain suggest that Valencia president Amadeo Salvo has already made enquiries about Negredo, who is recovering from surgery on a metatarsal fracture and could be out until October.
“Early in the summer, City were not prepared to sell Negredo, who made himself a firm favourite with fans for his goalscoring and aggressive style last season, before injury and loss of form saw him fade from the picture.
“But it appears Negredo is not happy to fall behind Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko – and now possibly Stevan Jovetic – in the pecking order.”
The same newspaper also claims Newcastle are preparing a double swoop for Scott Sinclair and Micah Richards, while John Guidetti could be set for a loan move to Feyenoord with the possibility of a £4m permanent deal if he impresses.
“Richards is also attracting interest from Italy,” claims Brennan, “but a £5m move to another Premier League club is more likely.
“Newcastle are keen, but they want to off-load one of their four current centre backs first, with Steven Taylor most likely to go.
“The Magpies could also be tempted to go for Sinclair, who has been admired by manager Alan Pardew since they worked together at Charlton.
“The winger, who said he was back to his Swansea form during the Blues’ pre-season US tour , has little chance of breaking into City’s stellar midfield line up.”
And on the subject of Guidetti’s proposed move to Feyenoord, Brennan states: “The Dutch side are expected to first ask for a temporary arrangement so Guidetti can prove his fitness after two years of illness and injury problems.
“That could lead to a permanent deal, after Guidetti finished as the Dutch club’s top goalscorer during his season-long loan there two seasons ago.”
And finally, the Daily Mail believe Juventus and Roma are about to head into battle in a bid to sign defender Matija Nastasic.
Sami Mokbel reports: “The central-defender has been told he can leave the Etihad Stadium this summer after falling down the pecking order.
“And Serie A giants are interested in signing the Serbia international ahead of the transfer deadline.
“Juve are believed to be the front-runners for the 21-year-old’s signature and have enquired about his availability.
“Arsenal have shown an interest in Nastasic, but are trying to conclude a deal for Olympiakos’ Kostas Manolas.”
That’s all for today. Remember, no transfer is officially confirmed until you read it right here on mcfc.co.uk. Speaking of which, are you aware Bruno Zuculini has joined Valencia on loan?
