Firstly, the Mirror claim that captain Vincent Kompany is set for a huge deal to essentially keep him at the Etihad until the end of his career:
“The central defender will reportedly be handed a £200,000-a-week, six-year deal in order to keep him out of the clutches of suitors including Barcelona
“If he accepts, the 28-year-old could be set to end his career at the Etihad.”
Similarly, Jeremy Cross in the Daily Star reckons Edin Dzeko is also in-line to commit his future to the champions:
“The Bosnia striker is heading into the final 12 months of his current £150,000-a-week deal but is set to pledge his long-term future to the champions.
“The news coincides with speculation that the big-spenders are set to make a shock loan move for unsettled Monaco hitman Radamel Falcao.
“The Colombian star has just returned to action after missing the last nine months with a serious knee problem.
“He is keen to find a new club, but City have rubbished reports suggesting he is not a target and insist he will not be arriving at the Etihad Stadium.
“The news is more positive for Dzeko, however, who has been negotiating a new deal for the last few weeks.
“It is understood he is willing to put pen-to-paper on a three-year extension for the same wages he is on now.
“It represents a remarkable turnaround in fortunes for Dzeko, who was close to leaving just over 12 months ago.
“He started just 16 league games in the 2012-13 season and became frustrated under former boss Roberto Mancini.
“Inter Milan made him a target and he seemed destined for the exit until Mancini was sacked and replaced by Manuel Pellegrini.
“Dzeko, 28, found a new lease of life under the Chilean last season, starting 23 league games and scoring 26 goals in all competitions.
“He scored some crucial goals in the absence of injured duo Sergio Aguero and Alvaro Negredo to become an integral part of Pellegrini’s team.
“Dzeko helped fire City to the title in Pellegrini’s first season in charge and has told friends he feels wanted again.
“In a recent interview Dzeko said: “The main thing is that I’m happy at City.
“”It’s very important you feel the confidence that a manager has in you and last season was proof of everything I said.””
City fans have been anxiously awaiting news of Eliaquim Mangala’s projected move to the Blues which has been ‘imminent’ for at least a fortnight now – however the Mirror’s David Maddock believes the saga could finally be concluded within the next 48 hours.
“Eliaquim Mangala is due to fly into Manchester within the next 48 hours as his move to the Etihad finally nears completion.
“Champions Manchester City are confident of concluding a £32million deal for the France defender by the weekend after months of negotiating with his Portuguese club Porto.
“City will pay just under £30m for the highly regarded defender, with extras taking the total fee to in excess of £32m - further bonuses will follow if the club achieves the success they hope for.
“Mangala is seen as the last piece in the Blues’ new-look squad, with no further signings planned now boss Manuel Pellegrini has been granted his wish of two internationals for every position.”
And finally, back with the Daily Star who claim that a report in the Italian press reckons Arsenal and Juventus are edging closer to the signature of Matija Nastasic.
“According to Italian newspaper Tuttosport, a deal for the Serbia international has moved a step closer after City put the player up for sale.
“The reports also claim Italian champions Juventus are keen on bringing Nastasic to Turin.
“The Serbian joined City from Fiorentina in 2012 and managed to force his way into the side in his debut season.
“However, he struggled for game time in 2013-14 campaign, as Manuel Pellegrini opted to pair Martin Demichelis alongside captain Vincent Kompany in central defence.
“He is likely to find first-team action hard to come by once again in the upcoming campaign, with City poised to sign Porto defender Eliaquim Mangala for £32m.”
As always, it’s all just speculation until you see it reported on www.mcfc.co.uk – accept no imitations!
