City Seal The Deal For Dzeko

Manchester City have finally sealed Wolfburg striker Edin Dzeko, after months of endless speculation. It was an endless game of cat and mouse prior to a deal being struck between the two sides, with City paying an earnest £26 million, or in and around that mark.

Dzeko has been prolific in recent seasons for the German outfit and boasted a fantastic tally of 58 goals and 31 assists in his past two and a half seasons, proving he's got more than just the golden boots. Dzeko had become one of the most sought after players in Europe during last summer and Manchester City decided to get ahead of the pack and have a crack at his price tag just last week. Wolfsburg, initially reluctant, had warned off any potential suitors and wanted their most prized asset to stay at the club. However, as we've come to find out sooner or later, every good player must leave their club, and City's continuous persistence finally paid off as Wolfburg succumbed to the sheer power of City's authorities.

The price had yet to be confirmed between the two clubs but they threw around random prices until the £26 million fee was met on January 1st. Dzeko flew into Manchester on the 3rd for a medical as the fine details had yet to be finalised. Earlier last night the deal was finally finalised in a deal bringing Dzeko to Manchester for a proposed four and a half year years.

Dzeko said:

"City are playing for first place in the Premier League and that is what I want. Everyone expects goals and I want to score them but most of all I want to contribute to a successful team".

Bust Up No.2 At Eastlands

These pictures speak a 1,000 words, as they say.

The scene was set and Carrington was host to this spectacular event. Manchester City had been training in preparation for their clash against Arsenal tomorrow night when the fisticuffs took place.

It was training as normal when Adebayor, who's been constantly rumored to leave Eastlands this January, lashed out on teammate Kolo Toure. All hell broke loose between the pair with Patrick Viera, Vincent Kompany and Co. desperately trying to heave them off another and the photographers picked up a nice little bonus this afternoon, selling the coveted photos to the Daily Mirror, who broke the story late this morning.

Mancini must be furious considering this is the second fight between players in recent weeks, with Mario Balotelli and Jerome Boateng both going at it back in December.

It further strengthens reports that there is trouble brewing inside Eastlands and they are not equipped to win the title.

It is unknown if Mancini will select these players for his match squad tomorrow evening and it further destroys the clubs image, which owner Sheikh Mansour will surely investigate, considering the circumstances.

Chelsea's £17 Million Bid For David Luiz Rejected

Chelsea have officially had a bid for Benfica star David Luiz turned down, who is also a target for Roberto Mancini. Cheslea had lodged a bid in the region of £17 million but had it rejected, with Benfica pointing to the higher price of £43 million, his release clause. Benfica would probably let the Brazilian go with a deal around £26 million. It seems that Ancelotti is keen to add to his defence this upcoming January with his defensive casualties and a move for David Luiz would be money well spent. Luiz is a versatile defender, as he can play centre back and left back.

Luiz has also attracted interest from Manchester City, but in fairness, who hasn't? The Mancunian club have been linked with everyone from A-Z in the world of football over the last year but have finally taken the first step in signing Wolfsburg striker, making the progression into talking possible deals with his agent.

Luiz boasts a decent tally of 70 caps for the Portuguese outfit, and has been strongly linked to the Premier League since last summer.

Clearance Sale At Eastlands

Time : 1st January - 31 January

Location : Eastlands

GET YOUR PLAYERS HALF OFF HERE!

 Roque Santa Cruz, Shaun Right Phillips,Emmanuel Adebayor,

Shay Given, Wayne Bridge & Carlos Tevez 

- ALL HALF PRICE!

Roque Santa Cruz - As I posted earlier, he's on his way to Lazio to start playing regularly again.

Shaun Wright Phillips - Wanted by Newcastle, has rarely featured for City this season. Also wanted by Tottenham.

Emmaunel Adebayor - Has fallen down the pecking order, now third behind Tevez & Jo. Recently linked with Liverpool and a loan move to West Ham is still pending.

Shay Given - Linked with Manchester United & more so with AS Roma. Growing increasingly frustrated, there's basically a reserved seat for him on the bench.

Wayne Bridge - Has vanished from team altogether due to arrival of Kolorov & Zabeleta. Needs to start playing first team football to regain a place on England national team. Famously snubbed former team mate John Terry regarding the alleged affair. Recently associated with West Ham.

Carlos Tevez - Issued a transfer request, then withdrew it however there is more to come from the City captain. Whilst we were in the midst of the saga Tevez was linked with Real Madrid, Chelsea and home team Boca Juniors. Watch this space!

A Move To Eastlands On The Cards For Pepe

Real Madrid centre-back Pepe has become the latest big name to feature in City's transfer ruckus as they continue to dominate the market.

Reports first emerged around a month ago stating how Pepe was becoming unsettled at the Bernabeau. Pepe recently landed himself in hot water by demanding a tripled salary of his current £30,000 wage packet.

He has become the fourth big name to feature on City's ever growing list coming after David Luiz,  Hulk, Barcelona right-back Dani Alves and the much sought after Edin Dzeko.

Edin Dzeko to England - It's back on!

taxi to Eastlands!

In a Daily Mail 'exclusive' they have reported that Edin Dzeko's agent has travelled to Eastlands regarding a posdible move come January.

Wolfsburg were initially reluctant to sell Dzeko, but with a reported fee of £30 million on the table from Manchester City, the German club have suddenly reappeared and are willing to do business.

Last week it was revealed that Dzeko had wrote to City in a plea to see him come to Eastlands. This story is rapidly emerging as the biggest of the rumors so far and hopefully by January things will become clearer and we will be able to shed some light on this particular transfer saga.

Watch this space.

Feedback is vastly appreciated.

Mancini Desires Andy Carroll Move

Manchester City have been forced to re evaluate their bid for Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko after he was given a £38 million price tag by the struggling German club. Just last week it was reported that Dzeko had written to Eastlands pleading a move to be made in January and now the proposed transfer has faded.


City are now turning their attentions to prolific Newcastle hit man Andy Carroll. Carroll has scored 11 league goals so far this season and has caught the eye of clubs worldwide with his goal scoring record. Last week he was linked with Real Madrid, this week it's Eastlands as Mancini is looking desperately for a suitable partner to accommodate captain Carlos Tevez.

Roque Santa Cruz Joins Lazio On Loan

Manchester City outcast Roque Santa Cruz has left England to join Lazio, in a bid to revive his career.

Santa Cruz was one of the first signings under Mark Hughes but ever since Mancini arrived he's been forced to settle on the bench. Santa Cruz has only featured in 3 matches this season often making cameo's as a substitute. Roque Santa Cruz has grown restless sitting on the bench at Eastlands and Lazio came knocking at just the right time.

It's a great career move for Cruz and there's no doubt he'll at least get some action in Italy and not blanked out, like Mancini.

Round Up Of The Festive Action

It was the return of the festive games and it did not disappoint. In the early match Fulham entertained West Ham in a crucial match for both sides. West Ham prevailed 3-1 with slack defending often on display from both sides. Carlton Cole proved prolific with two goals to his name, continuing his good record against Fulham. With that win the hammers climbed off the foot of the table. There was also a notable win for Wigan against relegation candidates Wolves with Tom Cleverly once again on the scresheet. Mick McCarthy could be taking the long road home if he doesn't turn these kind of matches into wins. Stoke beat Blackburn as Danny Wilson wrapped up the points late on to make it 2-0. Bolton also won as they climbed up to 5th place following their 2-0 win over West Brom.

But the main focus was on both teams of Manchester to perform and to set the pace and they did just that.

United took the lead as early as the 4th minute against a lifeless Sunderland side, who were only seven points off United. You wouldn't have been mistaken to think this was a training session for United as everything seemed so simple with Anderson & Giggs pulling the strings in midfield.

The second goal arrived mid way through the second half and it was always coming for United as they had completely dominated up to it. Berbatov received the ball and tried flicking it to the far corner with the outside of his boot but it took a cruel deflection off Anton Ferdinand, leaving Craig Gordon stranded.

We were off to St. James' park next as City had to keep the pace with their rivals, and did so in fine form beating weary Newcastle. City grabbed two early goals through Gareth Barry & Carlos Tevez and remained comfortable however Newcastle started to pick up the tempo and when Andy Carroll scored you wouldn't have bet against them for an equaliser. Neecastle went in search of that equaliser and committed numerous men forward and were dealt an ultimate blow when City made it 3 late on. Johnson crossed for Tevez who jigged and curled home ending all hope of a comeback for the magpies.

The pressure is now on Chelsea and Arsenal to gain maximum points in their clash tomorow. A win for Chelsea would see their recent slump diminish but a win for Arsenal would prove for once they could actually mix it with the big dogs.

Manchester City Move For David Luiz

It's yet another busy day at Eastlands as they are causing havoc, even on Christmas, around the transfer window. Benfica defender David Luiz is their latest target, who's also been linked to current champions Chelsea. Man City have picked up on the bargain £21million price, a price which is considerably low to any Manchester City fan.

Chelsea and Manchester City have been long admirers of David Luiz and rejecting a contract extension has fueled the rumours that he could be leaving Portugal next month. Mancini has been keen to add to his ranks and establish competition amongst his defenders. Currently City have 4 centre-backs and it is guessed Luiz will have to settle on the bench, much to his dismay. City have dominated the market so far and players have been linked with and away from the club with outcasts Emmanuel Adebayor & Roque Santa Cruz pleading for a move away.

 Luiz boasts 3 Brazil caps to his name and has been at Benfica for the last 3-4 years after joining from Vitoria. He has struggled so far this season, although recent seasons are what have seemed to catch the eye of the public. He is known well in Portugal and has netted 4 goals at Benfica since his arrival in 2007.

Shay Given's New Year Wish

Manchester City no.2 Shay Given has started to express his desire to leave Manchester and possibly join Italian side Roma. Given has become increasingly frustrated at City & although he himself hasn't commented, there has been widespread circulation on a move abroad. Given has started only once this season (in the Europa League) and has lost his place to in-form English keeper Joe Hart, who returned from a stint from Birmingham having produced several world class performances. With the possibility of Given leaving - will be thrown into the no.2 spot and would increase his chances of first team football.

Manchester City are currently in a race against time regarding UEFA's new club wage restrictions and with several of City's key players earning £200,000+ they need to take drastic measures and players such as Roque Santa Cruz, Emmanuel Adebayor & now Shay Given have all been linked away from the club.

It's a mere one week away from the opening of the transfer window but Manchester City have already been keen to add to their ranks signing former Barca wonder kid Guy Assulin. They have been heavily linked with Wolfsburg misfit Edin Dzecko who has apparently wrote to Manchester City, pleading them to take him under their wing.

Latest Twist To The Tevez Saga

Tevez Reacts Angrily

What I heard last night regarding Carlos Tevez was quite extraordinary. In a stunning turn of events it seems want-away City striker Carlos Tevez wants to return to Old Trafford. It seems unlikely he will rejoin United considering he'd be relegated to the bench.

A source close to Tevez has told of how he has begged Sir Alex to take him back, although there is little chance of Tevez actually returning to Old Trafford. People everywhere expect Mancini to relinquish Tevez of his duties as captain when they take on Everton tomorrow night.
 

Tevez has impressed this season at Eastlands and with a tally of 10 to his name at this point in the season and with just more than half the season to play, there is no doubt he could double that tally. This recent news comes as a shock considering that as soon as he left United he called the players all the names under the sun, labelling Gary Neville a "stupid boot licker".

As we roll into January I'm sure we'll hear more and more about this story. The best is yet to come. There are even rumors that Tevez could leave and join Boca Junior's but that's highly unlikely at the moment considering he's only 26.

Who is New Manchester City Signing Gai Assulin?

PLAYER PROFILE #2

GAI ASSULIN – “The New Messi”

Gui Assulin was born in Nahariya on the 9^th of April 1991. He is one of Israel’s exceptional young talents that exist among football today. Assulin started his career at the footballing school of Hapoel Haifa. When he was just seven years old, Assulin moved to the Bietar Tubruk youth ranks. He was rapidly evolving as a fine individual talent and at the age of 12, his team coach, Shlomo Scharf proposed to Assulin’s parents to consider taking their son to try out for the FC Barcelona youth team. They accepted the proposal and were delighted to find out that Gai was chosen for the youth squad.

The hard work finally paid off for Gai Assulin as he graduated to the FC Barcelona ‘B’ team at the start of August 2007, and was offered a new contract, senior contract and his buy-out clause was beefed up to €20 million. Gai Assulin was living the dream and got his first taste of first team football in September of that year, when he made an appearance in the 46^th minute against Girona FC in the semi-final of the Copa Catalunya.

Unfortunately just as he was beginning to prove himself he struggled with injuries during the 2008/09 season. He worked hard over that year regaining form & fitness, which saw him receive an invitation from first team coach Pep Guardiola to participate in pre-season matches with Barcelona. He featured in 3 of Barcelona’s six pre-season friendlies playing against Tottenham Hotspur, Al-Alhy & Manchester City. He continued to impress and made his debut start for Guardiola’s side, competing against Cultural Leonesa in late 2009. Because of the lengthy 2009/10 season Pep Guardiola rested several key players and introduced four Barca ‘B’ players which included Assulin.

Unfortunately for Gai, Barca had no reason to extend his contract and it was announced by mutual consent on 1^st of July 2010 that Assulin would be leaving the club. Gai was often linked to premier league clubs with Arsenal, Blackburn & Tottenham interested in his services. On October 8^th 2010 it was reported that Assulin had joined big spenders Manchester City but the contract was a trial for the time being. He was in and out of Eastlands until finally he was signed early this week on a two and a half year deal.

Assulin was delighted and he said, “I had heard a lot about City, and as soon as I saw the club I wanted to stay. I'm at a great club and I hope to be here a long time. I have to take my opportunity and learn every day in training."

Assulin also became noticed on an international scale for the Israel national side, becoming their youngest ever player, capped two weeks before his 17^th birthday, when he trotted out against Chile in 2008. To this day, that has been his only national cap.

You can follow me on twitter  as I will be keeping you up to date with all the stories as they break.

Tevez Troubled At Eastlands

Late last Saturday night the news broke that Manchester City captain Carlos Tevez had handed in a written transfer request. He is reported to be unsettled with life at Eastlands, having only been present for just over two years. In a statement his representatives issued, he said that ‘communications had broken down with certain executives’ aiming it at Gary Cook, as he blocked Tevez from moving last summer. Another reason Tevez is unsettled is due to homesickness. He was granted leave by the club to return to Buenos Aries to see his family, his partner and his two children. He obviously misses them very dearly and Carlos had always said he wanted to finish his career at Boca Juniors however; this would be too sudden and too early in a career as exciting as Tevez’s. There’s also a third reason doing the rounds that Tevez wants to follow in Rooney’s footsteps by holding out for a bigger wage packet.  Currently Tevez is being paid £286,000 tax-free and he wants it beefed up to £300,000.

There is talk of him making a move to Spain during this upcoming transfer window with a possible move to Real Madrid on the cards but with the return of Gonzalo Higauin sooner rather than later, Tevez would be forced to settle on the bench and become even more agitated than he is at present. There is also a possibility he might make a move to London to join Chelsea but it’s highly unlikely considering the above.

Manchester City issued a statement regarding Tevez’s transfer request and they said, “It is with disappointment that we confirm to our supporters that Carlos Tevez has submitted a written transfer request. The Club can also confirm that the request has been rejected”. There is however a way Tevez could escape and he could be able to leave City in the summer, even a court battle is possible, similar to Gabriel Heinze’s a few years back regarding his proposed move to rivals Liverpool. He eventually left to join Real Madrid but had an unsuccessful stint and was transferred to Marseille.

 

My first reaction to this news was shock. I had heard reports of Tevez being unsettled during last summer but he decided to on, which proved to tip him over the edge. When I heard that  he wanted his wage packet increased I was infuriated. He’s currently one of the world’s top paid football stars and he actually has the cheek to bleed Sheik  Mansourdry. I think it would be better if City ejected him but I can’t see any teams willing to pay that kind of wage package, even the likes of Barcelona & Real Madrid.

What's Next For Edin Dzecko?

Who is Edin Dzecko you ask? Unless you've been living in a bubble you would have noticed that he is a dominant character in the German Bundesliga. He and Brazilian striker Grafite have proved more than a handful for defenders worldwide. He's established himself as a striker for VFL Wolfsburg and he recently broke Wolfburg's goal scoring record. His strengths are most definitely centered around his aerial prowess and his positioning is very good. Although, what he does need to improve on his temperament issues, as Wayne Rooney once had to issue.

He's been linked to clubs such as Chelsea, Tottenham, big spenders Manchester City and most recently Real Madrid but he has signed a deal extending his stay at the German champions until 2013 however a big move is still on the cards. A move could be made for him this coming transfer window with Manchester City very interested in his services and he would be an ideal replacement for the furious Tevez.  It was reported today that Dzecko had contacted City himself in a plea to move to Eastlands in the January transfer window. The guardian reported that he sent a hand-written letter to Eastland's officials appealing to them to make a bid. He would arrive as either a replacement or partner for City talisman Carlos Tevez.

 Personally, I don't think he'd find a starting place at Chelsea and he wouldn't be needed at White Hart Line extending the on going strikers list to 6 with Peter Crouch, Jermaine Defoe & Pavuylchenko currently challenging for starting places.

Dzecko has scored 8 goals in 15 appearances this season for Wolfsburg. Between him and the explosive Grafite they have formed the best partnership arguably to have ever existed in the German Bundesliga. In his 3 years at VFL Wolfsburg he has scored 59 goals in 96 appearances, surpassing the previous record holder Diego Klimowicz who had netted 57 in 146.