Pride In Battle

Robi - City are just like Brazil & Real

2009-08-06T12:12:00.002+01:00

Robinho really loves talking up City which is great for all us fans to hear from such a player, with his latest show of love saying that we now have that big thinking mentality at the club and it's no different to Brazil & Real Madrid. I Must say that i really do love Robinho, he makes all the right noises to the fans and is starting to show good form for the upcoming season.

City join race for Fabian Delph

2009-08-02T04:01:00.001+01:00

Mark Hughes confirmed this afternoon that City are after Leeds midfielder and wonder kid Fabian Delph, with a fee rumoured between 8 and 10 million, this deal is rumoured to be hopefully tied up in 48 hours, and has come out of the blue but very welcomed after the departure of elano.

Toure signs and Onuoha agrees new deal!

2009-07-29T17:15:00.002+01:00

Double news coming out of COMS today as Kolo Toure joins from Arsenal and Nedum Onuoha agrees a new 5 year deal, fending off interest from Everton in conjuncture with the Joleon Lescott deal. Toure will be another quality signing, and giving Nedum a new deal is exactly what was needed, showing again after Ireland's new contract that if you are good enough, no matter how much money is spent, you will be rewarded for breaking through our youth system.

SSN Breaking News - Toure passes medical.

2009-07-29T16:26:00.001+01:00

Kolo Toure has passed his medical according to Sky Sports News and is on his way to COMS to discuss personal terms, fingers crossed this deal will be done later tonight.

Terry says no as City close in on Toure

2009-07-27T01:52:00.001+01:00

John Terry dedicated his future to Chelsea today as City stepped up interest in Kolo Toure from Arsenal, he is expected to sign by Wednesday for a fee of around £15 million, after sorting out our midfield and attack, defence was next on the list and the signing of Toure hopefully followed later by Lescott will be great for the club.

A quiet affair.

2009-07-24T12:36:00.002+01:00

Logan, Caicedo and Evans have all left the club, Evans being sold to Sheffield United and Logan and Caicedo goin out on loan.

The club are still in South Africa on tour having visited Nelson Mandela yesterday, there's a great video up on the official site documenting the journey so check that out, Kaiser Chiefs up next for City tomorrow, Adebayor and Robinho both set to play with Tevez missing out due to a slight injury.

Adebayor signs

2009-07-18T20:33:00.002+01:00

Adebayor has signed a 5 year deal with City, another great signing!

Adebayor to have medical today

2009-07-18T14:33:00.002+01:00

Sky Sports breaking news - Adebayor on his way to Manchester for City medical.

City table Lescott bid as Ade deal draws closer.

2009-07-17T00:10:00.002+01:00

Telegraph are reporting that City have tabled a bid of £15 million for Everton defender Joleon Lescott, a move that has been coming for a while and most fans are positive about happening, really look forward to seeing him lineup, hopefully alongside JT. They also mention that Adebayor's transfer to City is almost complete and could be done tomorrow.

Everton dig their heels about Lescott.

2009-07-16T10:46:00.002+01:00

Everton have re-iterated their stance that they do not need to sell this summer, regarding the rumours surrounding Joleon Lescott, Lescott is a target for Mark Hughes after the capture of Tevez and hopefully Adebayor, this one has been rumoured around fans for a while with most fans thinking the player will hand in a transfer request and gladly join the blues.

Adebayor is granted work permit for City move

2009-07-15T18:17:00.001+01:00

Breaking news on Sky Sports News that Adebayor has been granted a work permit, he will sign for City in the next few hours.

Adebayor passes medical

2009-07-15T00:40:00.000+01:00

It has just been confirmed on BBC Radio 5 Live that Adebayor has passed a medical for City, the club hope to have him on the plane to South Africa, and we should hear more on this in the morning.

Hughes speaks out about Terry

2009-07-14T23:56:00.001+01:00

Mark Hughes has spoken of his confidence in luring John Terry away from Chelsea, this would be the biggest transfer in the club's history and would be a major coup, really hope this one comes off, Terry and Hughes would work great together

Adebayor on his way

2009-07-14T13:15:00.002+01:00

City are on the verge of sealing the signing of Emmanuel Adebayor from Arsenal, this would be another blow to a team above us, and a huge coup for City, a striker i have long admired

Tevez gives his first interview

2009-07-14T01:39:00.003+01:00

Tevez has spoken about joining City in the Daily Mail, he seems genuinely excited to start the season, it really is going to be a great season.

Tevez signs!

2009-07-13T19:35:00.000+01:00

Finally. Great signing, can't wait to see him.

City in talks with Adebayor

2009-07-13T12:18:00.002+01:00

Breaking news on Sky Sports News. More on this later....

Tevez to join City tomorrow...

2009-07-12T23:21:00.002+01:00

Daily Mail is reporting that Tevez will end the long 'will he wont he' saga by jetting into Manchester tomorrow to have a medical and sign a 5 year contract with City, here's to hoping.

JT close to City move?

2009-07-12T12:15:00.002+01:00

A few of the sunday papers are reporting that JT held talks with Abramovich yesterday and could well be on the way to City, with both clubs hopeful of a resolve to the saga by wednesday/thursday when the clubs fly our for their pre-season tours.

Micah recovering from swine flu.

2009-07-10T22:10:00.003+01:00

Micah Richards is reportedly recovering from swine flu, hopefully he will have a speedy recovery and he is a player i hold high hopes for this season, get well soon Micah!

Dunney to stay?

2009-07-10T21:43:00.003+01:00

Daily Mail is reporting that Richard Dunne wants to stay at City for this season and prove his doubters wrong and turn down any offers coming his way from the likes of Stoke and Sunderland.

Tevez to sign on tuesday?

2009-07-10T21:37:00.001+01:00

The Times and Daily Mail is reporting that Tevez will sign on tuesday in time for the SA tour.

City end Eto'o chase

2009-07-10T20:39:00.001+01:00

breaking news that City have pulled out of the deal to buy Eto'o and will persue other targets.

Jo goes back to Everton for the season.

2009-07-10T18:30:00.000+01:00

Everton have signed Jo on a season long loan with an option to buy, i don't think he'll ever play in a City shirt again which is a shame as he was held in such high regard before he came to City.

Gelson leaves City

2009-07-10T18:28:00.000+01:00

Gelson Fernandes has signed for St.Etienne, as much as he was a tryer i never thought he had enough to make it, but good luck to him.

Robi gets married

2009-07-10T18:17:00.000+01:00

Robinho got married to his long-term girlfriend yesterday in Brazil, great news for Robi and i can't wait to see him this coming season!

Eto'o coming to a conclusion

2009-07-10T18:13:00.001+01:00

Spanish media are reporting that he is to leave Barcelona and on thursday morning City gave a 48 hour deadline for his decision, i for one am glad City are taking control of this move now, with it being reported they want him for the South Africa tour which would make great sense, and also before the home shirt is released, and apparently we have said we'll move onto other targets if he doesn't meet this deadline.

Patience is the key

2009-07-10T12:09:00.000+01:00

Deals for Eto'o and Tevez are hoped to be wrapped up soon but like Mark Hughes said, patience is the key to these deals

City chase Lucio

2009-07-06T20:32:00.000+01:00

Sky Sports have said that City have sent a delegation out to Bayern Munich to wrap up a deal for Brazil captain Lucio

Quick update

2009-07-06T15:43:00.000+01:00

Been a slow few days in the world of MCFC. Tevez has spoke of his impending move to MCFC, the first team have flew out to Germany for the pre-season training camp, and Ancelloti was unveiled as new Chelsea manager today and said JT is going nowhere, but this one will probably rumble on until JT comes out and talks about it himself. Fingers crossed for more news in the next few days!

City don't withdraw JT bid

2009-07-03T15:19:00.000+01:00

Sky Sports News have reported that Manchester City's bid for John Terry hasn't been withdraw after Chelsea turned it down, which leaves City fans quite confused as to what's going on behind the scenes as it's certainly suspicious as surely City wouldn't put a bid in for someone like John Terry if they hadn't sounded out the possibility of such a deal happening, it has been mentioned on forums before and fans have been told of a 'surprise' from Garry Cook. Also him being the poster boy for Umbro would be a great link up given our new deal with Umbro. This one i suspect is far from over though....

A Slow few days...

2009-07-03T13:20:00.001+01:00

Many City fans were expecting this wednesday - friday to be exciting times, with the launch of the new site and maybe a signing or two but all that happened was the site launched many hours late, and the deals on Eto'o and Tevez have gone quiet (which is hopefully good) Eto'o will hopefully move on next week as Barca are close to signing David Villa, and the latest rumour is that Tevez will sign on Monday.

Chelsea dismiss Terry bid

2009-07-02T23:52:00.001+01:00

A bid for John Terry has been turned down tonight by Chelsea.

Vassell recieves heroes welcome at new club.

2009-07-01T17:04:00.000+01:00

Darius Vassell is to join Turkish side Ankaragucu and has recieved a heroes welcome with 3000 fans turning up at the airport to chant 'ole, ole, ole, Vassell, Vassell'

Here is a video of Vassell's arrival.

City release six players

2009-07-01T17:02:00.000+01:00

Danny Mills, Daniel Sturridge, Darius Vassell, Glauber Berti, Didi Hamann and Michael Ball have all been released today

The Sheik speaks...

2009-07-01T16:57:00.001+01:00

Legend.

Hughes speaks about Eto'o and Tevez

2009-07-01T14:39:00.000+01:00

At today's press conference for RSC, Hughes was naturally asked about deals for Eto'o and Tevez and said they're working on them but patience is a must.

New home and away shirt pictures.

2009-06-30T17:54:00.000+01:00

Eto'o would be delighted to join City.

2009-06-30T13:07:00.000+01:00

Samuel's agent has come out and said that if Barca want to sell him the deal wouldn't be hard to agree and he'd be delighted to come, and we all know Barca want to sell him so it's just a matter of time now.

Eto'o to reject City offer?

2009-06-29T16:12:00.000+01:00

His agent has come out today and said the player might stay at Barcelona and see out his contract. With deals like this there is always alot of confusion, we'll just have to see how this one pans out and hope for the best.

Eto'o has City offer.

2009-06-28T12:51:00.001+01:00

Just as i said yesterday, today broke the news that Eto'o has an offer from City which Barca are willing to accept.

Eto'o to be done this week?

2009-06-28T02:01:00.001+01:00

News Of The World are reporting Tevez and Eto'o will be signed this week, usually i wouldn't trust NOTW, but they got barry spot on before anyone else, and the Eto'o story is picking up, and Joan Laporta (Barca president) stated on spanish radio today that if Eto'o accepts city's offer, they will need a new forward, indicating that talks are well under way. Fingers crossed, City will have truly arrived if this signing is done.

Exclusive! Live From City.

2009-06-25T18:58:00.000+01:00

Robi talks more about Tevez.

2009-06-25T02:30:00.000+01:00

Robinho has come out again and said he has been told the Tevez deal is almost done and how his signing will propel us to top 4 status, i for one love Robinho and the passion he has for the club.

Hart joins Birmingham

2009-06-24T13:36:00.001+01:00

From the Official Site.

City prepare £15million Lescott bid

2009-06-24T01:41:00.001+01:00

Word is spreading that City are launching a bid for Joleon Lescott. This move has been touted a fair bit in the press and on several forums and the player himself seemed to be interested and apparently now has made up his mind to come to City and would be another fantastic signing that weakens another of our rivals after taking Gareth Barry from Aston Villa

Robi wants Eto'o..

2009-06-23T23:49:00.001+01:00

Robinho has spoken out today about his desire for City to sign Sammy Eto'o and also reveals that he is informed a deal for Tevez is almost done.

New Umbro posters....

2009-06-23T18:28:00.001+01:00

Spotted around Manchester city centre today...

Cruz hopes for Tevez..

2009-06-23T18:23:00.000+01:00

Santa Cruz has spoken about his possible future link up with Tevez today, and seems very excited at the prospect and just generally excited to be at City, i for one am really looking forward to him playing.

Taylor signs for City.

2009-06-23T18:21:00.000+01:00

Stuart Taylor has signed from Aston Villa, becoming our 3rd signing and expected to become backup to Shay Given, which ultimately frees up Joe Hart to go on loan to Birmingham

Rocky signs.

2009-06-22T19:09:00.000+01:00

Finally MCFC Official Site announce the RSC deal is done. Another great signing and another step in the right direction.

Cruz control as RSC passes City medical

2009-06-22T16:45:00.001+01:00

Reports from Sky Sports News that Roque Santa Cruz has successfully passed his Manchester City medical.

Santa's City medical..

2009-06-22T12:31:00.000+01:00

As expected, various sources have confirmed that Roque Santa Cruz is currently undergoing a medical and the deal should hopefully be completed before the end of the day!

Carlos expected to make City move!

2009-06-22T02:17:00.000+01:00

Several newspapers are claiming that City are on the brink of sealing the signing of Carlos Tevez after fending off interest from Chelsea, as detailed in the Daily Mail today. More will come on this towards the end of the week i predict, hopefully it's just a matter of time now!

Birmingham to take Hart.

2009-06-21T13:55:00.000+01:00

News filters through today that Joe Hart will join Birmingham on loan on his return from the under 21 championships, a good move for all parties involved as Joe wants first team football, City don't want to lose him and Birmingham are coming up from the Championship so Joe will be their 1st choice keeper and experience a tough season more than likely.

Kia Joorabchian discusses Tevez's decision.

2009-06-20T18:02:00.000+01:00

After the news that Tevez wouldn't be returning to United this morning, his agent Kia Joorabchian discussed in this article with the Daily Mail, bringing up some interesting points that could be interpreted that Tevez will be coming City along with saying on a TalkSport radio interview today that his client wants a club with ambition, grassroots and history. If City manage to pull this one off it will be a huge sign of intent in taking a player that Alex Ferguson was willing to pay £25 million for and make one of the highest paid players at United, and losing him to City will be a bitter blow and will raise City's profile around the world.

We've got Robinho...

2009-06-20T12:57:00.000+01:00

As if we needed reminding we have one of the most exciting attacking players on the planet in our team, he decides to tell us himself in this interview on the Official Site claiming he only knows one way to play football, a love for the beautiful game and it's brazilian art which will bring a smile to the face of blues worldwide, it still shocks me we have such a player in our team and his love for City, lets hope he gets just a taste of winning trophies in the Confederations Cup and it gives him the extra edge to bring one to Eastlands!

He used to play for United, Tevez, Tevez....

2009-06-20T12:42:00.000+01:00

The long drawn out transfer saga of Carlos Tevez looks to be coming to a close after Manchester United's Official Site announced today that the player would not be extending his loan deal with United, paving the way for a controversial move across the border.

Tevez's mooted switch to city has dragged on for a month leaving blues fans patiently waiting and hoping for the Argentine to join Hughes' revolution, and after the announce of the sale of Ronaldo and the Champions Leauge defeat to Barcelona, it is another blow to United fans after their loud protests during the Premier League season with chants of 'Fergie, sign him up'. Well luckily for City fans it looks like Hughesy has signed him up and will be City's biggest signing of the summer.

Santa Cruz is coming to town!

2009-06-19T19:01:00.000+01:00

After almost a year of chasing, Hughesy has seemingly got his man. According to Sky Sports News, City have agreed a mammoth fee of £18 million with Blackburn.

Hughesy will be delighted to get his man after having bids frustratingly turned down in august and january, and it is a debate which has split city fans down the middle, but nonetheless it seems he is on his way and following the signing of Gareth Barry, it is another step in the right direction for City.

Superman's summer workout..

2009-06-19T13:37:00.000+01:00

After last season's remarkable upturn in form for Stevie Ireland, city fans and football followers alike asked one question....how?!

Stevie ireland was on the brink of a move to sunderland (if some are to be believed) and most city fans thought the player had no future with the club and were tired of his inconsistent performances knowing the talent he posesses.

But Superman had other plans, he knuckled down in the summer, working hard on his fitness and as the season started he put in a fantastic performance against West Ham in August and the rest was history...

Can he do the same again next season? He's certainly giving it 100% in the off-season to keep himself at his peak of fitness prepared for the start of pre-season going off this article on Stevie's summer activities. If only we had more players as commited to the cause as Superman!

Chairman praises fans

2009-06-19T13:04:00.000+01:00

CITY chairman Khaldoon al Mubarak says he was bowled over by the passion of Blues' fans when he first came to Manchester.

The Emirates businessman has promised, along with owner Sheikh Mansour, to end 33 years of hurt Blue pride. But al Mubarak, who is a hugely successful entrepreneur in his own right, says he has had to take a step back from all the emotion, so that his head continues to rule his heart.

The chairman said earlier this week that he would not get involved in splashing "crazy money" in the manner of Real Madrid's splurges on Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka. City tried to sign Kaka for a staggering £91m, but the chairman says future decisions will be based more on sound business sense. "It's very hard to instil a sense of discipline in yourself," he said. "I'm a big football fan, and if you think I'm passionate, then Sheikh Mansour takes it to another level. "He's a sportsman and he understands football, but we realise that when it comes to the club you have to have a business-like attitude. "Unlike in business, things are very different in football. In business you can have the right structure, the right positions, the right business plan and you can, to a certain extent, control how it performs."

A man who made his own fortune as a high-powered oil company executive and is now a key figure in Abu Dhabi's immensely rich investment vehicle Mubadala, even al Mubarak was taken aback when they added City to the emirate's portfolio last summer. "I don't think I truly appreciated what I was getting into until I got there," he said. "It's very easy when you are sitting in Abu Dhabi and when your knowledge of it is based on hearsay and based on watching football on TV and going to games. Once you go to Manchester and you are the chairman of Manchester City Football Club, you quickly realise the importance of that club to the city of Manchester and its people, and that passion is not something that you take lightly. "I was really aware of how much people care and their lives are almost connected to it."

The awareness of City fans' frustration, and their natural suspicion of a takeover by "outsiders" was a key factor in the decision to snatch Robinho from under Chelsea's noses. "That was a key signing for many reasons," he said. "First, Sheikh Mansour comes in, he's the new owner, but for the fans his intentions may not have been clear. People don't know whether it's going to remain a mid-table club, is it going to drift to the bottom or are we going to compete for the title? "The other question for people was that even with considerable financial commitment, can City attract a top-tier player? "It was a statement of intent from Sheikh Mansour; he bought the club and bought in a top-notch player that Chelsea were on the verge of signing."

And he revealed that by "verge of signing", the Blues could hardly have cut it finer in landing their £32.5m British record-buy. He said: "It was crazy, put it that way. He was not metres away - I would say inches away from signing for Chelsea and that arrangement with Robinho was a huge coup for us. "First we got Robinho and he was followed by four other players. The key for us in the January transfer window was to bring balance to the squad."

Source - Manchester Evening News

Blues on Eto'o chase

2009-06-19T13:02:00.000+01:00

CITY want Samuel Eto'o to spearhead their attack... and their push to become a global brand. The Blues are in hot pursuit of the Barcelona strike ace, but face stiff competition, primarily from Inter Milan. And sources in Spain claim that Eto'o, at the age of 28, wants Champions League football next season, which would make the Blues also-rans. But City hold a couple of aces in that they would be able to out-muscle Inter when it comes to paying the Cameroon star's wages - and they want him to be the figurehead for their plans to conquer the African market.

City's owners hope to give the club a "cult" following in the Middle East and then roll out the brand to the rest of the planet, focusing specifically on Asia and Africa. The Blues will play three games in South Africa next month as part of their strategy, and the first staging of a World Cup finals on that continent next summer is expected to trigger a surge in football interest. They also have one eye on the Arab north African countries.

But Eto'o is revered throughout Africa as the only man to have been named African Footballer of the Year three times. And City, as well as landing a top player, see him as a great marketing tool. Blues officials have already spoken to Barcelona about a possible £30m signing, though it is understood that reports of the player wanting a staggering £320,000-a-week wage are wildly exaggerated.

"You have to look at Asia and Africa," said City chairman Khaldoon al Mubarak. "These are markets which are growing and where there is a tremendous football base. "These are markets where if you position yourself well enough, you have an opportunity to really capture. "In Europe there is a traditional football market. But you go to Asia and Africa and you have a good opportunity to build on your base and their huge populations. But the first phase of City's expansion is to try to make the Blues big in the Middle East. Al Mubarak said: "I am very confident that over the next two seasons we will be very big in the Middle East."

Source - Manchester Evening News

City chase Taylor

2009-06-19T13:00:00.000+01:00

CITY have lined up a deal to bring in Aston Villa goalkeeper Stuart Taylor as cover for first-choice Shay Given. The Blues are expected to loan England under-21 stopper Joe Hart to Birmingham to give him valuable experience, and Taylor is a dependable, experienced 28-year-old with a Premier League winner's medal from his eight-year spell as understudy at Arsenal. Meanwhile, the signing of Roque Santa Cruz, who does not actually return from holiday until the weekend, may be wrapped up early next week. City will demand a rigorous medical examination for the Blackburn striker following his knee problems last season. Sources on Merseyside also indicate that Joleon Lescott is 'dead keen' on a move to City.

Source - Manchester Evening News

City set to seal Santa Cruz deal

2009-06-19T03:14:00.001+01:00

Manchester City have agreed an £18million deal to sign Roque Santa Cruz from Blackburn as they begin to build a squad to break into the Premier League's top four.

Manager Mark Hughes will finally be reunited with the striker he wanted to bring with him from Rovers to Eastlands last summer in the first of several blockbuster signings before the end of August.

Santa Cruz will cost £15m, with the rest of the fee dependant on appearances and team success, but he is likely to have to compete for a place with Carlos Tevez - who is ready to reject Manchester United and Liverpool - and Barcelona's Samuel Eto'o next season.

City are confident they are making progress in their pursuit of two of the most respected goalscorers playing in Europe - despite Eto'o's exorbitant wage demands of £192,000-a-week after tax - as chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak continues to back Hughes in the transfer market.

The signing of Santa Cruz, who missed the end of last season with a knee injury, shows that the manager remains in charge of the club's transfer targets.

Al-Mubarak has admitted his frustration at the perception of City as a club who do not deserve a place at the game's top table. The Cruz deal highlights his reluctance to pay wildly inflated fees, as the initial figure is £5m short of the price Blackburn quoted them in January when their bids were unsuccessful.

Hughes first signed Santa Cruz for Blackburn from Bayern Munich for £3.8m in 2007 after he had fallen out of favour at the German club. He scored 23 goals for Rovers in his first season but suffered with injury last term after the Welshman had move on.

Source - Daily Mail

Robinho scores in Brazil Confederations Cup win

2009-06-18T17:22:00.000+01:00

Robinho was on target for Brazil as the Copa America holders swept towards the Confederations Cup semi-finals in South Africa with a game to spare by comfortably beating the United States 3-0 in their second Group B match.

City's record signing from Real Madrid finished off a lightning-quick breakaway after an error from former City midfielder DaMarcus Beasley turned a United States corner into an inviting opportunity for Brazil.

Robi's 20th-minute strike came with Brazil already a goal in front in Pretoria through reputed Arsenal target Felipe Melo, whose header from an eighth-minute free kick gave Tim Howard no chance in the United States goal.

That goal effectively sank Brazil's rivals, still struggling to recover from a 3-1 opening defeat by Italy and reduced to ten men after 55 minutes when midfielder Sacha Kljestan was sent off for a studs-up tackle on Ramires.

Right-back Maicon added Brazil's third for good measure in the 62nd minute, firing into the roof of the net from an acute angle following a smart build-up and great final ball from Kaka. The US rally to hit the bar twice in the closing stages was a tad misleading.

Brazil, unbeaten in 13 matches, will now face world champions Italy on Sunday in their final group game with six points in the bag following a nerve-jangling 4-3 victory over Egypt in their opening tie.

Coach Dunga rested several of his regular starters including Robinho's City team-mate Elano, who was on the bench.

Source - Manchester City official site

Santa Cruz could stay at Blackburn

2009-06-18T13:04:00.000+01:00

Roque Santa Cruz admits there is a possibility no club will trigger his buy-out clause this summer.

The Blackburn striker has attracted interest from Manchester City, with the Blues having tracked the Paraguay international for some time.

Mark Hughes' men lodged a number of bids for the South American star during the January transfer window, but failed to match Rovers' valuation.

They are expected to reignite their interest in the coming weeks, but are once again expected to be met with stubborn resistance from Blackburn.

Santa Cruz's buy-out clause is believed to be around £20million, a figure City have so far been reluctant to meet.

Should the big spenders from Eastlands fail to match the required demands this time around, the talented frontman accepts that he will have no option but to carry on at Ewood Park.

"A signed document stipulates that there is a lot of money to pay to take me away from Blackburn," Santa Cruz told Radio 970 AM in his homeland.

"If they don't want to sell me, then I must complete my contract and continue with them.

"I am under contract until 2012."

Source - Sky Sports

Manchester City season shape-up

2009-06-18T12:26:00.000+01:00

Having learned lessons in 2008/09, Manchester City will aim to take the next step towards big-time status this season. Mark Hughes' side have already signed Gareth Barry, but the world's richest club continues to be linked with a host of star names and we look at the potential new arrivals at Eastlands.

What's happened so far

In comparison with many Premier League clubs, quite a lot. While other teams appear to be taking their time and waiting for the beginning of pre-season in July, City are intent not to repeat mistakes of the past.

The richest club on the planet - funded by the reported £560billion wealth, earned from ownership of the largest oil reserve in the world, of Sheikh Mansour's family - was the talking point of the winter transfer window as a world-record pursuit of Brazil international Kaka ended in a drawn-out failure.

City have learnt their lesson and are not messing around. Business is being conducted at speed to avoid a repeat of the embarrassing transfer brouhaha of six months ago.

Blink and you missed the £12million arrival of Gareth Barry from Aston Villa as the England star abandoned his desire for immediate UEFA Champions League football, or even European participation, to become the latest player attracted by potential at Eastlands.

Star midfielder Stephen Ireland has signed a new long-term contract, announcing that he does not see any reason to ever leave City, to provide reason for cheer.

In between praising the club's hierarchy, and receiving reassurances about his job in exchange, manager Mark Hughes has continued to state the need to conduct business in a hurry, which suggests further arrivals will not be far away.

Hughes interviews can at times sound like repeats as the Welshman, clearly well drilled from the club's media department, persistently pedals the cards-close-to-chest party line of quick negotiations and a catchphrase interest in quality additions, however, that, on the surface at least, demonstrates a combined focus throughout the club which will help in transfer activity.

If conjecture is correct, City have a £150million summer transfer kitty at their disposal. It is unlikely all of that cash will be spent - there is a credit crunch you know - but there have been no shortage of possible purchases.

There has been no secret made of hopes of an audacious move to bring in Carlos Tevez after his loan spell at rivals Manchester United, while Hughes is desperate to capture former Blackburn colleague Roque Santa Cruz in the wake of a failed attempt in January. Everton's Joleon Lescott could be the target of a swap deal involving Micah Richards.

Barcelona trio Samuel Eto'o, Yaya Toure and Thierry Henry have all been linked, while any other player who would demand a transfer fee of around £20m - step forward David Villa, Sergio Aguero, Franck Ribery and Edin Dzeko - have also been connected with City.

Hughes, though, will have to clear out a lot of deadwood from his oversized squad. Elano, Valeri Bojinov, Gelson Fernandes, Benjani, Felipe Caicedo, Dietmar Hamann, Kasper Schmeichel, Danny Mills and Darius Vassell are among a host of players who could leave.

Daniel Sturridge, a rumoured Chelsea target, Ched Evans, Tal Ben-Haim, Jo, Clayton McDonald, Paul Marshall and Richard Martin may also start the new season elsewhere.

There has been speculation over the future of British-record signing Robinho who, having only arrived from Real Madrid last September, has, ominously for City as it is players who hold the power no matter what clubs would like to think, admitted the Camp Nou is an attractive destination.

What they need

City's midfield is well stocked, with the likes of Barry, Nigel de Jong, Vincent Kompany, Martin Petrov, Shaun Wright-Phillips and, if he regains full fitness, Michael Johnson offering formidable combinations.

Hughes has an established goalkeeper in winter signing Shay Given and plenty of choice for backup, so that area should also be fine.

The defence is in good shape, although an option at right-back or centre-half, which is where Lescott comes into the equation, would be welcomed.

Attack is the area that requires improvement. City struggled horribly on their travels in 2008/09 and a player who provides a persistent goal threat would offer a step towards a cure.

Santa Cruz, or rumours of John Carew, would be the target man to hold the ball up, so vital when away from home, which would benefit Craig Bellamy or Robinho.

Tevez's class would add a different dimension, while the Argentine's much-heralded work ethic would reap rewards when on the road and help a push towards the top six in the league.

What they'll get

Tevez, Santa Cruz and Lescott seem the most likely arrivals, with fresh reports suggesting the former has decided to snub Manchester United in favour of a £140,000-a-week deal when he returns from a family holiday.

Santa Cruz has made his intentions clear and an existing relationship with Hughes will probably see the Paraguayan arrive at Eastlands.

Lescott could move to Manchester, despite suggesting otherwise, with City's wealth and long-term aspirations outweighing that on offer at Everton, and Richards, who is understood to endure a shaky relationship with Hughes, would head in the other direction.

There will probably be another two new faces on top of the above trio, while a host of squad players are shown the exit.

Fans view - Nathan Jones

Carlos Tevez would be a great buy for City as he will at last work a shift rather than the likes of Robinho, who on a cold Wednesday night in December at Sunderland away (no disrespect to Sunderland) will not. Also, we need a centre-back and a right-back. Glen Johnson would be a great buy as he is up for sale and Liverpool are nearly broke so I don't think they will find £18.5million to buy him. Samuel Eto'o won't come (yet) due to Barcelona probably being the best team in the world. But someone like Thierry Henry, who maybe isn't getting a game, may be become available.

Source - Sky Sports

Hamann interested in Munich move

2009-06-18T12:03:00.000+01:00

Manchester City midfielder Dietmar Hamann has revealed he would be interested in a move to German second division club 1860 Munich.

Hamann joined City in 2006 from Liverpool, but has seen his opportunities limited as City waded into the transfer market with some high-profile midfielderers.

The former Germany international, 35, played his last league game for City in December but is keen to carry on playing and sees 1860 as an attractive option.

“They are a great club that belongs in the top flight,” Hamann said. “I could see myself playing there. I want to carry on playing for another two years.”

Hamann won the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005 and scored the last ever goal at the old Wembley before it was torn down.

Caicedo on the move?

2009-06-18T12:01:00.000+01:00

Felipe Caceido’s agent has declared that Manchester City will have the final word regarding the striker’s future.

Two clubs are believed to be on the Ecuadorian’s tail – Sporting, who have approached him regarding a one-year loan deal plus an option for a permanent deal, and West Ham.

The 20-year-old’s agent, Stephan Braendli, has claimed that various clubs have enquired about Caicedo, who is not the one that will take a decision regarding his next club.

“Today Sporting is an option for the kid, but not the only one,” Braendli told Record. “I cannot speak much about this topic, but there is a deadline regarding the deal – the end of June.”

He added: “Other clubs have asked about Caicedo but his future does not only depend on the player, as Manchester City will have the final word.”

Source - Setanta Sports

Eto'o on his way to Manchester City?

2009-06-18T00:24:00.000+01:00

Manchester City were last night edging closer to the player they believe will be the stellar domestic signing of the summer - a spectacular deal for Barcelona's Samuel Eto'o that could cost £70million.

Quite how the striker will react to the prospect of making his debut away to Blackburn at a compact Ewood Park remains to be seen, but the size of City's staggering purse will surely help overcome any doubts he may have.

City will pay a transfer fee of just under £30m, but will need to match Eto'o's wage demands of £192,000 a week AFTER TAX over the four-year-deal, making him the most expensive arrival in British football. Having Eto'o on the pay roll will cost in excess of £320,000-aweek (£16.6m a year), more than twice as much as leading Barclays Premier League stars such as Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard.

Barcelona sources say the deal, which Sportsmail exclusively revealed this month, is almost complete. It represents outstanding business for the Spanish champions as the 28-year-old has only one year left on his contract, and he would have been able to leave on a free transfer next summer.

Last night City denied they must lose Robinho to gain Eto'o. Executive chairman Garry Cooke said: 'Robinho has always been a highly valued member of our team and that continues to be the case. Reports suggesting he will leave, either on loan or on a permanent deal, are absolutely untrue.'

City want to pair Eto'o with Robinho to steal Manchester United's thunder after they lost Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid in a world-record move.

City have signed Gareth Barry from Aston Villa, but want to flex their muscles as manager Mark Hughes sets them a target of gatecrashing the Champions League and Eto'o, who scored 36 goals last season, would certainly be a Hollywood-style capture.

His wage demands were considered unreasonable by Barcelona president Joan Laporta who said: 'We would like to renew his contract but not at any price.'

City are looking to bring in up to six more players and chairman Khaldoon al Mubarak said: 'Key for us is that we trust Mark and any acquisition is based on his view.'

He added that some figures quoted to City have been 'a joke' and confessed: 'I'm frustrated with people assuming we're going to throw crazy money at deals, that we won't understand true values and we can't negotiate or get value for a player. There are situations where a £10m player will be offered to us for a "City price" of £20m. We just leave because at that point there's no point arguing.

'Look at City owner Sheik Mansour, he's a very shrewd businessman. I'll defend the value of every deal we've done. Look at our Robinho deal. If he went in this transfer window for the same price [£32.5m] it would be a steal.'

Source - Exclusive by Simon Jones And John Edwards - Daily Mail.

New Umbro shirt launch poster

2009-06-17T20:43:00.000+01:00

Manchester City's home shirt is available for pre-order from july 1st and available to buy from 18th July

Cook - Robinho going nowhere

2009-06-17T20:13:00.000+01:00

Manchester City chief executive Garry Cook has dashed rumours suggesting Robinho is poised to leave the club.

Reports on Wednesday had suggested that the Brazilian playmaker was a summer transfer target for Barcelona.

The Catalan giants were said to be keen on taking the South American superstar on loan with the view to a permanent deal being struck at a later date.

Robinho, who joined City from Real Madrid in a record-breaking move last summer, had also been quoted as expressing an interest in a return to Spain.

However, Cook insists there is no substance to any such reports and claims the 25-year-old will be staying at Eastlands.

"Robinho has always been a highly valued member of our team and that continues to be the case," he told the club's official website.

"Reports suggesting he will leave the club, either on loan or on a permanent deal, are absolutely untrue."

Source - Sky Sports

MCFC Fixtures List 2009/2010

2009-06-17T20:00:00.000+01:00

The fixture list was released today to much anticipation, you can find all MCFC fixtures at the link to the Official MCFC Website below.

http://www.mcfc.co.uk/default.sps?pagegid={DBD12D53-8346-431D-A04F-5D0F8664DE80}&newsid=6634576