The Manchester City Project

Reports in Brazil have claimed that Elano is close to calling time on his career at Manchester City and that the player would favour a move to Santos. However the player himself has said: “I do not have any news. I have not received any offers”. Elano has not travelled with the rest of the squad to South Africa since being given time off by manager Mark Hughes after he successfully helped Brazil to secure the Confereation Cup earlier this summer. This has led to reports that the inconsistent and tempremental midfielder is no longer required at City. A reported £8 million asking price for the player is apparently considered too much for long term admirers Inter Milan and Real Zaragoza, however Cologne are believed to have tabled a loan offer for the player.

Skysports pundit and Spanish journalist Guillem Balague has revealed on his website that: “Chelsea and Manchester City have contacted the agent of Xabi Alonso, enquiring after the player’s situation at Liverpool...” In the last 48 hours Xabi Alonso has spoken to Spanish newspaper AS in which he states he is flattered by the interest shown in him by Real Madrid. However Liverpool are steadfast in not accepting the €27 million offer from Real Madrid. As the player becomes more and more unsettled it is highly likely that more clubs will circle Liverpool for the highly rated player.

Joleon Lescott is ready to plead with David Moyes to allow him to speak to Manchester City over a proposed move. The Manchester based defender would like to hear what the Manchester City project hold’s for him. According to a report in the Times Lescott believes that a move to City would increase his chances of attaining a place in the England team for next year’s World Cup Finals.

I would not understand letting a player of Elano’s calibre leave the club at the moment, unless he was to be replaced by a better player as so as to make the squad stronger – rather than weaker. There is much more “dead” wood at City to move on before Elano. A swap deal plus cash for either Alonso or Lescott would be welcoming. Moyes may consider the deal since he has a thin squad and may settle quickly with Jo at the club.