The Manchester City Project

Craig Bellamy has been in talks with an unnamed club. The BBC understands Bellamy was in talks on Monday and his future could be decided by Wednesday. Robbie Savage speaking on 5 live said “He’s been at a club having talks, if it comes off he will sign for them.”

Bellamy’s new club looks increasingly like his boy hood hero’s Cardiff City after Celtic’s chief executive Peter Lawwell claimed Bellamy wanted to return home: “We agreed a deal with Manchester City and we had been talking to Craig for over a week. But at the end of the day, if you lose out to someone who wants to go home there’s nothing you can do about it.”

Bellamy and Ireland missed first team training yesterday. Whilst Bellamy was reportedly travelling back to Cardiff Ireland was forced to train with the reserve squad as he holds out for a £2 million payout from City before signing any deal with Aston Villa. Aston Villa meanwhile threatened to use Milner on Thursday night in Europe, and that would cup-tie the player should he transfer to City.

Santa-Cruz has become an £8 million target for West Ham United. West Ham are keen to bolster their attacking options before the close of the transfer window. Avram Grant appears to have missed out on French striker Loic Remy and Everton’s Yakubu, leaving Stana Cruz as West Hams main target.

Rumour Round Up 16/08/10

Craig Bellamy has been banned from City's training ground and facilities based upon Manchini's recommendation after a number of rows (various). The talented forward unfortunately angered the manager with a number of outbursts in the press.

After the 1-0 defeat to spurs last season which meant City missed out on a Champions League place, Bellamy was seen to 'hi-five' Redknapp before heading down the tunnel (Mail).

Bellamy has returned to his home town of Cardiff to be with his wife and family who reside permanently in Wales. The life long Cardiff City supporter has been granted permission to train with the Championship Club, further increasing speculation that the 31-year-old will move to Cardiff (guardian).

Redknapp is still interested and a £2 million bid is expected. Fulham, Everton and Celtic are still interested in the player too (various). After Bellamy hi-fived Redknapp after the Spurs game then I don't care where he goes as long as it's not tottenham. Give him to Cardiff.

Inside Futbol.com are reporting that Robinho may be tempted to move to Schalke to be reunited with his ex-Madrid team mate Raul. Although this contradicts recent reports that Robinho will be in the 25 man squad named by Manchini.

Joleon Lescott was finally unveiled as a Manchester City player today. See Joleon's press conference video below. Joleon said: "There are World Cup players and winners here and if we're all pushing in the same direction then we should achieve great things."

Joleon Lescott signed a five-year-deal after agreeing personal terms, in a deal worth around £22 million for Everton. Lescott will bring strength and depth to City's defensive options along with left back Sylvinho.

Joleon Lescott added today: "I'm excited to have joined a great club, and after talking to Mark Hughes I know that the Club's ambitions and mine are similar. Now I just want to get out there with the lads.

"It was time for me to make the change, and my target now is to just play as many games as I can this season - you don't join a big club like this and expect to go straight in.

"We want to finish as high as we can in the League of course, and fourth place is achievable when you look around the dressing-room. We've signed players from some of the biggest clubs in the world, and that shows the ambition here.

"I think we're better equipped than Everton to finish fourth. I reached the FA Cup Final last season, which is an achievement. The next step is to win a trophy. I sense that feeling here.

"I've a lot to live up to but not because of the money. I put a lot of pressure on myself and make demands of myself.

"It's a demanding season with a World Cup to follow. I've managed to get into the England squad, now I want to try and cement my place for the World Cup, a massive goal for me."

Manager Mark Hughes said of Lescott at the press conference today: "I fully expect him to become the best central defender in the country. He is at the stage of his career where there is further development in him.

"He is at a club on which there is a huge focus. He will have to deal with that. That makes players grow. We have invested a lot of money in him and with that comes a responsibility.

“Joleon can be as good as John Terry and Rio Ferdinand. That is the challenge for Joleon. It will not faze him. He is a driven young man and wants to be the best he can be."

Despite claims that the signing of Lescott will bring to an end Richard Dunne's Manchester City career, Mark Hughes has reiterated that Richard Dunne remains the club captain. Richard Dunne will along with all the other defenders now face a fight for a starting place.

Hughes said of Dunne: "There is bound to be speculation but what we are trying to do is make the squad stronger,"

"No doubt we will get calls in relation to Richard or other centre-backs, because people will surmise that now Joleon is here others may leave.

"That is not necessarily the case," he said. "It can be down to the individual or down to circumstances, but my remit is to make the club stronger.

"As we stand today Richard Dunne is the captain,"

However it is now being reported that Aston Villa have had a £6 million fee agreed with Manchester City regarding the transfer of Richard Dunne. The Guardian are reporting that a fee has been agreed and they will offer Dunne the Villa captaincy in discussions over personal terms.


Man City had previously had 2 bids for Lescott turned down robustly by Everton. The situation took a dramatic turn when Lescott handed in a written transfer request which was immediately rejected by David Moyes. Lescott however was determined to secure a move to Manchester City. David Moyes inevitably had sell Lescott to prevent any long term damage to the stability of the Everton dressing room. Moyes said: "The situation means we have to sell him, that's been the main reason. It has jeopardised team spirit, you saw how we were against Arsenal."

Everton signed Lescott from Wolves in 2006 and the player has gone on to become a regular for both Everton and England. Birmingham born Lescott now lives in the Manchester area and was reported to be interested in a move to City since the saga began.

Lescott is a versatile player who can play as either a left-sided centre back or a left back. Lescott responded today over David Moye's claims that Lescott's attitude was "disappointing" and how he insinuated that this was the cause of Everton's 6-1 thrashing by Arsenal on the opening day of the season:

"I was disappointed in the comments, I feel they're inaccurate," Lescott said. "I'd like to address them at a later date and talk more positively about my move here.

"I don't think I disrespected any of the (Everton) players. If I did I apologise. I'd like to think they thought I gave my all when I played.

"I know it wasn't my finest game for Everton (against Arsenal). It was a collective effort and obviously Arsenal were better than us on the day."

City manager Mark Hughes and the backroom staff have been keen to add premiership proven players to the squad, and preferably home-grown talent. City’s squad now has a number of high profile home-grown players including Barry, Ireland, Wright-Phillips and Bridge. Manchester City is clearly preparing a team that will be able to compete under any new “Home-grown player” rule adopted by UEFA.

The home-grown player rule states: At least four players in every 16-man match-day squad will have to have been registered domestically for at least three years before their 21st birthday.

This is not to be confused with the FIFA “6+5” rule which was abandoned after it broke EU laws on freedom of employment between European Countries. It would mean that players who have been brought up through the ranks of English based clubs would also qualify as “Home-Grown”, so for example Richards, Lescott, Barry, and Wright-Phillips fall in this bracket.

Everton are reported to have compiled a “nailed on” dossier against Manchester City – accusing them of illegally “tapping-up” Joleon Lescott. If found guilty City and the player could face possible fines. The club could also suffer a point’s reduction penalty. Ashley Cole and Jose Mourinho were fined £75,000 and £20,000 respectively after Arsenal reported Chelsea for “tapping-up” Cole. The original inquiry found Cole in breach of Premier League rule K5, which prevents contracted players talking to rival clubs without their employer’s permission.

Mourinho, who initially denied he had been at the meeting, was found to be in breach of Rule Q, governing managers’ conduct. Chelsea was also given a suspended 3-point reduction if they were found guilty of committing a similar offence in the future.

Under these circumstances Everton would have to prove that Manchester City had spoken to Lescott regarding a move without their permission. The only hearsay is that Lescott and Hughes were on holiday together, along with John Terry... hmmm. If Everton believe that the saga has been too public then they will fail in that accusation because it was Everton who published the following on their website before Manchester City said anything public:

30/07/09: "We can confirm we have received an offer of £18m for Joleon Lescott from Manchester City and that offer has been rejected outright."

Of course in all probability all of this will fade away – especially as David Moyes’ comments after the 1-0 defeat to Burnley suggested that Everton were simply playing games to get as much money for Lescott as possible from the outset. Everything else would appear to have been a smoke screen to appease the fans and get more money for “3 or 4 players” before the close of the transfer window. Moyes said:

"We shouldn't have been asked to wait this length of time for an amount of cash we think was the correct value for the player.

"Real Madrid came in with the money (£80million for Ronaldo) a week after the end of the season. If the money had been offered in June it would have been a lot easier for us. The time is against us (to find a replacement)."

Joleon Lescott is currently undergoing a medical for Manchester City after being seen arriving at the training ground. The two clubs have finally agreed a fee for the English Centreback, understood to be in the reigion of £24 million.

David Moyes relucantly decided to sell the player after Lescott made his attentions clear that he wanted to move to Manchester City. Lescott's transfer request and attitude towards the rejection of that request has now persuaded Moyes that the player should move on to stop any dressing room unrest: "The situation means we have to sell him," Moyes told The People newspaper. "That's been the main reason. It has jeopardised team spirit -- you saw how we were against Arsenal. I would have preferred to keep the player. He's a good player and he can play two positions.

"I've been disappointed but I've had my say on how it's been and any more would be repeating what I've said.

"You could see the effect that it had last week. It's played a big part behind the scenes.

"Joleon had told me on the Friday that he didn't want to play but I had no options so I chose to play him but it worked against me. So, I've taken the decision.

"It's been difficult because Joleon's attitude has been so poor. We'd rather have him playing but if a player is going to behave in the manner he did, we had not choice but to keep him away."

Joleon Lescott's move to Manchester City edged closer today. Lescott trained on his own away from the rest of the Everton squad and has been dropped for the European game on Thursday against Sigma Olomouc. Everton have declined to comment on the defenders absence.

Lescott will not feature in the European game on Thursday after missing team training today and being left out the Everton squad for the match. Lescott recently handed in a transfer request and also asked not to be picked for the 6-1 loss to Arsenal on Saturday. The public absence of Lescott from training could signal to Manchester City that Everton are now willing to do business - rather than disrupt their season any further. City are now believed to be in the process of making a third bid now that the amber light flashes.

Moyes will be disappointed to lose Lescott - however the transfer would enable him to look into the transfer market to bolster his thin squad. It has been reported that Moyes has enquired about two Spurs players - full back Alan Hutton and Midfielder David Bentley. The enquiry within the last 24 hours would again suggest that Everton are now resigned to losing Lescott and gaining some transfer funds.

The silence emanating from Everton regarding the absence of Lescott is uncharacteristic of a club that has used every opportunity to publicly deny the sale of Lescott. Everton said of the situation : "We will not be making any comment on this."

Expect Lescott to be a City player by the end of the weekend.

Everton have been handed a transfer request from Joleon Lescott the club has confirmed.

The request has been turned down by the club, however a renewed bid for the player from Manchester City looks increasingly likely.

Everton may well have to negotiate the best deal for the player or else suffer the consequences of playing an unhappy player infront of what will be a hostile reception from the home support this year - which would not do Everton or Joleon any favours.

David Moyes told the club website regarding the request: "I have always said that we are not selling any players and that hasn't changed."

Come And Get Me - Lescott

The Mirror claim that even Lescott's team mates believed that the defender would be on his way to join the Manchester City Project before the weekend - when David Moyes reiterated that no players would be leaving the club.

Lescott is believed to be keen on a move to Manchester City and despite David Moyes standing firm up to now - he may not be able to stand in Lescott's way much longer without disrupting his own dressing room.

A young David Moyes may not get what he wants

The Guardian are reporting that West Ham United would be willing to accept a bid for Matthew Upson from Manchester City in the region of £12 million pounds. It is believed that Matthew Upson would be willing to accept the move to Manchester in order to potentially fulfil his ambition to play Champions League football withn the next two seasons.

A report in the Sun today claims that ex-player Sylvain Distin may also be considered for City's defensive bolstering if deals for Upson and Lescott fall through. It is believed that Distin would welcome a return to Manchester City, however he may recieve mixed reactions from fans - despite his impressive displays for the club - when he left a struggling City side for pompy on a free two years ago.

City will step up their efforts to purchase Joleon Lescott this week or Matthew Upson from Westham. With less than a week to go before the start of the season Hughes wants to add at least one defender to the squad.

Hughes recognises that time is running out to sign Lescott from Everton, with two bids rejected for the defender City are likely to submit one more bid early this week. Hughes said of the situation:

"We have to make a decision on any player we are pursuing, if we feel a certain deal has run its course, we will look elsewhere. Whether we have reached that stage with Joleon, only time will tell. Obviously, we can do deals right to the end of the transfer window. However, we would prefer to do our business as quickly as possible, ideally by the end of this week."

Everton manager David Moyes is still adamant that no players will be sold during this transfer window, claiming that unlike the press this summer he has been consistent in saying that no player will be leaving and that is currently the case.

Everton Chairman Bill Kenwright told sky sports news that he expects Lescott to be at Everton “at the start of the season”, not ruling out a transfer in a future window. However, with Everton to miss defender Yobo during January for the African Nations tournament the sale of Lescott at the beginning of the January transfer window seems unlikely.

Manchester City will also be missing defender Kolo Toure during January and will want a defender in place to cover any injuries before then. If the new Lescott bid is rejected this week then City will turn their attentions to England Defender Matthew Upson from West Ham.
30-year-old Upson signed for West Ham in 2007 from Birmingham City for £6 million. It may take an offer of £10 million to take him to Manchester City. The Mail on Sunday today claims that West Ham need to raise £10 million before the end of the transfer window as the club are in financial difficulty. A deal for the England international would therefore be a realistic possibility.

In April Upson himself said that he would be prepared to leave West Ham at the end of the season in order to increase his chances of landing a place in the England squad for the world cup. At the time Zola said of Upson: “Matthew Upson has been incredible. He is one of the players we will rely on a lot in the future. We will talk to him and see that he can be happy staying here.” Zola then announced that Upson has been made captain for the forth coming campaign in an attempt to satisfy Upson’s ambition. However with the club in financial difficulty a bid would have to be seriously considered.

City may face competition for the players signature from Aston Villa and his previous club Arsenal. Upson may favour Arsenal if they were to make a bid as he will not have to relocate from London and he will have the opportunity to play Champions league football this season, which is one of his major ambitions. He may feel that time is running out on his career to take a gamble on Manchester City reaching the champions league this year.

Aston Villa have agreed a fee with Leeds United for midfielder Fabian Delph. The player will have to travel to the midlands, have a medical and agree personal terms before the deal is complete.

Manchester City, Everton and Tottenham were all roumered to be interested in the midfielder - however Martin O'Neill has returned to Leeds with an improved offer for Delph.

More Later...

Joleon Lescott has been left out of the Everton Squad to face Coventry today and Newcastle United has rejected a £10 million offer for Sebastien Bassong from Tottenham Hotspur.

Amid reports today that Joleon Lescott is to hand in a transfer request to facilitate a move to Manchester City Everton has omitted the talented defender from their preseason match against Coventry.

David Moyes has spoken publicly today regarding Manchester City’s pursuit of the player, saying: ''It's all about respect between clubs and managers, and also about style. City aren't showing any.'' Previously silent on the issue, Moyes statement could well signal frustration at the very real prospect of losing his star defender. Despite Everton’s official line that Lescott is carrying a knock it would appear that coupled with Moyes’ statement a final decision could be made on the player’s future shortly.

Newcastle have also rejected a bid from Spurs for their defender Bassong who has also been on City’s wish list if the Lescott transfer was to fail. Spurs attempt for Bassong could well push Manchester City into forcing the issue over Lescott; otherwise they could fear losing out on their next target if Spurs enter an improved offer.

However Newcastle are in no rush to sell one of their better players and can hold out for an improved offer from either Spurs or Manchester City.

Nedum Onuoha has signed a 5 year contract extension at Manchester City, putting to an end any speculation of a permanent transfer away from club. The England under-21 international has been linked with a move to Everton, with Joleon Lescott going in the opposite direction.

Onuoha could still be used in a make-weight loan deal for the Everton defender, however this seems unlikely as City continue to ensure that they have a powerful squad of players that would be able to with stand a period of injuries. Kolo Toure and Adebayor will also be missing from cup and league games during January as they take part in the African Cup Of Nations.

Despite the increasing competition for places at the club Onuoha was happy to pen the deal and like the majority of the players is looking forward to challenging for a first team start. Nedum told the official website:

“I was pleased by the way I played towards the end of last season but at the same time I don’t think that level of form will be good enough to get me into the side this time around... ...Unless you are continuously improving you shouldn’t expect to be in the team. I want to improve on last season and I am raring to go.”

Nedum is please with the current ambitions of the club and is looking forward to being a part of the Manchester City project next term: “I am really, really happy,” he declared. “This is a great place for any young player to be. Hopefully it will be the start of another good five years for me and for the club. This is a season that we will be looking right towards the top of the table.
“Who knows how far the club can go. If you look back five years who would have expected the club to be in the position it is in now. We feel anything is possible.

“There is a brilliant mix here in terms of the squad. There are a lot of big signings that have been made but there are also plenty of lads who have come through the Academy and I think that is an important thing.

“We all have a lot more experience now and I think we are the type of players teams need to be successful. If you look at the recent history of the clubs that have won trophies they have all had a home grown element.”

Mark Hughes is delighted to have Nedum signed up on a long term contract, he said of the promising 22-year-old: “Nedum is a very important part of my future plans for the team, and I am very pleased he has decided to extend his contract with us. Despite his tender years he has already matured into a very good defender who has made a significant impact on the first team... ...Nedum has huge potential for the future and is another shining example of the kind of quality our academy can produce for Manchester City football club.”

33 Years T-Shirt: 29 February 1976 was the date. Over 30 years have ticked-by since that time and still Manchester City have not won a single trophy. This design is based on the Stretford End banner. – From tshirtsunited website.

Articles have claimed that Ferguson is “playing mind-games” – these words are not mind games they are a knee jerk reaction of a man who has clearly had his feathers ruffled.

On June 17th 2009 David Gill pointed out the official transfer policy for Manchester United: “We are not in the market for 27, 28 or 29-year-olds for loads of money,” he said. “It doesn’t make sense. That is not a road we are interested in going down. When Cristiano left, I was inundated with agents offering this player and that player. But are they motivated at 28 or 29 to come to the Premier League? Are they United-type players? We are about young players, giving them a chance and giving our own young players a chance.”

Despite the transfer policy on the 03/07/2009 Manchester United signed 29-year-old Michael Owen on a free transfer. Yet another contradictory move by Manchester United.
After unveiling Owen as a United player Ferguson stated at the press conference that United would not be making any more moves in the transfer market and said with conviction that: "It is the end of our business, so all these stories about who were are supposed to be getting - forget it,". Less than two weeks later on the 17/07/09 United signed striker Mame biram Diouf from Norwegian club Molde.

During interviews published on the 20/07/2009 Alex Ferguson claimed that Carlos Tevez was not worth the valuation of £25 million: "In my opinion, I didn't think he was worth £25 million." This claim does not make sense when you consider that Manchester United made an official bid of £25 million for the striker. United released the following statement prior to Fergusons comments: "The club agreed to pay the option price of £25.5million and offered Carlos a five year contract which would have made him one of its highest paid players. Disappointingly however, his advisors informed the club that, despite the success he has enjoyed during one of the club's most successful periods, he does not wish to continue playing for Manchester United.”

Alex Ferguson childishly stated on May 17th after winning the Premiership: "I hope Carlos Tevez was crying after I took him off” – hardly the way to treat a player who he had previously compared to Eric Cantona: "Carlos reminds me of Eric Cantona in the way that he has a knack of rising to the occasion with a goal just when it's needed. He often comes up with the goods away from home when you are up against it. I don't think anything fazes him and he keeps his cool in the box."

Did-ums - is there something wrong?

The constant contractions that keep coming from Old Trafford signal either massive communication problems between Ferguson and the board or a sign that the club is completely disorganized.

As for Ferguson’s rants about City - they are not the sentiments of a manger who fears nothing from City. City will not be challenging for the premiership title next year, however if the new squad can gel together and add quality in the future transfer markets - then they could well be challenging in the 2010 campaign. Whilst united may have to rely on free transfers and pay as you play contracts as they attempt to lessen their incredible debt.

Unfortunately for Ferguson he may well retire from United in the same season as small City lift the Premiership trophy – is this how he dreamt of signing off his successful era at the club? Maybe that’s why he’s a bit mift.

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.