According to the Guardian, Manchester City have joined the race for highly-rated Southampton left-back Luke Shaw. The 18-year-old has featured regularly under Maricio Pochettino this season, featuring in 24 of Southampton's 27 league games. Manuel Pellegrini is said to be unconvinced with the defensive abilities of Aleksandar Kolarov and sees Shaw as a long term investment, however, Chelsea remain in pole position for the Englishman's signature.
Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo report that Víctor Valdés will have to choose between AS Monaco and Manchester City in the summer. The Barcelona stopper was set for a move to Ligue 1 before Manuel Pellegrini registered his interest, citing Eric Abidal's move to the French giants as inspiration for a summer move. However, Valdés is believed to have an excellent relationship with former Barcelona and current City director Txiki Begiristain which may sway the Spaniard's decision in favour of a switch to Manchester.
(Decisions: Valdés will have to choose between Manchester and Monaco this summer)
In Other News
In other news, Javi Garcia has reflected on his time at the club so far and has revealed his excitement ahead of Sunday's Capital One Cup final. The midfielder has enjoyed more playing time under Manuel Pellegrini and believes he is finally settling into English football.
"It was hard last season because I was only involved occasionally and I found it difficult to get into a rhythm because I might play one or two games and then I wouldn't play for the next two or three - or be on the bench,” Garcia told Sky Sports.
"That makes it impossible to get to the level you know you are capable of. That only comes when you have a run of games, so last season was very stop-start for me."
"There have been times when it hasn't been so easy. Sometimes in the quieter moments of a game, you can hear the fans maybe aren't happy with you.
"But things have been different recently and I know I have heard them getting behind me which helps me more."
(Garcia has featured in 18 City league games this season)
The Spaniard also had praise for Wembley stadium, which he described as 'one of the best' he's ever played in.
"I played against Chelsea at Wembley (in the FA Cup semi-final) last season and it was the first time I'd been there in the flesh,” Garcia stated.
"I was in awe, if I'm honest, and it is one of the best stadiums I've ever played in.
"Now we have the opportunity to play there against Sunderland and if we can beat Wigan in the FA Cup quarter-finals we'll be going there again - so we'll be doing our best to make sure we have three Wembley appearances this season."
And finally, Sergio Agüero and Samir Nasri were pictured signing along to Beyonce this week as the singing sensation wowed the Manchester Phones4U Arena. Hopefully the pair will have halo's hovering over their heads on Sunday afternoon!
