Saturday's MCFC Transfer News

With Brazil 2014 rapidly approaching, a dip in form is no longer an option for players looking to impress their international managers.

Fortunately for Manchester City, that could mean Álvaro Negredo is set to drag himself out of a recent slump in front of goal and relocate his shooting boots. The Spaniard has failed to score in his last four matches but is keen to change that statistic in City's FA Cup clash against Chelsea this evening according to the Sun.

The 'Beast' is aware that Chelsea striker and fellow Spaniard Fernando Torres will be just one of the forward's battling for a place in Vicente del Bosque's squad in June and is determined to outperform the 29-year-old in tonight's game.

In Other News

In other news, Barcelona defender Pique has warned Manchester City about the class his side possess. The two sides meet in three days in the Champions League's most eagerly anticipated clash, but the Spaniard believes his team of stars has what it takes to beat the blues. 

In an interview with the Telegraph, Barcelona's most influential defender claimed the Catalan outfit have more than just Lionel Messi in their arsenal.

(The blues will have more than just Lionel Messi to deal with according to defender Pique)

''Everything was on Messi, with everyone trying to stop him. Now we have another way. Ok, if it’s not Messi’s day, we have Neymar, we have Pedro, we have Alexis [Sanchez], we have a lot of quality in the striker area, and I think that’s really good for the team.''

Scary!

Friday's MCFC Transfer News

FC Porto's Fernando and Paris Saint Germain's Blaise Matuidi have been linked with Manchester City in recent weeks as Manuel Pellegrini continues his quest of strengthening the midfielder, but another, more unfamiliar name, has emerged on the scene this morning. 

According to website afrikansoccer.com, City are targeting Southampton's Victor Wanyama. The blues were reported admirers of the Kenyan whilst he was at Celtic and are believed to be impressed with the powerful midfielder's start to life in the English Premier League. Although it may be one to take with a pinch of salt, it'll be interesting to see if anything comes of the unexpected report.

In more concrete news, Manchester City have had stadium expansion plans approved by a Manchester Council planning committee say the Guardian. The expansion will see the Etihad Stadium undergo a 14,000 rise in capacity from 48,000 seats to 62,000 seats. The development is expected to be completed before the 2015-2016 season and will make the Etihad the second biggest arena in the league behind Old Trafford.

(Manchester City's plans to expand their 48,000 stadium has been approved)

In Other News

In other news, Samir Nasri believes his side have what it takes to beat Barcelona in four days time. 

The French star said: ''I’ve missed a month-and-a-half of competition - but it’s allowed me to recharge my batteries,”

"“With City, we’re still in four competitions with the aim of winning them. In the Champions League, we are going to have an exciting game against Barca. For me, they are more beatable than in the past.

"“Personally, I think we can knock them out. If our injured players are back, with a full team, I think we can beat them.”

(Samir Nasri is edging closer to a return after picking up a serious knee injury)

Thursday's MCFC Transfer News

It may only be February 13th, but Manchester City have seemingly already sealed their first signing of the summer!

According to the Daily Star, the agent of FC Porto midfielder Fernando Reges has claimed his client will move to the Premier League in the summer. The Brazilian, who was subject of a deadline day bid from Manchester City, recently signed a new three-year deal with the Portuguese club and the chances of a dream move to Manchester began to fade. However, reports suggest the blues are still interested in the midfielder and won't be put off by having to pay a fee for the player they expected to pick up on a free at the end of the season.

Sports Direct News believe City will go head to head with Borussia Dortmund for the signature of highly-rated defender Niklas Sule in the summer. The 18-year-old Hoffenheim starlet has established a first team place in Markus Gisdol's side this season with a string of solid performances in the heart of defence and is believed to be Manuel Pellegrini's second option after losing out on Kurt Zouma. 

(The youngster has been in impressive form in the Bundesliga this season)

In Other News

In other news, England duo John Terry and Gary Cahill could miss Saturday's FA Cup fifth-round tie at the Etihad Stadium. Cahill picked up a calf injury in Chelsea's 1-1 draw to West Brom on Tuesday night and John Terry is unlikely to be risked after recently recovering from an ongoing muscular injury.

(Chelsea may be without the defensive pairing of John Terry and Gary Cahill on Saturday)

Wednesday's MCFC Transfer News

According to talkSPORT, Roberto Mancini is preparing a surprise move for former defender Matija Nastasić in the summer. The Italian brought Nastasić to Manchester in 2012 and watched the youngster establish himself as one of the Premier League's most promising defenders. However, injuries and a lack of first team football under new manager Manuel Pellegrini have resulted in a worrying dip in confidence with the Serbian looking a shadow of his former self this season. Although the blues are unlikely to sell, a loan deal could be on the cards.

In even more unsettling news, the Daily Mail report that Barcelona are expecting to welcome back Neymar for their trip to the Etihad Stadium on February 18th. The Brazilian has been out of action since mid-January but has been named in Gerardo Martino's squad to face Real Sociedad in the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Sociedad tonight. With Sergio Agüero and Fernandinho already ruled out of the huge tie next week, Neymar's inclusion in Barcelona's squad only rubs salt into the wounds.

(Brazilian forward Neymar is expected to be fit to face Manchester City next week)

In Other News

In other news, Forza Italian Football reveal that Mario Balotelli has admitted that he does miss elements of the English game. Although the enigmatic Italian concedes that the food and driving arrangements in Manchester don't exactly float his boat, the striker had nothing but praise for the fans. We'd take you back any day, Mario!

(Mario Balotelli established himself as a Premier League legend in his short time in England)

Manchester City v Sunderland

                                                     

Preview

City require recovery in Capital One Cup final dress rehearsal

Imagine questioning Manchester City's ability to score a goal four weeks ago. It would have been laughable, ludicrous, maybe even offensive to predict a drought in front of goal for the outfit averaging almost three goals a game - but rather amazingly; it's happened.

After seeing goals flow with all the consistency of Manchester rain, City's shooting boots have gone AWOL and a fortnight of 'failure' has cast a blackening cloud over the Etihad Stadium. 'Crisis' I hear you say, but there's none here, just the enormous expectation that has defined being a Manchester City supporter in the last five years. 

While some may find it laughable, ludicrous, and maybe even offensive that concerns are being raised over Manchester Citys' recent form given their electrifying start to the season; zero wins and zero goals in our last two games certainly provides the majority of us blues brothers with reason to worry.

(The blues have seemingly lost their confidence in front of goal in recent weeks)

Did José Mourinho's tactical masterclass at the Etihad last Monday kidnap the confidence of Manuel Pellegrini's minions? Or have injuries to Sergio Agüero and Fernandinho disrupted the morale of a team so significantly characterised by their influence? Both factors are likely to have made an impact, but the issue that is threatening to rock Manchester City's push for the Premier League title needs addressing, and fast. As they say, 'form is temporary, class is permanent', and this 'big horse' is more than capable of galloping over any hurdle that awaits in its path. 

Hoping to accentuate Manchester City's concerns are Gus Poyet's Sunderland who could leap to as high as 13th place with a win on Wednesday night. The Black Cats have established themselves as a bad luck charm for the blues in recent years and will be desperate to sink their claws into a vulnerable City side. Three wins from their last five Premier League fixtures has disseminated a potent dose of determination into the Uruguayan's relegation battlers who are sensing both cup glory and another year in the country's highest division, and one very familiar face has played the lead role in Sunderland's recent resurgence.

(Ex-Manchester City winger Adam Johnson picked up January's Player of the Month award after a string of impressive performances)

Adam Johnson's six goals in Sunderland's last five league games earned him January's Player of the Month award alongside Manager of the Month, Manuel Pellegrini, last week, but the couplet won't be expecting a similarly civil reunion on Wednesday. The ex-Manchester City wide-man was sold to the Black Cats in 2012 after failing to win over Roberto Mancini and is yet to put one over on his old suitors inside the Etihad Stadium. 

With a resurgence in form, a ticket back into the title race, a push away from the relegation zone and Capital One Cup final credentials all resting on the Wednesday night tie, it wouldn't be so ridiculous to brand the clash one of Manchester City's most important of the season so far. The goal police are out in full force, and City's title hopes may just be arrested if they fail in front of the sticks once again this week.

Line-Ups

Yaya Touré's stamp on Ricky van Wolfswinkel in City's 0-0 draw to Norwich City on Saturday has been left unpunished by the FA, meaning the midfielder is available for selection on Wednesday night. When one takes into account injuries to both Javi Garcia and Fernandinho, it's a good job the Ivorian's ridiculous act of stupidity was ignored. 

(Yaya Touré is expected to retain his place in the side after escaping FA punishment)

Samir Nasri and Matija Nastasić returned to normal training this week, but aren't ready for the mid-week clash. Sergio Agüero and Fernandinho have been given one more week by Manuel Pellegrini and will miss City's Champions League tie with Barcelona in five days time. 

Wes Brown missed the game for Sunderland through suspension.

Possible line-ups

Manchester City: Hart, Zabaleta, Kompany, Demichelis, Kolarov, Navas, Yaya Touré, Milner, Silva, Jovetić, Negredo

Sunderland: Mannone, Bardsley, Vergini, O’Shea, Alonso, Johnson, Ki, Bridcutt, Colback, Borini, Altidore

Head to Head Stats

• Sunderland have never won at the Etihad Stadium
• Sunderland's last away victory against Manchester City came in January 1998 when both sides were in Division One
• In a total of 9 Premier League encounters on Manchester City's home turf, the blues have won 8 times. Sunderland managed a 3-3 draw in March 2012
• In those 9 games, Manchester City have scored 26 goals

Premier League stats

• Manchester City (68) have scored 43 more goals than Sunderland (25) this season
• Sunderland (38) have conceded 11 more goals than the blues (27)
• Manchester City (86%) have completed 7% more of their passes than Sunderland (79%)
• The blues (353) have created 132 more chances than Sunderland (221)

Tuesday's MCFC Transfer News

According to talkSPORT, Manchester City have re-entered the race for Paris Saint Germain midfielder Blaise Matuidi. The blues were heavily linked to the French midfielder in the January transfer window but cooled their interest when club president Nasser al Khelaifi issued City with a stern hands off warning. However, with reports emerging from Portugal suggesting top target Fernando has signed a new deal with FC Porto, Pellegrini is expected to test PSG with one last enquiry regarding Matuidi's availability. 

The Daily Mail report that City's pursuit of 12-year-old IFK Gothenburg player Kevin Ackermann has raised eyebrows at the club. Academy director Roger Gustafsson voiced his concerns to the Swedish media;

'We certainly think it's scary here. It's not a trend we want to see. I understand this opportunity may never come again so I don't want to judge anyone.'

Ackermann and his family are reportedly prepared to move to England after deciding City's up and coming academy would be the best place for his development.

(IFK Gothenburg are concerned with City's courting tactics)

In Other News

In other news, Everton manager Roberto Martínez has expressed his desire to keep Gareth Barry at the club after his loan deal expires at the end of the season. Barry will become a free agent in summer and the Spaniard is confident of keeping the England midfielder in Merseyside say the Manchester Evening News.

(Gareth Barry has been in stunning form since moving on loan to Everton)

Monday's MCFC Transfer News

Another day, another sour story linking our star striker to Spain. But have no fear, Ferran is on the case.

In a recent meeting between Manchester City's Chief Executive Ferran Soriano and Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez, a hands off warning was issued by the blues in a bid to quell fresh rumours linking Sergio Agüero away from the club say the Manchester Evening News. Reports in Spain are begging for the 26-goal Argentine to join up with either one of Spain's two titans, but City have made it clear that no sale will be made.

According to the Daily Star, FC Porto midfielder Fernando Reges will reject offers from both Manchester United and Liverpool in favour of a move to the Etihad Stadium in summer. A Deadline Day deal for the Brazilian collapsed due to the Portuguese club's enormous asking price, with Manuel Pellegrini preferring a move for the player when his contract expires at the end of the season. However, reports in Portugal suggest Fernando has signed a new three-year deal with the club which makes a switch to Manchester in the summer highly unlikely.

(Will he or won't he? The Daily Star believe the Brazilian has rejected a new deal at Porto despite recent reports emerging from Portugal)

In Other News

In other news, an Independent exclusive has revealed that Manchester City have secured a commercial interest in two Portuguese clubs that will give them a competitive advantage in the recruitment of Brazilian players and may boost future attempts to pass Uefa's Financial Fair Play test.

The blues are providing scouting, marketing and merchandising advice to Gil Vicente and are pursuing shares in Boavista and an advantage in signing Brazilian players would stem from a Portuguese immigration treaty with Brazil, its former colony, which confers the same rights on Brazilians as Portuguese workers.

(City could be welcoming a fresh intake of Brazilians in the near future)

It all sounds a little complicated, but if it means more Fernandinho's, I'm happy!