Rubin Kazan’s Cristian Ansaldi to join Manchester City

If rumours are accurate, Rubin Kazan’s Cristian Ansaldi is in route to English Premier League side Manchester City with a transfer fee in the range of €4.2m (£6m). Per Russian media outlet Sports-Express (Спорт-Экспресс), the twenty-three year-old left back, who as been highly sought after in the winter transfer market with Benfica, Real Zaragoza and Atlético Madrid vying for his services, will be the first major signing for new manager Roberto Mancini.

Samuel Eto'o edging closer to Man City

While you may want to hold off the celebratory bubbly a morsel longer, a variety of internal sources are confirming that Barcelona is preparing to accept a hefty offer from Manchester City for Samuel Eto'o.

Earlier in the week less reliable media outlets in Spain had suggested the deal was nearing the final stages but of-course the difference between the negotiation table and signature on a contract is quite a long walk. For Samuel Eto'o the decision tree is convoluted because he would be leaving a Champions League title holder to a side out of a European football but with hefty promises for the future and of-course a substantial pay hike.

Barcelona's motivation on this seems to be very straight forward as they are looking to pull off a mid-day heist of Bayern München's Franck Ribéry and with Cameroonian contract expiring at the end of next season, they could easily fund much of their attempt with a purchase by City. Equally stated with much of the Footballing world on a crash course of budgetary constraints options their are limited for the twenty-eight year old striker despite being one of the best pure goal scorers in the game today.

Man City's dirty dealings

As foretold last July, Manchester City has announced a long-term branding partnership with Nike subsidiary Umbro.

Former Brand-Jordan lead, now Man City CEO Garry Cook said of the deal:

"We are thrilled to announce this key partnership. We are building a successful and sustainable football club for the future and our partners are integral to that. Umbro share our commitment to innovation, the city of Manchester and creating world-class experiences for its customers and our fans."

This deal was as good as done the moment Garry Cook was brought into City in May of 2008 with the first steps laid when Nike purchased Umbro for £285m earlier in the year. While the business aspect of it is a muddled pool of questionable relationships, for City fans behind the scenes the association will assist in the clubs many dealings to materialize.

Daniel Sturridge likely heading to Chelsea

Mancunian's will be left scratching their heads on this one as it appears that Daniel Sturridge, when he turned down the Citizens most recent contract offer, wasn't bluffing and near to inking a contract with Chelsea.

While Academy product's must be a priority for the club at all times, The Guardian is reporting that the young England U21 international was offered £55k per-week by the Man City. While this number naturally has not been substantiated by the club, unless grossly inaccurate it is peculiar comment of young Mr. Sturridge's loyalty to the club that he would leave the club at this time not to mention his business savvy. Unfortunately the young mans agents are doing him a disservice because not only would he be assured of be a fixture in Mark Hughes plans but I hasten to tell him, he can likely get by on what amounts to just under £3m per year.

Mark Hughes targets Carlos Tevez

With City staking the first major coup of the summer signing season adding Gareth Barry to the fold, Mark Hughes and company are pushing onward. The club has some clear cut targets and will use the hot and heavy summer to radically transform their squadron. With rumours running rampant of notable's such as Samuel Eto'o and Joleon Lescott being targeted, next in the big-game hunting season appears to be Manchester United's Carlos Tevez, with City apparently more than willing to ante up the £32m.

How reliable are said rumours of the Argentine's signing being imminent are a matter of debate. However City's approach is without a doubt to make quick-fire signings with surgical precision thus enabling further high-profile signings.

Gareth Barry joins Manchester City

With a well fortified balance sheet in place, Man City acted quickly to sign Gareth Barry from Aston Villa for a fee of £12m. Upon signing a five-year contract rumoured to be in the vicinity of £90k per week, the midfield said via the club web-site:

"I'm delighted to be joining City. It didn't take much persuasion from Mark Hughes, they are heading in the direction I want to go. There is great potential here, and I'm sure there will be a few more additions to the squad this summer."

Manager Mark Hughes said of his new midfielder:

“Gareth is widely acknowledged as one of the top midfielders in the Premier League, and that is a recommendation in itself. When players of his quality become available then you have to be in the market for them, so we are absolutely delighted that we have been able to conclude this deal.

“The experience required to compete with the best in the Premier League is vital, and with Gareth we get the experience of someone who has played week-in, week-out in the hardest league in the world. He plays at a level that has an impact on the game, and we are thrilled that he is joining us”.

The English international is just the first cog in what is surely to be a hefty grouping of signings for Mark Hughes and company as they are poised to act on numerous opportunities. Combined with the clubs rock solid balance sheet, a stated commitment to bring some of the sports most exciting talent to the City of Manchester and numerous players available this year for the "right price", it promises to be an exciting few months.

Stephen Ireland commits to Man City

With the campaign behind us, City supporters are ready to boil over with possible additions. The rumours run wild with a countless grouping of mega-stars linked the possible offers from club. However in one the best possible early moves the club could make, it has signed Stephen Ireland to a five year deal.

The twenty-two year-old stole the show this year and has been rewarding with a deal that escalates to £80k per week in the final stages of the contract for a total value of £18m.

Pledging his undying loyalty to Man City, he said:

"I never had any doubts about staying. Regardless, I was going to be here, and hopefully for the remainder of my career. I don't see why not. I really want to become a hero here, to hopefully achieve things.

"I'm settled here - I love the club, I love the fans, and I don't see what's going to make me leave this club.

"These are very exciting times. It's going to be interesting just to see what the line-up will be at the start of next season and how far we can push on. Hopefully we can compete for the title and get back into Europe.

"I've always trusted my ability, but it's only this season I've come out of my shell. I worked hard last summer to try and reach the targets I set myself. I reached some, the others are something to aim at next season.

"But I never take my place for granted. I don't think I ever would, I don't like to take my foot off the gas."

Man City ends campaign with 1-0 victory over Bolton

Man City ended their up and down campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over Bolton. Without a Europa League effort to plan, City now readies for the "season" many have waited for; the transfer season where they look to stockpile talent. That aside a ten-place finish, weighted-down with many sub-par performance is hardly an inspiring one and Mark Hughes can expect a not-so forgiving Eastlands if they do not turn things around quickly. Matches such as these, with virtually nothing on the line expect a feel-good wave to the fans at the end of the day are a peculiar mix.

In the matches lone goal the Citizen's took the lead eight minutes in as Stephen Ireland lifted the ball over the Bolton defenders to Micah Richards, who showed fine style providing the ball for Felipe Caicedo to close out. Opportunities came and went for both sides but with City dominating the run of play but unable the add to the score, the match concluded with a 1-0 victory.

In a highly positive addendum and a point that all true City supporters need to embrace both Vladimir Weiss and Glauber Berti were introduced in the final twenty minutes. To which I'd like to add, while City goes on its shopping spree, it must remember the sanctity of the Academy and never forget the rich talent that is developed regionally.

Citizens hopes for Europe end with loss to Tottenham

The Citizens hopes for the Europa League ended with a 2-1 loss to Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Saturday afternoon. With Man City targeting a number of top shelf players, the impact of not winning a Europa League berth could greatly reduce the lure of signing with the club.

With so much on the line for both sides, Man City's performance was a hearty slice shy of being sufficient and if wasn't for Shay Given the score line could have been significantly worse. After a number of top quality chances, Tottenham found the mark just past the half hour as Jermaine Jenas linked to Tom Huddlestone before his cross was half-volleyed in by Jermaine Defoe past the City 'keeper. Losing Elano to injury Pablo Zabaleta was ushered in and despite a few respectable efforts City was unable to level the match until five minutes past the hour when Valeri Bojinov found the mark. Just on the outskirts of the box, Stephen Ireland one-touched a perfect chip to Benjani who brought the ball down to the Bulgarian international who then sent it in the far side of the net. With the match already dotted with a peculiar incident at the half between Jermaine Defoe and a assistant referee, at the seventy-fifth minute Roman Pavlyuchenko stormed off the pitch as he was pulled for Fraizer Campbell. Not to be outdone with four minutes remaining referee Mark Halsey adjudged Micah Richards to bringing down Fraizer Campbell in a highly questionable call with Robbie Keane converting to make it 2-1. Despite having a quality chance to level the match late with Benjani's point-blank chance the match ended without further mark.

Despite considerable commentary from City's management that failure to qualify for European football, this will definitely complicate their efforts and will rule out a number of top shelf players

Man City's last chance at the Europa League

The Citizens quest for a Europa League spot continue on Saturday afternoon as they travel to White Hart Lane to face resurgent Tottenham. Trailing seventh place Fulham by three points with two matches remaining, Mark Hughes chances reside on winning out.

Although much attention is given to Man City's European berth and the obvious potential impact of new signings during the transfer season, the Spurs under Harry Redknapp are nothing short of remarkable. After taking over the club in ruins from Juande Ramos approach, the sixty-two year old manager has seen the side climb from the relegation zone to within a whisper of European football.

The match is a peculiar mix of late season drama with both sides far from one-hundred per cent. The Spurs are approaching a "who's left" stage with a enormous series of absences including Darren Bent and Aaron Lennon. For Mark Hughes, he will need to go forward without the services of Robinho although there is a chance that Shaun Wright-Phillips could return and of-course have had serious difficulties whilst playing outside of Eastlands.

City loses derby

Hopes of repeating last years Derby victory over Manchester United ended quickly as Mark Hughes side lost 2-0 with first half strikes by Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez. The loss severely threatens the Citizens hope for a Europa League spot as they are not three points behind Fulham with only two weeks remaining in the campaign.

From the get go it was clearly evident that Man City was lacking in depth and pace Shaun Wright-Phillips supplies and were easily bottled up. Early on efforts to go forward were few and far between and Sir Alex's side were patient waiting for the time to strike. Eighteen minutes after the start Stephen Ireland challenge of Dimitar Berbatov was "rewarded" by referee Chris Foy's with a foul call. From thirty-metres of so Cristiano Ronaldo's effort took the slightest of bounces of Nigel de Jong and into the net to make it 1-0. Of the foul call, most assuredly it was a bit on the generous side but as matches come and go, a certain degree of calls will not go your way. However this does not change the fact that City not only looked completely unable to break through Man Utd but the "drive" to go on the attack. Given the lack of attacking pulse prior to the goal it is difficult to say City deflated following the goal however chances going forward thereafter were rare to say the least. Prior to the break Darren Fletcher and Dimitar Berbatov linked-up with the Bulgarian providing Carlos Tevez the ball, to which he finished perfectly to make it 2-0. After the break City had a perfect chance to cut the margin in half as Elano's long pass provided Robinho the ball in close but he sent his effort into the stands. Following that opportunity City had a few scoring crumbs to consider but nothing materialized and the match concluded with a 2-0 loss.

City derby

A Derby needs little introduction and within one of professional Football's most notable cities, Manchester, the heated rivalry between the Citizens and Man Utd conjures up grand tales. Whilst the always notable "bragging rights" cannot be understated, particularly given when you're venturing out to the boroughs, this match has will have significant impact upon the table and City's hopes for a Europa League berth.

For Man Utd, they of-course have spent the week polishing off Arsenal with ease in the semi-finals of the Champions League and readying to meet Barcelona, who pirated their way from Stamford Bridge with an ill-gotten draw. That aside, Sir Alex and his cast are far beyond simply called the top shelf of the sport and the utmost reserve. Oddly enough it seems their success is the root of their few problems as the demands from cup final to cup final tax even their hearty stockpile of talent. It is a remarkable comment that they narrowly missed the chances for quintuple despite fielding a team of up and comers against Everton.

All those niceties aside, the match has a decidedly different side as Liverpool is hopeful of a major favour from City, as an upset would provide them a slight opening towards the Premier League crown. For the Citizens that is not such a significant issue as they are dealing with the need to close the gap on seventh place Fulham for the final Europa League spot. While there is little added inspiration needed for match against the Trafford side, a spot in European football is extremely important for the City as they venture into the complex signing market this summer.

Trips to Old Trafford have typically come up empty for City, excluding a bit of magic weaved during Sven-Göran Eriksson's reign. In returning to the scene of last years upset Mark Hughes must not only deal with a side perfectly synchronized but anxious to edge closer to their title celebration. Confidence billows within the Eastlands crew and the Welsh manager is not mixing words as he sounding the war drums that a victory is possible. For the match, he is likely without mercurial Shaun Wright-Phillips and will definitely miss Craig Bellamy, Daniel Sturridge but could see surprise appearances of Dietmar Hamann and Pablo Zabaleta.

Man City continue drive towards Europa League

Manchester City continued its surge towards a Europa League berth with a reaffirming 3-1 victory over Blackburn. The win, City's third in a row, puts the Citizens one point off the Hammers as they head towards Sunday's derby against Man Utd.

Whether it is the warm winds of spring or the mix finally gelling, Mark Hughes side are showing a well disciplined style with bales of promises. Against Blackburn they struck lightning quick and after securing the three goal lead, raised the sales and cruised to a delightful Saturday afternoon romp. Three minutes before the half-hour mark Felipe Caicedo, who has finally received his chance, continued to sparkle as he turned a loose ball from close-range. Via Elano's poorly cleared corner, Vincent Kompany played the ball on to Nedum Onuoha, whose effort from eight metres fell short only be turned in by the young Ecuadorian striker. Seven minutes later the margin was doubled as City swarmed for the kill resulting in Robinho drive the ball in from fifteen metres after another poorly cleared corner. Culling Blackburn's chances just before the half Elano made it 3-0 from the spot after Gael Givet was adjudged to handling Stephen Ireland pass in the area. After a break it was merely the job of killing off the day and whilst Keith Andrews added a mark for Blackburn six minutes after the hour when he dispatched a rebound of El-Hadji Diouf's saved penalty effort, the match concluded without further incident and City victorious 3-1.

Man City drives to Europa League berth

Following the Citizens solid 2-1 victory over Everton, Mark Hughes et al head into the weekends clash against Blackburn with a eye towards an Europa League berth. In the oddest set of circumstances as the tumultuous season with its many peak and valleys comes to a close Man City is only three points removed three points away from the final spot and whether it is through the drone of the very modest mid-table form of the Premier League or just plain luck, the opportunity for European Football burns bright.

Of Blackburn's year, it is coming to a rather uneventful conclusion that most Rovers supporters likely welcome its conclusion. The promise of last season results quickly turned in the wrong direction and without the yeoman service of Big Sam Allardyce stepping in mid December there is no telling where the club may have ended up. Stretching now over seventeen match-days the Big Sam led Rovers have returned to fine mid-table form and showing promise for the future. Curiously as Newcastle grapples with the gallows of relegation, their loss appears Blackburn's gain and in-time many will begin to realize the oft-criticized manager knew what he was doing.

For the match Mark Hughes will go forward without the services of young gun Daniel Sturridge, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Pablo Zabaleta and the complaining-one, Micah Richards.The question now looms which "City" team will show up, one capable of making a strong run in European football or the impostor that has shown up far too often.

Man City keeps Europa League hopes alive

Man City extended their Europa League hopes with a 2-1 victory over Everton at Goodison Park. The victory marked the Citizens first away from home since the hazy days of August and leaves them only three points behind Fulham in seventh place.

Without the services of Pablo Zabaleta and Shaun Wright-Phillips, Mark Hughes' side took the lead with ten minutes remaining in the half as Elano's long ball through the left channel to Robinho, was topped off with the Brazilian driving the ball past Tim Howard from a tight angle. The Samba was alive and well as smiles returned on the day and after Shay Given robbed Marouane Fellaini from point-blank range, Man City doubled the margin nine minutes into the new half. In an uncharacteristic defensive lapse by Everton, Felipe Caicedo provided the ball to Robinho on the left with the virtual right side open for Stephen Ireland to wander free and volley in the Brazilian's deft chip. Unfortunately for David Moyes side Phil Jagielka suffered a season ending knee injury and with an extended injury time Everton's superb young midfielder Dan Gosling accepted Steven Pienaar's provision and drove the ball to the right corner from the centre of the box.

Man City returns to action next Saturday as they welcome Blackburn Rovers to Eastlands.

Everton falls short to Man City 2-1

Everton's eight match unbeaten streak at Goodison came to an end with a 2-1 loss to Man City on Saturday afternoon. Following the success in the FA Cup and the positive mid-week draw at Stamford Bridge the performance was definitely short on intensity. While the loss certainly is missed chance to overtake Aston Villa, two points ahead of the Toffees, the real concern was the injury to Phil Jagielka to a torn ACL. Unfortunately the grave nature of the injury will likely keep centre back till mid next season.

The Toffees gave up the lead five minutes past the half-hour as Robinho got under a Elano's long pass before slotting in past Tim Howard. Opportunities were sparse in what was ever increasingly a "off-day" as City made in 2-0 six minutes before the hour as free and clear Stephen Ireland volleyed Robinho's provision. Danny Gosling added a consolation goal late but there was no coming back and Everton dropped 2-1 to Man City.

Man City travel to Everton

As Manchester City travel to Everton on Saturday afternoon, the media circus around Eastlands has kicked into high gear. Whether it is Micah Richards making use of his extraordinary vocabulary and further adding proof that the youngster is without discipline and needs to find a new home, Elano consistently causing rifts via the media and like Richards is incapable of discipline, Robinho's stunning under-performance on the pitch or of-course the ever-present transfer rumours, media hungry for content, pithy as it may be can rely upon the Citizens.

Shockingly their is an actual match to play and despite being dumped out of the UEFA Cup within a unsatisfying campaign, Mark Hughes et al are within reach of the Europa League berth. Improbable yes but within the wild and wholly Premier League season Man City has a glimmer of hope within the final five matches. Naturally it will require two things the side has been short on this year; a professional level of consistency and a morsel of intensity that generally exists beyond the oranges at the half group. Although the winds of spring provide little direction that they will find what has been absent since August, the chance is there if Mr. Hughes can convince his collective group to play with solidarity and respect for the crest.

On the injury front Craig Hughes knee problems have him out and while the Welshman is anxious to return it is best for his future that he concludes his season and begin a proper rehabilitation problem. In addition to the striker the Citizens will miss Pablo Zabaleta and Shaun Wright-Phillips and have significant doubts of Nigel de Jong.

Thoughts of catching Everton low on momentum need to be cast aside as the Toffees are riding a high at home. Following their stubborn draw at Stamford Bridge they are well positioned for a run at the Champions League and will enter this match ready to pounce on opportunities.

Citizens overcome West Brom 4-2

Mark Hughes survived a tough comeback to defeat relegation threatened West Brom 4-2 at Eastlands. While the victory will be well received by City it was far from overwhelming against a side most consider without a chance to avoid the drop to the Championship. With the win the Citizens hopes for a Europa League berth are rekindled as they are only four points off the important seventh place.

At the eighth minute of the match Stephen Ireland carefully crafted the opener with a perfect diagonal cross to Robinho who left-footed volleyed the ball into the net from just outside the six-yard box. Up by one Man City looked to be heading for a walk in the park as thirteen minutes later as Elano's corner from the right was headed high by West Brom defender Abdoulaye Méïté before Nedum Onuoha powerfully nodded into the right corner. However the Samba celebrations were cooled eight minutes before the break as Chris Brunt latched onto Marc-Antoine Fortuné provision. The Northern Ireland international, Brunt, brought the match level nine minutes after the half as the Eastlands supporters further questioned why Mark Hughes was given a vote of confidence by ownership. The score-line didn't last long as moments later Elano was brought down in the box by Jonas Olsson and the spot was pointed to. Elano decided to take the ball himself and immediately slammed past Scott Carson to make it 3-2. Tony Mowbray's side continued to fight-on and created a wealth of problems for City but as time wound down young virtuoso Daniel Sturridge scored via a perfectly weighted ball by Stephen Ireland and the match concluded 4-2.

Manchester City return to action next Saturday in a crucial step in their Europa League efforts against Everton.

Manchester City out of UEFA Cup

After losing the opening leg 3-1 in their UEFA Cup match against Hamburg, Manchester City had a glimmer of hope in advancing as the tie ended to Eastlands. However those hopes ended as the Citizens could not overcome the two goal deficit in route to a bittersweet 2-1 victory.

José Guerrero was once again the slayer of Man City's dreams as twelve minutes in a Jonathan Pitroipa low cross wasn't cleared properly by Richard Dunne and the Peruvian international sent the ball in from just outside the six-yard box. With the all important "away" goal given away, City's chances were growing slim. Five minutes after the opening mark Piotr Trochowski was curiously adjudged to handling the ball in the area and the spot was pointed to. Elano quickly brought the match even as smoothly stuck the ball into the left side of the net. With City's task of needing a further two goals, the match was wide open and Mark Hughes displayed notable attack vision. After the Elano hammered the ball against the woodwork just before the break, Man City grabbed the two goal lead five minutes into the new half as Stephen Ireland provided Felipe Caicedo the ball and after creating space he drove the ball in with his left foot. Down by a goal in aggregate, City poured forward with a series of notable close calls. However in the final fifteen minutes they were forced to play a man down as Richard Dunne and the visitors made good use of the man advantage for the most part. Despite coming close late City could not find the much needed third goal and the match concluded 2-1.

Man City loses 3-1 to Fulham

With a clear-cut opportunity to make a run for a Europa League berth, Mark Hughes decided to prioritize next Thursdays UEFA Cup clash against Hamburg and rest a number of his typical starting eleven. The calculated risk was a roll of the dice that did not work out as Fulham trampled City 3-1 at Eastlands that left many supporters calling for the managers job.

Already without the services of Craig Bellamy, Benjani Mwaruwari, Vincent Kompany and Shaun Wright-Phillips, the manager elected to keep Robinho out of the starting eleven. Equally, while this seems to be little historical concern of City, Valeri Bojinov and Martin Petrov were pressed into action and while both have done well in the recovery from injury, they need considerable more time or risk significant injury.

That aside City took the lead on an absolute dreadful piece of defending. As Stephen Ireland took control the ball deep within his own end he was left unchallenged by Fulham's defenders who provided him roughly ten metres cushion for much of his run before sending the ball over 'keeper Mark Schwarzer from the edge of the area. Whilst the goal certainly was noteworthy, it was a deplorable example of defending and will likely have Roy Hodgson incensed. The highlight of the opening half came seventeen minutes later as referee Mark Halsey thankfully whistled for the ordeal to go the break. With Fulham's horrible display of defending behind them, Man City raised the bid with a series of their own pathetic miscues. Five minutes into the half Pablo Zabaleta provided Clint Dempsey the ball, only to be sent to the back of the net. Not to be outdone nine minutes later Dickson Etuhu provided Fulham the lead as he drove the ball in from eighteen metres with once again City's defenders deciding to the take Easter Sunday off and simply being unable to properly clear a ball. With the striking trio of Ched Evans, Robinho and Daniel Sturridge on the pitch, City went searching for the leveler but vision was lacking and the output was minimal. Finally with a minute remaining Clint Dempsey added the third from Bobby Zamora's provision to bring the match and City's foul performance to a 3-1 conclusion.