Future of Kolo Toure Still Hanging in the Balance

Manchester City center back Kolo Toure’s future over his controversial dope scandal has not been decided yet and the former Arsenal players is now waiting for FA decision on this regard.

Toure, 29, was found positive in a sample A drug test recently and is facing a ban up to two years from all forms of football. However, the defender said he had not been aware of the presence of ‘specified substance’ in his wife’s diet pill before taking it to keep himself fit physically.

The Ivory Coast international got support from Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and the football federation of his country over the issue. Toure can now request for a sample B test as per the rule to check if illegal substance was really found in his body. FA has already said that it would reveal its decision over case within 8 weeks.

Kolo Toure joined Manchester City in summer 2009 for £16 million after spending seven years with Arsenal. Now, if FA imposes any ban on him, he can then appeal against it at the court of arbitration for sport.

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adifferentleague

Wesley Sneijder: Mario Balotelli could be One of the Best Strikers in the World

Inter Milan midfielder Wesley Sneijder has been full of praise about his former San Siro teammate and current Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli.

Sneijder believes that Balotelli has everything what it requires to become one of the best in the world, but at the same time he advised the 20-year-old City star to become a more controlled person both on and off the field.

Here, it is noteworthy that Mario Balotelli very often makes the newspaper headlines for all the wrong reasons. He was also fully criticized by former Inter Milan boss Jose Mourinho for his attitude.

However, Sneijder has rated Balotelli as one of the top class and immensely potential player whom, he thinks, could once be in the same class of Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Sneijder said,

“He has a personality. Sometimes as a player he is amazing because he can do crazy things on the pitch. But outside of the pitch he can do crazy things, stupid things sometimes. He knows this because I talked many times with him last year. He is still young and sometimes he loses control”

Wesley Sneijder, who was one of the best players of World Cup 2010, may have said some good things about Mario Balotelli, who moved to Manchester City during last summer for a transfer fee of £24 million, but whether the Italian international would be a success story depends on his ability to keep himself away from controversies.

Manchester City Winger Adam Johnson could Make Early Comeback

While Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini is struggling to keep up the pace with other teams in many competitions with his injury-hit squad, there is good news for the City boss as influential winger Adam Johnson is recovering very fast from his injury that has kept him on the sidelines since the turn of the new year.

Manchester City is missing a number of regular players in this busy phase of the season when matches are coming in a flurry in England as well as in Europe. City players looked exhausted during their 1-0 victory over Wigan Athleltic on Saturday. Naturally, Mancini is pretty much worried about the issue.

Manchester City is currently at the 3^rd position of the league table with 53 points from 28 matches. They may not be in the title race, but they are in the right track to clinch a place in the top four, and thus, qualifying for Champions League football. Moreover, they have also reached the quarter final of FA Cup and are one of the favorites in Europa Cup.

Overall, Mancini boys have a lot to win this season. So, the news of Johnson’s early return would definitely be a psychological boost-up for Manchester City. City boss also recently admitted they were sorely missing the England international who can create width with his pace and threat with his crosses.

Manchester City Facing Injury Scarce ahead of Aston Villa Match

Manchester City is going through a serious injury crisis at this busy phase of the season with their treatment room getting crowed after every week. They have some important matches ahead of them with the FA Cup fifth round tie with Aston Villa coming up this Wednesday.

Roberto Mancini’s side is currently missing a number of first team players and has only a handful of players to choose from. Naturally, this is creating more pressure on the fit players, and thus, making them vulnerable for falling in injury.

Mancini confirmed that winger Adam Johnson, who injured himself during a practice session in January, would require another month to get back in action. No doubt, it is a big blow for City who sorely felt the midfielder’s absence over the last one month.

After Sunday’s 1-1 draw with mid-table club Fulham, City now has 50 points from 28 matches and is still at the third place with 50 points from 28 matches. However, they have further fell behind Manchester United and Arsenal with fourth-placed Chelsea breathing on their neck. Chelsea is just 3 points adrift of City with a match in hand.

Manchester City owner splashed the cash over the last few transfer windows to strengthen the squad, but it seems their trophy-drought era spanning 35 years would be further extended as they have kept losing important players to injuries week after week.

Ahead of Aston Villa clash, Manchester City is missing David Silva, who is plagued by a recurring ankle problem, Micah Richards, Nigel de Jong and reserve goalkeeper Shay Given. Defender Vincent Kompany is doubtful for the Villa match and Shaun Wright-Phillips is not full-fit either. James Milner’s involvement in the match is also doubtful as the English international is current getting over from hamstring injury.

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Guardian

Manchester City is top English Premier League club after 4-3 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers

Manchester City has moved at the top of the English Premier League point table after getting a 4-3 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, 15^th January 2011.

Manchester City captain, Carlos Tevez, led his team successfully to overtake their rival Manchester United to go top of the table. He individually scored two goals that made their possibility stronger to win the match tonight. Other two goals were scored by Kolo Toure and Yaya Toure.

For Wolverhampton Wanderers, Milijas, Doyle and Zubar scored one goal each.

Nenad Milijas gave Wolves 1-0 lead after scoring a goal in the 12^th minute. But Kolo Toure leveled the score 1-1 scoring a goal in 40 minutes. After that, Carlos Tevez the second goal for his club and Man City finished the first half with 2-1.

Soon after the start of second-half, Man City took the lead 4-1 thanks to Carlos Tevez and Yaya Toure. They both scored one goal each in the second half.

However, Wolves could score two more goals in the last half of the game and the result was 4-3. Doyle made the second goal from penalty and Zubar scored the third goal from header and that goal came four minutes before the end of the match.

However, Manchester City has played three games more than Manchester United. And their position in the top place is not secured. It may not last for long time. If Manchester United gets victory in their next match, then they will regain their position again in the point table.

Manchester City has got 45 points from 23 matches. They are just one point ahead than their rival opponent.

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Bloomberg

Micah Richards says Carlos Tevez will stay at Manchester City until the end of the season

Argentine football star, Carlos Tevez, has been getting much media publicity for his determination to leave the club because of his relationship with ‘certain executives’ at the club has deteriorated beyond repair. Even, he has handed in a transfer request that put the Manchester City club under immense pressure.

Perhaps, Manchester City defender, Micah Richards, could little bit change Tevez’s mind. According to Richards, Tevez will stay at the club until the end of the season at least.

Man City manager, Robert Mancini, is optimistic about Carlos Tevez’s remaining at the club. He hopes that he can persuade him to stay and lead the City into the Champions League and glory in the Europa League. Richards has also similar feeling in his mind. He thinks that they can keep Carlos until the end of the season at least.

Richards also said, "Carlos has been just the same. He's got his opinions and stuff. He's a bubbly character, always laughing and joking in training.

"I don't think it's anything to do with Man City to be honest. He's said previously that he's tired and stuff like that. He made his debut when he was 15 or 16 and I think he's missing his family back home."

Tevez is the top scorer of his club with 10 goals beside his name in the campaign. So, his absence will put the club under immense pressure.

Manchester City is now in good form. They are continuously performing well. The club was placed among the top four in Europe and that is why, they have become able to take part in the Champions League.

He didn’t take part in the match because of his suspension. However, he is supposed to make his comeback against Everton on Monday. He was rested on Thursday when City secured top spot in Europa League Group A with a 1-1 draw against Juventus in Turin.

Manchester City Defeated Newcastle United 2-1

Manchester City clinched full points against Newcastle United as they defeated the Magpies 2-1 at the Eastlands today. With this victory, City moved to the second place in the table ahead of Manchester United and Arsenal with 14 points to their credit, though Arsenal has a match in hand.

Going into the game on the back of last week’s inspirational 1-0 victory over Chelsea, City must be happy to pick up all 3 points from today’s fixture. Captain Carlos Tevez put Manchester City ahead in the 18^th minute when he converted a penalty. However, Newcastle United bounced back just 6 minutes later when Gutiérrez equalized for the visitors.

The first half ended 1-1, but the scoreline could have been different had both sides not missed their scoring opportunities. City got the winning goal through winger Adam Johnson in the 75^th minute. Newcastle United tried all the way to come back, but City defense looked too hard for them to break.

Newcastle United is now at the 14^th place with 7 points from 7 matches. They are, in fact, just a point above the relegation zone.

After the international break, Manchester City will face Blackpool in their next match on 17 October, while Newcastle United is going to take on Wigan Athletic on 16 October.

Future of Robinho Hanging in the Balance

Brazilian star Robinho would return to Manchester City following his loan spell at Santos after the two clubs failed to agree on an extended loan deal. However, the striker’s future at Manchester City now looks uncertain.

Robinho has already been out of favor of City manager Roberto Mancini and it is pretty much clear that the Italian would not keep the 26-year-old in his 25-man Premier League roster due to be submitted on 1 September.

On the other hand, City has valuated the player at more than £20 million. It is understandable that there would not be many suitors willing to pay in excess of £20 million for Robinho at the moment.

Robinho failed to live up to the expectation at Manchester City following his move to Eastlands from Real Madrid in 2008 for a British record £32.5 million transfer free. So, it is a really painful to see someone of Robinho’s caliber being worried about his immediate club future. Here, one thing is sure that no club would show any interest in Robinho unless City reduces their demand.

It is true that Robinho’s performance so far with Manchester City has not been up to the mark, but his recent performance with Brazil national team and Santos is pretty much satisfactory. So, Mancini could now give the striker another chance.

Aston Villa Manager: James Milner would Get the Support of the Fans

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill is now going through a tough time off the field in his attempt to keep hold on two of his best players James Milner and Ashley Young. James Milner has been picked up by Manchester City, while Tottenham Hotspur has been tracking winger Ashley Young.

Particularly City’s interest in Milner has been a matter of big concern for Martin O'Neill. Milner played a tremendous role last season to help the club finish 6^th in the point table.

Manchester City is now reportedly ready to splash £24 million, while Villa has been holding out for £30 million. Milner has revealed his desire to play for City next season. However, Villa boss is confident that if Milner decides to stay, he would get the support of the majority club fans.

O'Neill knows the extent of effect Milner’s departure could have on Villa, so he wants to ensure that the loss of Milner would come with a big price that he could use further in the transfer market to find a quality replacement.

O'Neill said to the media, “There is no question that James Milner will continue to give his best if the deal doesn't go through. The latest state of play is that Manchester City have gone as far as they want to. We'll wait with baited breath on that one, myself included...

...I think the overwhelming majority of supporters, seeing what James did for us last season, would be delighted if he stayed at the football club.”

Manchester City has been on a spending spree and has already spent around £100 million this summer. City’s total spending this summer would surpass last summer’s spending, if the protracted deal for Milner is materialized.

James Milner to Request Aston Villa Manager to Let Him Join Manchester City

England international James Milner is going to talk to Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill soon about his future. He has been linked with a move to Manchester City throughout the summer, but Villa boss is trying his best to keep hold on the 24-year-old midfielder.

Manchester City has reportedly had a £20 million bid rejected for the player, while Villa is holding out for an amount near £30 million. City is believed to be ready to pay around £24 million to seal the deal.

James Milner had a highly successful last season with Villa and is keen to face new challenge this season. There are at least two reasons Milner is interested to join Manchester City. First of all, City has reportedly offered him a lucrative deal that, he knows, would never expect at Villa.

Secondly, City has already become a force to make serious bid for a top four finish, if not the Premier League title, next season. Any player would love to play in Champions League and Milner is no different.

Most importantly, Milner knows he would be an outright first choice for City manager Roberto Mancini who would like to feature him in City’s midfield alongside Yaya Toure and David Silva.

Overall, it looks less likely that Martin O'Neill would be able to keep Milner for the next season, considering City’s financial ability. However, O'Neill can then claim City’s out-of-favor midfielder Stephen Ireland in a part swap part cash deal which City would not mind to accept.

Manchester City Closing in on £24m Mario Balotelli Deal

Manchester City is reportedly very close to complete the Mario Balotelli deal worth £24 million. Reports available in the Italian media suggest the Inter Milan striker has already agreed a five-year contract with a weekly salary of £65,000.

Manchester City faced stiff competition from city rivals Manchester United to secure the service of the Italy U-21 international. Even United was ready to hand him a better salary. Chelsea was another strong suitor of Balotelli.

Mario Balotelli has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester City throughout the summer. City manager Roberto Mancini, who handed Balotelli his Inter Milan debut in 2007, is believed to make at least one more big-money signing with Aston Villa midfielder James Milner being his priority.

The signing of Mario Balotelli could be announced officially in the next few days after the completion of the player’s medical. Once the deal is done, City’s total summer signing would reach around £100 million.

Manchester City has been in a spending spree since last summer. They have already made some big-money deals to sign the players like David Silva, Yaya Toure, Jerome Boateng and Aleksandar Kolarov this summer.

Last summer, City spent around £120 million, and now it looks City’s spending this summer would surpass what they spent last summer.

Mario Balotelli is a highly rated striker and believed to be a future star of Italy national football team. The 19-year-old has represented Inter Milan in 59 Serie A matches so far and found the back of the net on 20 times. For Italy U-21 team, he has scored 6 goals in 16 appearances.

Manchester City Completed Aleksandar Kolarov Signing

Serbian left back Aleksandar Kolarov has become the latest signing of Manchester City. City has spent £18.9 million to land Kolarov from Lazio. The deal was finalized upon the completion of the medical. He has also been granted work permit and it is expected that he would join the City squad after their America tour.

Aleksandar Kolarov also attracted Real Madrid interest. Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho considered Kolarov as the second option if he failed to bring in Chelsea left back Ashley Cole. Now that, Kolarov has completed his move to City, Mourinho would become desperate to land Cole.

Aleksandar Kolarov is a highly rated full back who has excellent attacking intent and most importantly his versatility is also a welcome addition for any side. Though he is a specialist left back, Kolarov is also comfortable in the midfield. The 24-year-old spent 3 seasons at Lazio and played 82 league matches. He is also very good at shooting.

Now, the arrival of Aleksandar Kolarov means Wayne Bridge’s first team appearance would be significantly reduced and Liverpool has reportedly shown their interest to add Bridge to their squad which currently lacks a quality left back.

With the Kolarov signing, Manchester City has already spent around £80 million so far in the summer transfer window. However, reports suggest that manager Roberto Mancini has not yet completed his summer signings and is currently on the lookout for a midfielder and a striker.

Manchester City Ready to Involve Stephen Ireland in James Milner Deal

Manchester City is now seriously considering a part swap part cash deal for Aston Villa midfielder James Milner by involving their Irish midfielder Stephen Ireland.

Following Milner’s impressive performance last season, a number of clubs have shown interest in him, but Manchester City remains the most likely destination for the 24-year-old England international. Though the versatile midfielder did not have a successful World Cup campaign with England, City’s desire to secure his service has not been deterred by anything else.

Aston Villa initially tried their best to keep hold on James Milner, but now manager Martin O’Neill is ready to let Milner go upon the player’s insistence to move away from Villa this summer. However, Villa boss is demanding a staggering £30 million for the player and wants Stephen Ireland to join Villa in a part exchange deal.

Manchester City has already spent £60 million this summer and is reportedly going to surpass their last summer spending of around £120 million. It is pretty much understandable that O’Neill is trying to make some quick cash in on Milner. Villa boss would love to have a ready-made quality midfielder in Ireland and then spend the cash to sign Aiden McGeady from Celtic.

Negotiations between the two clubs are going on and given City’s financial capability, it seems there are lots of chances the deal could be materialized.

Manchester United and City Looking to Sign James Milner

Two city rivals, Manchester United and Manchester City, are now running against each other to acquire the service of Aston Villa’s James Milner, who has spent a highly successful season. There are many who believe that Milner could play an important role in England’s world cup mission.

Sir Alex Ferguson has already hinted his interest in the young midfielder, while City is also determined to land the player. City manager Roberto Mancini is also impressed with Milner’s development as a player. Reports available in the media suggest that both the clubs would have to launch a bid worth more than £22 million. However, Milner could move away from Villa, if manager Martin O’Neill leaves Villa Park at the end of the season, proving all the speculations true.

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sport.co.uk

Patrick Vieira Looking for Title at his New Club Manchester City

Former Arsenal star Patrick Vieira has expressed his intention to win trophies with Manchester City. The France international has just moved to City from Inter Milan on a six-month loan deal which can be extended further one year. Manchester United heavily invested on buying new players over the last six months and is now looking for winning titles. Vieira believes that City will start winning titles very soon.

Patrick Vieira became a star while playing for Arsenal with whom he won 3 premier league, 4 FA Cup and 4 Community Shield titles. He has also won 4 Serie A titles during his spell at Juventus and Inter Milan. However, the midfielder lost his regular place in Inter Milan squad in the recent past.