Roberto Mancini wants summer spending spree

Posted on May 15, 2012 by adminsports

Mancini demands summer spree to build on Man City's Premier League triumph

UPDATED:

16:42 GMT, 15 May 2012

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini hopes to be allowed to spend big this summer in pursuit of further success.

Mancini wants to add the Champions League to this season's Barclays Premier League title victory.

City have spent heavily since their takeover by Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Mansour in 2008 to establish a position of prominence in the English game.

Show me the money: Roberto Mancini (left) wants to strengthen his City squad

Chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak has said there is now no need to spend the lavish sums of previous summers, because the squad is already strong, but Mancini still wants more top names.

He told BBC Sport: 'Barcelona and Real Madrid every year buy two or three players and spend a lot of money. I think for Manchester City it will be the same.

'We need to improve. We need to have the strength to play Champions League and Premier League.'

Mancini will also focus on the current squad, with speculation still likely to surround the controversial figures of Carlos Tevez and Mario Balotelli.

Tevez was widely expected to leave in the summer after failing in his attempts to engineer a move during the January transfer window.

Hat's better: Carlos Tevez (left) has settled his differences with City boss Mancini

Yet after returning to the club following his infamous self-imposed exile in Argentina to play a key role in the run-in, the apparently reintegrated 28-year-old has said he wants to stay.

Their dispute now over, Mancini said: 'It's not difficult to manage Tevez. He's a good guy. We had a good relationship always.

'I don't know why we had that situation in September but in the end he's a good guy and a fantastic player.'

Mancini wants to keep Balotelli despite creating headlines for misdemeanours on and off the field during the season.

Mancini said he would probably try to sell his fellow Italian after his sending-off at Arsenal last month but the pair are now reconciled.

No go: Mario Balotelli (centre) is staying at the Etihad, according to Mancini

The City manager told Gazzetta dello Sport: 'Mario has been very clear and I reiterate: Balotelli will remain at Manchester 101 per cent.

'I am confident he will have a great European Championship. I hope Mario will be the leader of the national team because he is the best Italian striker.

'He just needs to make his brain work. That is his only problem.'

It has been reported that Mancini will be rewarded for overseeing City's first league win in 44 years with a new contract, but he says the situation has not yet been discussed with the sheikh.

The 47-year-old, who took charge at the Etihad Stadium in December 2009, said: 'He sent me a message of congratulations, he was happy.

'We haven't spoken about a new contract but I am very happy to work here. The basis is here to start a cycle.'

Chelsea set to bid for Edinson Cavani

Posted on March 25, 2012 by adminsports

Chelsea steal march on rivals in race for 30m Napoli striker Cavani

UPDATED:

10:26 GMT, 25 March 2012

Chelsea have jumped to the front of the queue to sign 30million-rated Napoli striker Edinson Cavani.

The Uruguayan has been in impressive form this season and took his goal tally to 26 in midweek.

He also helped the Italian club knock Manchester City out of the Champions League but could not inspire Napoli to complete an English double against Chelsea.

Wanted man: Edinson Cavani is a target for Chelsea and Manchester City

The highly-coveted 25-year-old is also high on City's wishlist but Roberto Mancini could lose out after Chelsea reportedly opened talks with Cavani's representatives.

According to The Sun, discussions took place in London on Friday with a view to a transfer in the summer.

Napoli have continually stressed that it would require a king's ransom to convince them to part with their star man who is under contract until 2015.

So close: Cavani (right) was unable to help Napoli beat Chelsea in Europe

In November, Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis said: 'If (Manchester City owner) Sheikh
Mansour wants to buy one of our jewels, he should pay much more than he
has already spent at City.'

Liverpool are also keen to partner Cavani with international team-mate Luis Suarez but would need to finance the move by selling flop Andy Caroll.

Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Bayern Munich are also interested.

England v Pakistan, day four, second Test, Abu Dhabi

Posted on January 28, 2012 by adminsports

LIVE: England v Pakistan – the action on day four of the second Test in Abu Dhabi

Stay up to date with all the action on
day four of the second Test between England and Pakistan with
Sportsmail's unrivalled team. We'll deliver over-by-over coverage as the
action unfolds at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi while our brilliant team of writers
will update with their insights from the ground. Email your thoughts to joe.ridge@dailymail.co.uk or tweet @joeridge87

England v Pakistan – the essentials

England:
Andrew Strauss, Alastair Cook, Jonathan Trott, Kevin Pietersen, Ian
Bell, Eoin Morgan, Matt Prior, Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann, Jimmy
Anderson, Monty Panesar.

1st innings: 327

Pakistan:
Mohammad Hafeez, Taufeeq Umar, Azhar Ali, Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq,
Asad Shafiq, Adnan Akmal, Abdur Rehman, Umar Gul, Saeed Ajmal, Junaid
Khan.

1st innings: 257

Umpires: Bruce Oxenford and Steve Davis

Click here for the latest scorecard

67th over: Pakistan 130-4 (Azhar 51, Shafiq 35)

Broad continues his spell…

66th over: Pakistan 130-4 (Azhar 51, Shafiq 35)

Panesar comes into the attack… he was outstanding yesterday. In other news, Jonathan Trott is off the field feeling ill and Steven Finn is on in place of him. Azhar works a single to midwicket. Close! Beautiful bowling from Panesar who beats Shafiq's outside edge, one from the over.

65th over: Pakistan 129-4 (Azhar 50, Shafiq 35)

Broad into his second over of the day. Shafiq dangerously mistimes a drive on the up but it falls short of Pietersen at short extra cover. Tight bowling from Broad who has conceded just 17 runs from his 13 overs. Maiden.

64th over: Pakistan 129-4 (Azhar 50, Shafiq 35)

Lots of turn for Swann but Azhar is able to work him to square leg for two to bring up his 50. Half a chance for Cook at short leg as Azhar hits it against his shin.

63rd over: Pakistan 127-4 (Azhar 48, Shafiq 35)

Stuart Broad is given the ball by Strauss. No wickets yet for him in this innings but he was very economical on day three… Shafiq is 26 by the way in case you were wondering, his partner in the middle is the same age and these two are seen as the future of Pakistani batting… they need to be the present here today though. It's very foggy out there, no movement for Broad though. One from the over.

62nd over: Pakistan 126-4 (Azhar 47, Shafiq 35)

England open up with the spin of Swann and Azhar works him to leg for a single off the day's first ball. Birthday boy Shafiq rather uncomfortably sees off the rest of the over.

Packed house: Day three was the busiest of the series so far

5.58am: The players are out in the middle, it's very overcast out in Abu Dhabi… here we go.

5.54am: Excitement building now… All the talk is that there is a bit of moisture around and it's a fine morning to bowl. Let's hope that's true and Anderson and Broad can get some joy, there was nothing in this wicket for them yesterday with the spinners claiming all of the wickets so far.

5.45am: So, Pakistan lead by 55 runs as it stands with six second inning wickets left. What lead do you think England need to restrict the hosts to to ensure that they level the series Email or tweet your thoughts…

5.35am: Before play gets underway at 6.00am GMT why not read the insights from our team of writers out in the UAE… Chief cricket correspondent Paul Newman – who will be sending his views from the Sheikh Zayed stadium throughout today's proceedings – writes his report on day three here. Martin Samuel writes from what was a rare full house in the UAE yesterday here. Nasser Hussain states the case for Stuart Broad being England's main man here. And David Lloyd gives his alternative views on another day in the desert here.

5.30am: Good morning all and welcome to our live coverage of the fourth day of this fascinating Test between England and Pakistan in Abu Dhabi. The match has ebbed and flowed over the last three days but it is the tourists who currently find themselves in the driving seat. That being said, Pakistan youngsters Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq have put on an impressive 50 partnership to leave the outcome of the match far from a certainty. England will be hoping to break that partnership and clear up the Pakistani tail as quickly as possible today to leave themselves a gettable run chase on what has proved to be a brilliant Test match wicket.

Jumping for joy: Monty Panesar picked up three wickets on day three

England v Pakistan, day two, second Test, Abu Dhabi

Posted on January 26, 2012 by adminsports

LIVE: England v Pakistan – the action on day two of the second Test in Abu Dhabi

Stay up to date with all the action on
day two of the second Test between England and Pakistan with
Sportsmail's unrivalled team. We'll deliver over-by-over coverage as the
action unfolds at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi while our brilliant team of writers
will update with their insights from the ground.

England v Pakistan – the essentials

England:
Andrew Strauss, Alastair Cook, Jonathan Trott, Kevin Pietersen, Ian
Bell, Eoin Morgan, Matt Prior, Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann, Jimmy
Anderson, Monty Panesar.

Pakistan:
Mohammad Hafeez, Taufeeq Umar, Azhar Ali, Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq,
Asad Shafiq, Adnan Akmal, Abdur Rehman, Umar Gul, Saeed Ajmal, Junaid
Khan.

Umpires: Bruce Oxenford and Steve Davis

Click here for the latest scorecard

5.37: The biggest surprise of the day came before play had even started. England's injury problems and uncertainty over which bowling configuration to select meant Monty Panesar didn't find out he was playing until 20 minutes before the start of play. But Andrew Strauss' decision to go 'two and two' has paid dividends. Certainly Nasser Hussain was impressed.

5.30: One of the most pleasing sights at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium yesterday was the presence of spectators. Hell, there was even a modicum of atmosphere in this desert-bound arena. More on that and other musings in Bumble's Test diary.

5.23: No doubt England should be proud of their efforts so far, but Martin Samuel has two words of caution: Saeed Ajmal.

All smiles: England enjoyed a productive day in the field, but will they be able to match it with the bat

5.15am: Morning one, morning all and welcome along to Sportsmail's coverage of England v Pakistan, day two of the second Test.

Day one was hugely positive for England who took seven wickets and restricted the hosts to 256 runs.

Not bad considering this featherbed track was meant to produce a run-festival and certain draw. Now we look dead set for a result – one way or another.

Graeme Swann and Stuart Broad took three wickets a-piece, with the spinner's third coming in the extra overs squeezed in at the end if the day due to England's lightning quick over rate.

So, to wrap up the tail and set about proving this team – the World's No 1, no less – can bat confidently on the subcontinent, right

Firstly, Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq was in obdurate fashion while scoring a leisurely 83 on day one and there's the Saeed Ajmal factor to consider, too.

This game remains at a crossroads, England must grasp the nettle early if they are to reap the rewards of all their hard work on day one.

I'll fetch you all the action as it happens from 6am and you can share your thoughts via EMAIL or TWITTER. Many thanks.

Late gains: England bagged a late wicket to swing the game their way on day one in Abu Dhabi

England v Pakistan, second Test, day one, Abu Dhabi

Posted on January 25, 2012 by adminsports

LIVE: England v Pakistan – the action on day one of the second Test in Abu Dhabi

Stay up to date with all the action on
day one of the second Test between England and Pakistan with
Sportsmail's unrivalled team. We'll deliver over-by-over coverage as the
action unfolds at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi while our brilliant team of writers
will update with their insights from the ground.

England v Pakistan – the essentials

Teams to follow…

Click here for the latest scorecard

**Coverage of the day's play begins at 5.30am**

Futuristic: The Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi will host the two teams over the coming five days

England hit by Chris Tremlett injury blow

Posted on January 24, 2012 by adminsports

England hit by Tremlett blow as injured paceman doubtful for second Test

Chris Tremlett appeared to be a serious doubt for the second Test, in which England are hoping to bounce back against Pakistan.

Captain Andrew Strauss admitted the
fast bowler, who returned to the England attack in last week's first
match of three, has again succumbed to soreness and stiffness in his
back and side.

Chris Tremlett of England warms up during a nets session

Chris Tremlett and Stuart Broad

Off the pace: Injured Chris Tremlett has been unable to bowl in practice

That same affliction kept him out of the England reckoning for five-and-a-half months, after a hamstring injury led to a back problem on the eve of last summer's Trent Bridge Test against India.

Initial indications, as England began their practice session at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, were not encouraging either as Tremlett sat watching his team-mates go through training drills.

A few minutes earlier, Strauss said: 'He had a sore back and side yesterday, and he's going to have to bowl before we know whether he's fit or not.

'It's a little bit up in the air at the moment. We'll obviously know more after practice.'

Hands on: England captain Andrew Strauss takes part in catching practice at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium

England have not sent Tremlett for a scan, however.

'No, it's not one of those ones,' added Strauss.

'But there's some general stiffness and soreness, so it's a case of whether that loosens up or continues.

'We'll probably only know that after practice.'

England trail 1-0 after their renowned batting failed twice in the opening Test in Dubai.

Pakistan's Saeed Ajmal

Tormentor: Pakistan's Saeed Ajmal in the nets

Alastair Cook: Time to draw line under Pakistan humiliation

Posted on January 23, 2012 by adminsports

Cook: Time to draw line under Pakistan humiliation, England have character to win

Alastair Cook knows England have the ability to take advantage of a batting haven at the Sheikh Zyed Cricket Stadium – but they will take nothing for granted after their blip in Dubai.

Cook was a founder member of a top six who fluffed their lines so badly, principally against Saeed Ajmal, as England were bowled out for under 200 twice to lose the first Test against Pakistan by 10 wickets inside three days.

Andrew Strauss' tourists must therefore win in Abu Dhabi, where the middle match of three starts on Wednesday, or accept they will not begin their reign as world Test number ones with a victorious series.

Time for improvement: Strauss and Cook head for net practice in Abu Dhabi

Reassurance comes in statistical form, a welter of runs in three Tests so far at this venue indicating that batsmen are highly likely to have conditions very much in their favour.

'It's always nice when you turn up to a ground where history suggest you can score runs,' said Cook, after practice at the ground.

'But that doesn't really count for anything. We've got to go out and put our poor performance behind us.'

England expects: The world's No 1 Test team badly underperformed in the series opener with Pakistan in Dubai

Cook, set this week to walk out to bat with Strauss in a Test for the 100th time, echoed the thoughts of a succession of players and coaching staff since the hammering in Dubai – that England were way below their normal standards there, but can and will improve as they must.

'We held our hands up as a batting unit, that the reason we didn't get close in that last match was the top six,' he added.

'The beauty about another game coming so quickly is we can put that right, and I know we've got the characters and the record to do that.'

Steamrolled: England were beaten inside three days by Pakistan

Fernando Torres offered to PSG – who want Carlos Tevez

Posted on January 17, 2012 by adminsports

I've been offered Torres, admits Ancelotti… but Tevez emerges as No 1 target for mega-rich PSG

Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that Paris St Germain have been offered Chelsea flop Fernando Torres – as they line up a swoop for Carlos Tevez.

The Blues striker has scored just five goals since his 50million arrival from Liverpool – and has even been booked in for extra shooting practice.

Under pressure: Fernando Torres has failed to shine for Chelsea

Sportsmail revealed last month that Chelsea were considering offloading the British record signing for a cut-price fee after just a year at Stamford Bridge.

And Ancelotti has claimed that the Spain international has been touted as a potential signing for his mega-rich French side.

The PSG boss said: 'There is a lot of choice for this January market. Do you want the names

'OK, now I tell you the players the agents are offering on the market, officially or not: Carlos Tevez, Fernando Torres, Dimitar Berbatov, Roman Pavlyuchenko, Edinson Cavani, Fernando Llorente.'

Whether Chelsea would take a huge loss on Torres remains to be seen, but Ancelotti's admission suggests he is under threat.

Eyes on the prize: Carlo Ancelotti

Life's a beach: Carlos Tevez

Eyes on the prize: Carlo Ancelotti is lining up a move for Carlos Tevez (right)

Ancelotti, who was the manager in charge when Torres arrived at the Bridge, is unlikely to be interested in linking up with him again.

But one man he is genuinely keen on is Tevez, who is on his way out of Manchester City.

Inter Milan are set to fail with their 21m bid for the Argentina striker – but PSG are able to pay more after their recent injection of Qatari cash.

It is believed Sheikh Tamim – who owns PSG – has even spoken directly to City chief Sheikh Mansour about a deal.

City are believed to be holding out for at least 30m for Tevez and the French side would be the leading contenders to stump up the money.

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Tag Archives: sheikh

Roberto Mancini wants summer spending spree

Chelsea set to bid for Edinson Cavani

England v Pakistan, day four, second Test, Abu Dhabi

England v Pakistan, day two, second Test, Abu Dhabi

England v Pakistan, second Test, day one, Abu Dhabi

England hit by Chris Tremlett injury blow

Alastair Cook: Time to draw line under Pakistan humiliation

Fernando Torres offered to PSG – who want Carlos Tevez