Soccer Rumor Mill

[Chrispy]

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is planning bids for 26-year-old Atletico Madrid striker Radamel Falcao, Porto winger James Rodriguez, 21, and 25-year-old Napoli forward Edinson Cavani.

http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/foot...k-8343422.html

[seaplus]

City Lead for Guardiola

Silvio Berlusconi has said Manchester City are leading the race to appoint former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola as their next manager.

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However, rumours are growing that the arrival of former Barcelona duo Txiki Begiristain and Ferra Sorriano at City could see Guardiola making his way to the Etihad Stadium.

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However, Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich will attempt to lure Guardiola to Stamford Bridge with a money no object offer of up to £100 million in the New Year, ESPN can reveal.

Abramovich plans to blow rival suitors out of the water by offering the coach a £20 million-a-year, four-year contract plus huge bonuses, although there has been speculation that Guardiola is unimpressed by the regular managerial upheaval at the London club.

[seaplus]

City buying MLS team? LINK

City, which Friday reported annual losses of 97.9 million pounds ($158.3 million) and increased turnover of 231.1 million ($373.6 million), was said to be on the brink of being awarded a franchise that would be based in the Queens borough of New York.

It had been suggested David Beckham had been approached to be part of the scheme, which was to be named New York City Football Club and cost City owner Sheikh Mansour 100 million pounds ($161.7 million).

However, Manchester City officials distanced themselves from the talk Saturday.

"Manchester City are not buying an MLS club," said City in a short statement.

[seaplus]

City transfer rumors LINK

The Mail on Sunday carry a story claiming AC Milan are preparing to make a £20 million bid for striker Mario Balotelli in next month’s transfer window – against the wishes of Roberto Mancini.

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Meanwhile, The Daily Star believes the Blues will be making moves of their own next month, starting with Arsenal striker Theo Walcott.

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Elsewhere, The People propose the Blues will approach French side Saint-Etienne for highly rated central defender Kurt Zouma.

i think getting rid of Mario would be a slap in the face to Mancini and would indicate that a managerial change is coming soon. if Balotelli or Dzeko are sold, i could see the Walcott move happening. but i'm of the mind-set, however unrealistic it is for this club, that we are fine with the players we have and should be promoting from within.