Thursday Gossip

David Clayton@dclayton_MCFC

Gossip: City eye Benfica's Florentino?

Three more players are linked with City this morning, a couple falling into the ‘tenuous’ file.
Given the boss has said nothing doing in this window, if there is even the slightest grain of truth in any of today’s (or any other January day) rumours, we’ll have to assume these alleged targets are for the summer.
Off we go.

Transfer Gossip
Sport Italia: City face competition for Florentino?
“According to the latest from Sportitalia journalist Gianluigi Longari, Milan have enquired about signing Florentino, who has made 11 competitive appearances for the Benfica first team despite being 20 years of age.
“Given Gedson Fernandes’ recent big-money move to Tottenham, it remains to be seen whether the Portuguese giants are open to letting another academy talent leave.
“Luis has also made 18 appearances for Portugal U21s and is tipped to have a bright future with the national team.
“There has also been reports of Premier League interest in the midfielder, with Manchester United and Manchester City both linked with a bid for Luis, who has a €100m release clause."

The 4th Official: Tonali tug-of-war to ensue?
"Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio is reporting that Brescia’s midfielder Sandro Tonali has caught the attention of many European clubs. Premier League holders Manchester City are said to be one of them, and other clubs like Juventus, Inter, Paris Saint-Germain are also interested.
“Tonali is unlikely to leave in this window, but a move in the summer could be possible. The report states that there could be a bidding war for the midfielder in the summer.
“Tonali has also managed to represent Italy at the tender age of 19, and he has three caps for them. The youngster is being seen as a significant talent, and he has been compared with World Cup winner Andrea Pirlo. Pirlo also started with Brescia and then he went on to play for some top Serie A clubs like AC Milan and Juventus.
“Reports from the Mirror earlier emerged that Brescia owner Massimo Cellino would want €50m for Tonali. The Italian is a defensive midfielder, but he can play in a box to box role as well. The midfielder is known for his ability to dictate play from the deeper areas in midfield.
HITC: Arteta to battle Pep for Schalke defender?
“Matviyenko, 23, is a shade under 6ft tall, meaning he's a little small for a centre back, but he is quick and adept at bringing the ball out from the back, whilst he's also left-footed, meaning he can bring balance to the Arsenal defence – especially if paired with Saliba.
“What's interesting is that Mikel Arteta going for Matviyenko means he will have to battle his mentor Pep Guardiola, as Football.London note that Manchester City want him too – and having played against City this season with Shakhtar, Matviyenko may just have stuck in Arteta's mind."




And finally…
BBC Sport: Was Aguero’s injury time goal the greatest late goal?
“Ninety-three minutes and 20 seconds is a time that will live long in the memory of Manchester City fans - it was the exact moment Sergio Aguero smashed the ball past QPR keeper Paddy Kenny to clinch a first Premier League title for the club in 2012.
“That, of course, is City's most famous last-minute winner - but they are no strangers to late drama, with the 1999 Second Division play-off final once considered the greatest late, late show for the blue half of Manchester.
“Joe Royle's side trailed Gillingham 2-0 at Wembley with five minutes of added time left and their hopes of promotion looked to have gone.
“But then Kevin Horlock struck in the 90th minute and Paul Dickov fired home in the dying embers to force extra time and penalties, which they went on to win to secure promotion. And look what has happened since!"