After another brilliant season in which he has netted 22 league goals and leads the race for the Golden Boot, many fans have expressed surprise/wonder/disbelief/shock/horror (insert your adjective of choice) that our Sergio wasn’t named in the PFA Team of the Year.
Now Eliaquim Mangala has added his name to the list of those wondering how his teammate’s name didn’t make it into the best XI.
The defender sees the Argentine hitman’s work at close quarters every day, and has saluted Kun’s importance to City – recognised by his own teammates at least, if not by the wider Premier League.
Mangala is quoted in the Daily Star as saying: “Kun is amazing. He shows us every week what he is like in the Premier League and Champions League - he is so important for us. His goal was another big one at Spurs.
“I am surprised he wasn’t voted into the best team. I see him every day in training, and in every game, and he has so much quality.
“He has scored a lot of goals for this club, but will score a lot more.”
I definitely hope so!
Those of you who like to start your day with a sprinkling of transfer gossip are in luck – plenty of tasty morsels doing the rounds today in print and online versions of the media.
Sticking with the South American theme, we’ll begin with a story in the Daily Mirror claiming City scouts are keeping a close eye on River Plate Midfielder Matias Kranevitter.
The 21-year-old is apparently attracting attention across Europe and his path could be smoothed now he holds an Italian passport.
Writes the paper’s Ed Malyon: “The Blues have ramped up their South American scouting operation over the last 18 months with former Barcelona spy Joan Patsy heading up their team.
“And City are keeping a keen eye on Kranevitter as they look to rebuild this summer with a raft of younger players.
“The holding midfielder, 21, has attracted plenty of suitors and travelled to Europe in December for informal talks with a number of clubs and to secure an Italian passport.”
Elsewhere, and a familiar name has cropped up in the Metro. City have been long linked with West Ham defender Aaron Cresswell and are reportedly considering a summer bid – but they will have to battle Chelsea for his signature – that’s according to the latest reports which come via the Daily Mail.
Louis Sealey scribes: “The 25-year-old left-back has impressed during his debut season in the Premier League, appearing in 34 of the Hammers’ 35 league fixtures and attracting the interest of several big clubs.
“Chelsea are believed to be considering a £15m deal for the former Ipswich ace, but the Daily Mail report that City are prepared to battle the Blues for the defender, who would add to their quota of home-grown players.”
Not a lot new there. Another story that looks like it’s going to round and round (and round) for the next few months!
And finally, Sunderland are the latest team to eye a move for Micah Richards – that one is according to the Daily Mirror.
The defender is reportedly holding the attention of a variety of clubs across Europe including the Black Cats, who could only make a move should they avoid relegation in the next few weeks.
Darren Lewis reports: “Sunderland are planning an ambitious move for Manchester City right-back Micah Richards if they stay in the Premier League.
“The Black Cats are third from bottom but interim boss Dick Advocaat’s men have a game in hand on their rivals and the club are confident of beating the drop.
“Richards, 26, has spent this season on loan at Italian club Fiorentina.
“He is out of contract at the end of the season however and has a number of clubs - including Inter Milan, managed by his former City boss Roberto Mancini - keen on his services.”
Of course this is all just paper talk and no deals are done until you see the official confirmation right here on mcfc.co.uk.
As ever!
That’s pretty much it for today, but see you same time, same place (with no doubt some of the same names linked...) tomorrow…
