Tuesday Gossip

City’s goalkeeping department gets some of the spotlight today, although unsurprisingly one of our strikers is in the headlines too.
The Daily Star has two separate lines about back-up for Joe Hart being sought following Shay Given’s departure. Graham Chase says that we are showing an interest in Bolton’s Jussi Jaaskelainen, while tucked away in a different article by John Percy it’s claimed that,

“Stoke are also expecting an approach from Manchester City for keeper Thomas Sorensen, who is wanted as Joe Hart’s No.2.”

And speaking of City and England’s number one, Sky’s web site reckons that the big fella is ready to sign a new contract with City – all behind the trusty caveat of “skysports.com understands...”

“Skysports.com understands that England goalkeeper Joe Hart has signed a new contract at Manchester City.

“It was reported earlier in the summer that the shot-stopper was to sign a bumper new five-year deal at the Etihad Stadium.

“And ahead of Sunday's Community Shield against derby rivals Manchester United, it is understood that Hart has reached an agreement with City.” You hardly need me to say it, but mcfc.co.uk is the only place to get official confirmation of such news, so take this with a decent pinch of salt.

Mario Balotelli is never too far away from the news, and an interview he gave to an Italian TV station on Sunday evening after our impressive win over Inter Milan has been spread around server farms the world over.

Sadly our knowledge of the Italian language prevents us from knowing exactly what was said, and the Independent seems a bit sceptical:

“City, who may yet move for Arsenal's Samir Nasri if they believe he can be enticed away, are also viewing with equanimity quotes in the Italian media, attributed to Mario Balotelli, in which he suggested he did not like Manchester.

"I am not happy in Manchester," Balotelli was quoted as saying. "I do not like the city. With my team-mates and my manager, everything is fine, but the city is not to my tastes. I miss the chance to be at home with my family and with my friends. Milan is a great team and one day, you cannot say what will happen. Inter again? We will see."

“Balotelli's family had expected – and suspect – some mischief-making this summer in some parts of the Italian media, where the 20-year-old is a source of obsessive interest."

balotelli also said that he didn't like milan the city but the papers conveniently don't mention this. how predictable.