Transfer Speculation - City Squad for sale?
Who? - The Manchester City squad - Speculation Where is he? - Manchester City Who is he linked with? - The exit door
Manchester City owner Thaksin Shinawatra has categorically denied reports which suggested he had placed the entire first-team squad at Eastlands up for sale. The demanding owner, who has hinted he will replace manager Sven Goran Eriksson this summer after just one season at the helm, was reportedly furious with the manner of last weekend's season-ending 8-1 thrashing at Middlesbrough. But the former Thai prime minister claims that reports suggesting he was intending to wield the axe in dramatic fashion and clear the decks in the summer are completely wide of the mark. He has also denied reported claims that former owner and current deputy chairman, John Wardle, had apologised to the squad for selling the club last summer. "There is absolutely no truth to this story or any of the allegations," Shinawatra told the club's official website while on City's post-season tour to Thailand. I appreciate the progress and performance of the whole squad, managed by Sven-Goran Eriksson, this season." City spokesman Paul Tyrrell added: "We are currently taking legal advice regarding these news reports and will pursue those who continue to run or repeat this false story and its allegations without the chairman's rebuttal."
Who? - Cristiano Ronaldo - Speculation Where is he? - Manchester United Who is he linked with? - Real Madrid
Cristiano Ronaldo has suggested he may consider his Manchester United future after next week's Champions League Final. The 23-year-old winger has once again been linked with an 80million move to Real Madrid after scoring a remarkable 41 goals in all competitions this season. Ronaldo claims he is happy at Old Trafford, but has refused to rule out a shock move to Spain in what would be a new world record transfer deal. "I'm happy here, but let's see what happens after the Champions League final (with Chelsea)," he said when speaking to Spanish television station Antena 3. "I know Real Madrid like how I play and other teams in Spain do as well. I have said millions of times that I would love to play in Spain, but it's one thing to dream and another thing for it to be a reality. I am feeling calm here. I'm happy here but in the future I don't know."
Who? - Ricardo Carvalho - Speculation Where is he? - Chelsea Who is he linked with? - Leaving
Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho has admitted he may look to move on from Stamford Bridge in the summer. The 29-year-old Portugal international has spent the last four years with the Blues after being lured to London from FC Porto in a 19.8million deal by former manager Jose Mourinho. But Carvalho has suggested he and several other leading players could quit Chelsea after the curtain comes down on the season with next week's Champions League Final. Both Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard have been tipped to move on this summer. Speaking about the possible repercussions of missing out on silverware this season following their failure to pip Manchester United to the league title, he said: "You have to be prepared because when it's like that, someone goes, someone stays, someone comes. I don't know yet if I will stay but I have a contract. Everyone has known each other here for a long time and we enjoy each other's company so we have to try to win this last game. It's important. We didn't win the Premier League so we have to get a Champions League medal."
Who? - Mikael Silvestre - Quite likely Where is he? - Manchester United Who is he linked with? - Bordeaux
Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre has suggested he could leave Old Trafford in the summer and sign for Bordeaux. The France international is no longer first choice at United due to a combination of serious injury and the emergence of Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra this season. The 30-year-old former Rennes and Internazionale defender made three appearances towards the end of the season after returning from cruciate knee ligament damage. However, Silvestre has hinted his eight-year stay with the Red Devils could be coming to an end. When asked about a potential move to Bordeaux, he replied: "It isn't impossible. Bordeaux is a club which is close to my heart. When I was little, I followed their exploits in Europe. Moreover, I have family in the Gironde region. But each player has to be satisfied in a sporting sense as well as financially. There are no gifts handed out here. I am not a good Samaritan."
Who? - Steven Sidwell - Speculation Where is he? - Chelsea Who is he linked with? - Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate has been linked with a 4million move for Steven Sidwell after admitting his main priority is to strengthen his midfield. Sidwell, 25, has started just seven Premier League games since moving to Chelsea on a free transfer from Reading last summer. Southgate has released Fabio Rochemback and Gaizka Mendieta in recent days and his admitted his main focus in the summer is to bolster his midfield. "Strikers are not a priority for us," he admitted. "That might change at some point, but I wouldn't foresee it. I am quite happy with the blend we have got."
