Latest Premier League News

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Tigers reject Barton link
Newcastle midfielder will not be moving to KC Stadium

Hull City have rejected reports that they were planning to make a summer swoop for Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton and are still to hold talks with Fulham striker Bobby Zamora.

The controversial 27-year-old is one of many high-earners at St James' Park who the Magpies are expected to attempt to offload following their relegation.

Tigers boss Phil Brown is keen to strengthen his squad after only narrowly avoiding the drop last term, but has no plans to bring in the former Manchester City man.

When asked if there was any truth in the rumours, assistant manager Brian Horton said: "No.

"Joey Barton is a very good footballer. I know him, I have done things with him in Manchester.

"He has obviously had issues and that is a shame because he can be a very good footballer but at this present time I don't think it's an area that really needs to be looked at."

The Tigers' £5million bid for Zamora was accepted by Fulham in the week, but the striker is yet to hold any discussions with the KC Stadium outfit and could yet remain at Craven Cottage.

Horton told Sky Sports News: "I've read in the papers that Roy Hodgson maybe doesn't want to sell him because he's had such a good pre-season.

"If that's the case, there's nothing we can do about it.

"An offer has been made, but at the moment there have been no talks with Bobby."
Frustrating

Hull have endured a difficult summer in the transfer market having seen Fraizer Campbell and Marc-Antoine Fortune move to Sunderland and Celtic respectively.

An audacious attempt to sign Michael Owen also came to nothing as Manchester United stepped in and Horton admitted: "It is frustrating, we are trying like hell.

"But they have gone to three big clubs. If we were losing Joe Bloggs from Division Three it would be a different matter.

"We want to bring someone in but we need to have a bit of patience, things will evolve. It's not the fact we are not trying to get better players in."

Horton also said nothing should be read into Brazilian star Geovanni's absence for the 6-0 pre-season friendly victory at UniBond League side North Ferriby.

Geovanni also missed the club's recent training camp in Italy for personal reasons but will be with the squad for Sunday's friendly at local amateurs Winterton Rangers.

Horton said: "He's trained this morning (Saturday) and will be with the team tomorrow.

"He didn't come to Bormio with us for various reasons so we'll assess his fitness tomorrow and if he feels capable of playing 45 minutes he will."

 

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Scotland relishing Prem chance
Latics striker looking to seize top-flight opportunity

Wigan Athletic's summer signing Jason Scotland is relishing his chance to shine in one of the world's elite leagues.

The striker has spent the past two seasons in the lower leagues with Swansea after previously playing for St. Johnstone and Dundee United in Scotland.

The 30-year-old recognises playing in England's top flight will be a new test of his ability, although he is confident he can rise to the challenge.

Scotland is relishing the prospect of playing at the likes of Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge in what should be an exciting campaign under new manager Roberto Martinez.
Chance

"It's great to have joined Wigan Athletic and get the chance to play in the Premier League," he told the club's official website.

"It's a big step up for me but hopefully I can take it in my stride and do well. I'm confident that by putting in hard work it will bring results.

"To get the chance to play at venues like Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge, is something I can't wait to experience, and just thinking about lining up against some of the best players in the world makes me smile, and I'll relish that challenge.

"Anybody who is playing in the lower divisions wants to play in the Premier League and show the world what they can do, and that's no different for me, I'm so excited to get this opportunity.

"I want to fit in and gel with my team-mates first, that's really important to me. After that I'll giving it everything I've got to get results for the club."

 

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Redknapp keen on Crouch
Spurs boss admits interest in Pompey striker


Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has confirmed he is interested in signing Portsmouth striker Peter Crouch.

The England international is expected to leave Fratton Park this summer, with Sunderland and Fulham both eager to secure his services.

Crouch has held talks with Black Cats boss Steve Bruce over a possible switch to Wearside, but Redknapp is now considering a bid for the giant forward.

The former Pompey boss sold Crouch in the early days of first stint on the South Coast, before signing him while at the helm of local Southampton and then bringing him back to Fratton Park from Liverpool in a £9million deal last summer.

"I like Peter. I've signed him several times and he's a top player," Redknapp told Sky Sports News.
Offers

"He's a player that we could be interested in, but we'll have to wait and see.

"Portsmouth obviously want to sell him now, they've accepted offers for him, so if they want to sell him, we'd be interested."

And Spurs striker Jermain Defoe, who played alongside Crouch for Portsmouth, would welcome the opportunity to renew their partnership.

He said, "I spoke to 'Crouchy' over the summer, while we were on England duty. I've played with him for several years, at Under 21 and now senior level.

"It's down to Crouchy, obviously he's going to go where he's going to play.

"If he wants to come here it's only going to help the team."

 

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Redknapp keen on Crouch
Spurs boss admits interest in Pompey striker


Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has confirmed he is interested in signing Portsmouth striker Peter Crouch.

The England international is expected to leave Fratton Park this summer, with Sunderland and Fulham both eager to secure his services.

Crouch has held talks with Black Cats boss Steve Bruce over a possible switch to Wearside, but Redknapp is now considering a bid for the giant forward.

The former Pompey boss sold Crouch in the early days of first stint on the South Coast, before signing him while at the helm of local Southampton and then bringing him back to Fratton Park from Liverpool in a £9million deal last summer.

"I like Peter. I've signed him several times and he's a top player," Redknapp told Sky Sports News.
Offers

"He's a player that we could be interested in, but we'll have to wait and see.

"Portsmouth obviously want to sell him now, they've accepted offers for him, so if they want to sell him, we'd be interested."

And Spurs striker Jermain Defoe, who played alongside Crouch for Portsmouth, would welcome the opportunity to renew their partnership.

He said, "I spoke to 'Crouchy' over the summer, while we were on England duty. I've played with him for several years, at Under 21 and now senior level.

"It's down to Crouchy, obviously he's going to go where he's going to play.

"If he wants to come here it's only going to help the team."

 

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Arsene in no hurry to buy
But remains a fan of striker Chamakh following Ade exit

Arsene Wenger has revealed Arsenal are not on the verge of bringing in a replacement for striker Emmanuel Adebayor.

The towering attacker completed his transfer to Manchester City on Saturday in a deal reportedly worth £25million.

French coach Wenger has been linked with a bid for Bordeaux's Marouane Chamakh in order to fill the void left by Adebayor.

While Wenger remains an admirer of Chamakh, he insists a second capture of the summer is not on the near horizon.
Money available

"We're not on the verge of signing anybody but I'm able to spend the money if we find the right players," he said.

"We're not in a hurry because we have a big squad. We'll see in pre-season if we need to make any additions.

"If we need to add something we will. Chamakh is one of the players we've followed and if we need to go for a striker he's a possibility. We're keeping an eye on him.

"We have Rosicky and Eduardo back so we've lost a big striker but have gained two offensive players who were absent last season.

"We also have Nicklas Bendtner,

 

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Wenger - Ade a special player
Gunners boss confirms striker is set for City

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes that Manchester City will be getting a 'special' player in Emmanuel Adebayor.

The Togo international is to undergo a medical at Eastlands on Saturday ahead of a reported £25million switch.

Wenger, who brought Adebayor from Monaco in 2006, confirmed a transfer is in the offing while stating that the returns of injured duo Thomas Rosicky and Eduardo will help compensate for his exit.

When asked if a deal looks more likely than less likely, Wenger said on Sky Sports News: "Yes.

"He is up at Manchester City having a medical and we will see what comes out of it.

"If the medical is positive and he agrees personal terms then it could happen.
Fee

"We'll miss him, but of course we want to focus on the players that are with us at the moment.

"We want to wish him well and thank him for everything he has done for the club.

"I wish him well, I am sure he will give something special to Man City.

"On our side we have Thomas Rosicky back and Eduardo back on Monday in full training. We have lost a big striker but gained one offensive player and one striker."

When asked about the alleged £25million fee for Adebayor, Wenger said: "I don't know what is good and what is bad in today's transfer market. We still have to sign the documents.

"The price we do not know. And we don't know whether we or Man City will come out with the price."

 

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Gunners held by Bees
Rosicky returns to action as Arsenal draw 2-2

Emmanuel Adebayor was missing as Arsenal were held to a 2-2 draw by Barnet in Saturday's traditional pre-season friendly at Underhill.

The Gunners are reported to have accepted a £25million offer for Adebayor from Manchester City, who are discussing personal terms with the Togo striker.

In his absence impressive academy product Sanchez Watt formed a first-half strike partnership alongside Andrey Arshavin in a starting line-up that blended youth and experience.

Tomas Rosicky made his first appearance since January 2008 following his recovery from serious hamstring and knee injuries.

The Czech Republic winger, who joined Arsenal in May 2006, floated across midfield and understandably looked off the pace, although he occasionally showed some neat touches.
Vermaelen

New £10million signing from Ajax Thomas Vermaelen made his club debut and was the only player to feature in both halves with Arsene Wenger making 10 changes at the interval.

Cesc Fabregas, Theo Walcott, Robin van Persie and Kolo Toure were among the senior players absent for the Gunners.

Rosicky and Arshavin gave a tantalising glimpse of what could be in store next season as they combined cleverly to create a chance for Watt, who was denied by a smart save from Will Viner.

Barnet looked to capitalise on some lacklustre pre-season defending by Arsenal but were carved open themselves in the 44th minute when Watt picked out Arshavin with a pinpoint cross that the Russian buried.

The lead lasted only a minute, however, as Ismail Yakubu met Danny Hart's free-kick with an athletic glancing header that evaded Manuel Almunia on its way into the top right corner.

Barazite

Individual brilliance by Dutchman Nacer Barazite restored Arsenal's lead shortly into the second half as he weaved his way to the edge of the area where he chipped the ball home.

Wenger had emptied his bench and this took its toll on Arsenal who looked far less menacing than in the first half.

Hart forced a robust save from Vito Mannone from long distance and then Vermaelen came to the rescue as Arsenal's defence began creaking.

It eventually cracked with eight minutes to go, Elliott Charles capitalising on the ongoing confusion to stab home from close range to earn Barnet a deserved draw.

 

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City medical for Adebayor
Arsenal striker moving closer to Eastlands switch

Manchester City manager Mark Hughes has confirmed Emmanuel Adebayor is undergoing a medical at Eastlands.

The Arsenal striker emerged as another transfer target for cash-rich City earlier this month and his proposed move is edging ever closer.

Hughes, who is currently with his squad on a pre-season tour of South Africa, admitted talks with the Gunners over the Togo international were ongoing at the press conference which saw Carlos Tevez unveiled.

With Roque Santa Cruz having also joined the ambitious North West outfit from Blackburn, Hughes will be overflowing with forward options for the new season.

Record signing Robinho and Wales international Craig Bellamy complete a quintet of frontmen who will be vying for a place in the starting XI.

Adebayor travelled to Manchester on Wednesday to attend a hearing which saw the formality of a work permit application go through without a hitch.

The 24-year-old, who joined the Gunners from Monaco in a £7million deal in January 2006, will now be examined by City's medical staff with a fee of £25million reported to have been agreed between the two clubs.

Hughes told Sky Sports News: "We are looking to add to the obvious qualities that we already have. It is all about having options and flexibility and a real goal threat.

"Emmanuel is a player I have admired from afar for many years. He is a proven Premier League goalscorer. He will be a very good addition for us."

Adebayor was omitted from Arsenal's squad for Saturday's pre-season friendly against Barnet.

 

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Warnock eyes Europe
Rovers man determined to avoid another season of struggle

Stephen Warnock believes Blackburn should be aiming to secure a place in Europe when the new season kicks off.

Rovers were struggling at the wrong end of the Premier League for much of last term after making a miserable start under Paul Ince.

The appointment of Sam Allardyce following Ince's sacking provided greater stability, but it was not until the closing weeks of the season that their top-flight status was secured.

Warnock, who has been moved into midfield from his previous defensive duties, insists everyone at Ewood Park should be looking up ahead of the new campaign.

He told the club's official website: "We don't want to be in the same situation we found ourselves in last year, scrapping for our lives to stay in this league.

"We want to be pushing for Europe and being ambitious.

"Hopefully everyone sees it the same as I do."

 

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Tigers ease to friendly win
Hull hit Northern Premier League side for six

Trialist Jerome Thomas made a positive impression on his first start for Hull City with a goal in a 6-0 victory over North Ferriby United at Church Road.

Manager Phil Brown is taking a look at the 26-year-old winger after he was released by Premier League side Portsmouth this summer.

Thomas, who made just five appearances last season, scored the only goal of the first half in the 34th minute while Craig Fagan also hit a post.

But goals after the break from from Jamie Devitt, Nicky Featherstone, Nick Barmby and a brace from Caleb Folan ensured a comfortable start to the Tigers' pre-season preparations.

 

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City seized by Orlando Pirates
Hughes' men fall to a 2-0 defeat in South Africa

Manchester City kept their high-profile signings out of sight as they slumped to a 2-0 defeat against Orlando Pirates.

Carlos Tevez and Roque Santa Cruz were not even named on the bench for the match at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa.

And Gareth Barry, although named as a substitute, did not make an appearance.

Mark Hughes' team are taking part in the Vodacom Challenge as part of their pre-season tour, a competition which also includes the Kaizer Chiefs.

In an evenly contested first half, the Pirates managed to get the upper hand just four minutes before the break.

Ben Mee fouled Frank Olivier in the area and defender Lucas Thwala converted the penalty, beating City's new goalkeeper Stuart Taylor.

The Pirates doubled their lead in the 56th minute thanks to substitute Phenyo Mogale's long-range effort.

The game was played at a ground which will be used at next year's World Cup.

Big-spending City will now be looking to bounce back in their next match against the Kaizer Chiefs on Tuesday, where supporters will be hoping to see some of the new signings make their debuts.

 

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Sunderland warned off Catt
Martinez won't sell midfielder but is eyeing McCarthy

Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martinez has reiterated midfielder Lee Cattermole is not for sale at any price.

Cattermole is a target for former Latics boss Steve Bruce, who is keen to bring the England Under-21 star to Sunderland.

Reports suggest the Black Cats have seen a second offer, thought to be £6million, turned down by the Latics.

Martinez is currently planning for the 2009/10 season and expects Cattermole to be a Wigan player come the start of the new term.

He told Sky Sports News: "I think the interest is something that Lee should be very proud of.

"But Lee is now focused on the new season with Wigan Athletic.

"You can always have interest but Lee Cattermole is not for sale, there is not even a price on his head.

"We are in a great position that means we don't have to sell anyone to balance the books."
McCarthy

Martinez also confirmed the club's interest in Hamilton Academical midfielder James McCarthy, but did not reveal whether the completion of a deal is imminent.

He added: "There is no news on James McCarthy. Until something is done and is concrete, we are not going to announce or speak about players.

"We have been following a lot of players and obviously James is one of them."

 

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Barry hits back at Benitez
City midfielder accuses Reds boss of being disrespectful


Gareth Barry has accused Rafa Benitez of a lack of respect after the Liverpool manager questioned the motives behind his move to Manchester City.

The England midfielder left Aston Villa for Eastlands earlier this summer having come close to joining the Anfield outfit last year, only for the deal to fall through.

Barry had previously claimed he was eager to play UEFA Champions League football, but City will have no involvement in continental competition this year, which led to Benitez suggesting his decision was purely financial.

The left-sided ace is adamant that the money on offer from the cash-rich Eastlands outfit did not sway him, and he was more impressed by City's desire to bring him on board as they look to challenge the established hierarchy in English football.
Wanted

"I found Rafa Benitez's comments a bit disrespectful," Barry told the Daily Telegraph.

"By that stage my decision was made and people should move on. There was genuine interest from Liverpool and I think he's probably just upset I chose City.

"I've been in the Premier League for 10 years, more, and the money I've been paid is phenomenal compared to your average, everyday working man. You live and work away from normal life anyway, so money's not a big factor.

"The difference was that City made me feel wanted. Liverpool had a chance to buy me last season but failed to pay the money, and only found it this year when they knew someone else had reached an agreement."

Barry admitted the collapse of his proposed move to Anfield last summer made his return to Villa Park a trying time and accused the Reds of making 'excuses' over their failure to complete the deal.

Something big

He added: "There was a feeling of being let down. Excuses were made about things going on behind the scenes and in the boardroom, but I came out of it looking like a bad person.

"It took a long time for me to get back into the squad at Villa afterwards. It was tough to deal with.

"That's why there's nothing better than a club making you feel wanted and getting a deal done in days.

"It's not about money, it's about the chance to be part of something big from the very beginning at a club who really want you."

 

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Jo double sinks Dale
Everton cruise home at Spotland

On-loan Jo helped himself to a brace as Everton eased past Rochdale 4-1 in a pre-season friendly.

The Brazilian striker, who signed a one-year loan deal from Manchester City last week, notched after 32 and 78 minutes to put the visitors out of sight at Spotland.

Youngster Shane Duffy tapped home the opener after seven minutes and the visitors' advantage was doubled midway through the first half courtesy of a Craig Dawson own goal.

Chris Dagnall pulled one back for the hosts from the penalty spot just before the half-hour mark but then Jo got in on the act to seal Everton's victory.

Everton now tackle River Plate and ML All-Stars later this month as they continue their pre-season preparations.

 

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Fergie pleased for Owen
Red Devils boss happy striker scored on debut

Sir Alex Ferguson has expressed his delight that Michael Owen opened his Manchester United account on his debut.

The former Newcastle United man scored the winner in United's 3-2 victory over a Malaysia XI in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday.

The game was Owen's first in a United shirt and he spared their blushes by scoring five minutes from time after the Red Devils squandered a 2-0 lead.

Ferguson knows Owen brings something different to the team and believes it will do him the world of good to find the back of the net after suffering relegation with Newcastle.
First to react

"When you consider the type of player Michael is, he was always going to be looking to score that type of goal," explained Ferguson.

"There was nothing unusual in it and he will be delighted to have got off the mark.

"It was a typical Michael Owen goal. He was the first man to react, which is just what you would expect.

"He's different from our other players, he's always searching for space, he's always in and around the box. He reacted well for his goal."

Meanwhile, Ferguson is not reading too much into Ben Foster's blunder in the game. The goalkeeper made a hash of Darron Gibson's harmless backpass allowing the Malaysia XI to equalise.

First game

As it was Foster's first match for a while, Ferguson is just pleased to see the keeper back out on the pitch rather than criticising his performance.

"Ben has had ligament damage in his finger and that was his first game for a few months," he continued.

"It was a big day for him coming back after such a long time and I am not too concerned.

"I have said I think he will be England's number one keeper and I still believe that."

More is expected of Wayne Rooney this season following Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez's departure and Ferguson believes the striker is playing with more maturity.

"You are seeing maturity from him now, which is what you expect from all young players.

"I don't believe he needs to look at anything but himself because we know there is a lot of improvement to come from him yet.

"Wayne is not the finished article by any means."

 

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Toffees sweet on Elm
Swedish star in Moyes' sights

Everton have reportedly tabled an offer for Swedish star Rasmus Elm.

The highly-rated Kalmar midfielder impressed during the recent European Under-21 Championship and he is believed to have caught the eye of Everton scouts.

Fulham and Stoke have both been linked with the 21-year-old in the past, but Everton are hoping to steal a march on their rivals by making a firm move for Elm.

Kalmar sports director Svante Samuelsson has confirmed Everton have expressed an interest in Elm.

"It's correct that Everton is one of the clubs who are interested, but I do not want to go into that at this time," Samuelsson told Sportbladet.

Elm's agent, Patrick Mork, admits the player has a lot of clubs chasing him, but he refused to comment on Everton's reported interest.

"Unfortunately, this is nothing I can comment on," said Mork of Everton's interest.

"It is clear that there is great interest. There are many options.

"But it should feel right for Rasmus and he has no urgency. It has been an intense summer, with many matches for Rasmus."

 

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Ancelotti - 100%, Terry stays
But City prepared to be patient as they court England skipper

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti is '100 per cent' convinced that captain John Terry will stay at Stamford Bridge despite interest from Manchester City.

Eastlands manager Mark Hughes is eager to add the England skipper to his squad as the North West outfit embark on a major summer spending spree.

City have ambitions to challenge the top four in the Premier League and have already swooped for Gareth Barry, Carlos Tevez and Roque Santa Cruz so far this summer.

Chelsea have rejected two bids from City this year, but the speculation over Terry's future will not go away, particularly with the centre-back not breaking his silence on the issue.

But Ancelotti who, like Terry, is currently on Chelsea's tour of America said: "I am sure he will remain at Chelsea.

"I am sure, 100 per cent. He has a contract for three years more and this is the situation now."

City counterpart Hughes fully expected Terry to fly out on tour with his team-mates and is prepared to be patient as he attempts to pull off a major transfer.
Wait

Hughes said: "It's what we expected because he's a Chelsea player, he has obligations to that club.

"That's what he has plainly done. We made a bid and it was rejected, that's where we are.

"Sometimes you have to wait. Maybe we must wait until the end of the window."

Striker Salomon Kalou, meanwhile, believes that City's astonishing bargaining power will not turn Terry's head.

A deal of up to £200,000 a week is thought to be on offer in addition to a transfer fee of around £30million but Kalou does not believe money comes into it.

Kalou said: "He doesn't pay attention to that.

"Maybe if he was paying attention to that it might disturb a little bit of the team, but you can tell he is not disturbed by this situation."

 

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Hughes hints at Terry defeat
Manager hints at ending pursuit of Chelsea defender

Manchester City boss Mark Hughes remains in the hunt for John Terry but admitted the club are prepared to end their pursuit of the Chelsea defender.

The England international is a target of affluent side City but they have seen two bids rejected by their Premier League rivals.

And on Saturday, Blues manager Carlo Ancelotti said he is "100 per cent" convinced that captain Terry will stay at Stamford Bridge.

Hughes is keen to bolster his defence this summer and Terry remains a top target, but the Welshman hinted City may soon have to look elsewhere for reinforcements.

He told Sky Sports News: "Chelsea have their stance, and we understand that. We are obviously looking to strengthen in defensive areas. We are looking at all options.

"It is a case of seeing what level we are willing to go up to. If it comes a point where we feel we can't progress in any deals we are involved in then we walk away."

 

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City seal Adebayor swoop
Gunners ace pens Eastlands contract

Manchester City have completed the signing of Arsenal's Emmanuel Adebayor on a five-year contract.

The fee for the Togo international has not been disclosed, although the 25-year-old is believed to have cost City in the region of £25million.

Adebayor was omitted from the Arsenal squad which tackled Barnet on Saturday as he was in Manchester putting the final touches on his five-year contact.

The former Monaco man, who joined Arsenal in 2006, has been moved by the reception received by fans and is looking forward to making history at Eastlands.
History

"It made me feel really welcome and special and I can't wait to play for City's fans and show them what I can do," he told City's official website.

"I was born to play football and that is what I want to do. I have come here to make history for this club and those supporters. It what the chairman and the manager told me that they want too and I can't wait to get started."

Manager Mark Hughes has signed some of the world's finest strikers this summer with Adebayor joining the likes of Carlos Tevez and Roque Santa Cruz in joining City.

Although Hughes has a plethora of attacking options he is delighted to have acquired Adebayor's signature, stating he will 'greatly enhance' City's ability to compete with the big four.

"Emmanuel has been one of the top forwards in the Premier League since he arrived from France and we are delighted he has agreed to come and join us," he declared.

Enhance

"Along with the other signings we have made in the last two windows he will greatly enhance our ability to compete with the top sides.

"His arrival is another clear indication that we are determined to augment the players we have here with the best of international talent.

"He adds vital balance and power to our attack. He has everything a top forward needs. He is versatile, powerful, quick and agile on the ball.

"I am looking forward to working with him as are the rest of the staff. He will definitely add a new dimension to our play. I have been a great admirer for a long time."

 

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Cole joins Terry chorus
Chelsea defender wants skipper to stay put

Ashley Cole has become the latest Chelsea player to urge captain John Terry to resist the overtures of Manchester City.

Blues and England captain Terry is wanted by Eastlands boss Mark Hughes as he looks to bolster his defence ahead of a concerted attempt to break into the top four.

Chelsea insist their hugely-popular centre-back is not for sale, but Terry's silence on the subject has only served to increase the rumours.

Cole, who was involved in a lengthy transfer saga of his own during his bitter move from Arsenal to Stamford Bridge, does not want his defensive colleague to depart.

The England left-back has not spoken directly to his club and country colleague, although he appreciates the pressure he is under.
Leader

Cole told the Sunday Mirror: "Everyone wants him to stay. He's our captain, he's our leader. And he's said he is Chelsea through and through.

"But there's nothing we, the players, can do about it. There's nothing I can do. I haven't talked to him about it. I'm not getting involved in any of that.

"I went through the same thing the same thing, so I'm staying out of it. But I can definitely sympathise with his situation.

"The fans want him to stay - not like me. It's a little bit different with John. He loves it here. He's Chelsea. The fans, all the players and me all hope he stays."

And Cole has backed the Blues to improve on last season's displays, where their early form under Luiz Felipe Scolari left them with too much ground to make up on the title race.

Nervous

The full-back is confident new manager Carlo Ancelotti will guide them to success having been impressed by the Italian's methods since taking charge.

He added: "With a new manager coming in it's going to be different. We know we were letting everyone down. We have to fight more.

"We have to try to play better. At the end of the day it's down to us. We're the ones not winning games. It's not always about blaming the managers, we have to take the blame.

"At first I was a little bit nervous with the manager, but he has been brilliant with the lads. He's easy to talk to, very easy going.

"They've done a good job choosing this kind of manager. He's the kind of manager we need."