Surya Solanki

What can be described as an absurd transfer news, Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany has been linked with a move away from the Etihad Stadium this summer.

Via Caught Offside:

“Belgian reports suggest that Man City skipper Vincent Kompany and boss Roberto Mancini have fallen out over the centre-back’s commitment to his national team.

SportWereld claims that Mancini’s comments over Kompany’s inclusion in a recent World Cup qualifier have angered Kompany and could lead to the talented centre-back looking to leave the Etihad Stadium.”

The report also states that Kompany has blamed his slow recovery from injury to Manchester City’s physio team and it was a similar ‘Club vs. Country’ tussle that led to the 26-year-old’s departure from Hamburg in 2008.

Nonetheless, Kompany is City’s leader, most valuable defender and in the past, has also spoken about his desire to remain at the club for a long time.

Chelsea advanced to the semi-finals of the FA Cup with a narrow 1-0 win over domestic league leaders Manchester United.

In what can be described as an intriguing tactical battle, Rafael Benitez piped his counterpart Sir Alex Ferguson and even though the Spaniard might be criticized by his owns fans for virtually every decision that he makes, Squawka presents you as to why the former Liverpool boss deserves some credit for Chelsea’s pivotal win.

Overrun Midfield

On Monday, Benitez started with Ramires and John Obi Mikel in the midfield pivot and the trio of Juan Mata, Eden Hazard and Oscar operated ahead of the duo.

 With Hazard and Oscar drifting in, Michael Carrick and Phil Jones were overrun in the centre of the park and Chelsea could easily play the ball around United’s midfielders.

Danny Welbeck tracked back to mitigate this mismatch (leaving Javier Hernandez isolated upfront), while United’s left-sided wingmen were also forced to drift in.

With the summer transfer window looming large on the horizon, the rumour mill is in overdrive.    

Moreover, considering several reports over the past few weeks, some deals are certain to occur when the transfer period commences.

Hence, International Business Times presents you with three signings that are likely to happen before the start of the next season.

Ezequiel Garay- Benfica to Manchester United

Manchester United have been heavily linked with a move for former Real Madrid defender Ezequiel Garay and if the reports are to be believed, the Red Devils might have already tied up a deal for the 26-year-old.

 Even though United have been rock-solid at the back recently, both Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand find themselves at the wrong side of 30.

Garay’s arrival will bring about more structure to the champions-elect’s backline and one can surely expect Fergie to make a concrete swoop for the Argentine this summer. 

During the matchweek 31 of the English Premier League, Manchester United will travel to the Stadium of Light as they prepare to lock horns with Martin O'Neill’s Sunderland side.

The Red Devils have a 15-point cushion at the top to the table and with the FA Cup replay against Chelsea looming large on the horizon, manager Sir Alex Ferguson could rest some of his key players.

Team News

Sunderland’s survival hopes were dealt a massive blow with as it was confirmed that both Steven Fletcher and Lee Cattermole will miss the remainder of the season. Fletcher, particularly will be an immense miss for O’Niell’s men as the 26-year-old has been the club’s leading goalscorer this term, with 11 strikes to his name.

Moving on, David Vaughan (groin) could be available for the tie, but Carlos Cuellar (ankle) and Wes Brown (knee) are likely to miss out.

United, on the other hand, find themselves in a much better position that their opposition with only the duo of Nani (hamstring) and Phil Jones (ankle) being minor doubts for their trip.

Possible Line-Ups

According to the Metro, English giants Arsenal have agreed a deal to sign Fiorentina striker Stevan Jovetic.

The Gunners, along with their domestic rival Manchester City, have been heavily linked with a move for Jovetic over the past few months and according to FIFA agent Di Domenico, Arsene Wenger and co. might have won the race for signature of the 23-year-old.

Via The Metro:

“...according to respected Fifa agent, Di Domenico, the Gunners have already agreed terms to bring the 23-year-old to north London, after he snubbed interest from Juventus.

‘Jovetic was among the possible options for Juventus, but my information is that the boy has already given the go ahead to move to Arsenal,’ said Di Comenico.

‘He seems fascinated by their project.’

Di Comenico is one of the most well-known football agents in Italy, and enjoys close links with Juventus, Fiorentina and Roma, with whom he has done business in recent years.”