City transfer talk: 13 July – Dzeko dominates as Coentrao’s linked

Edin Dzeko appears to be the focus of our transfer speculation today, though the bad news is the strength of Juventus’ interest. A Press Association story takes quotes from Tuttosport by the Italian club’s general director, Giuseppe Marotta:

“Dzeko? It’s the dream that I’m working on.

“It’s true that we are negotiating and I have spoken to them [Wolfsburg] but they are asking for a lot and we are trying to follow the cheaper option.

“We will nevertheless be rational. In today’s transfer market you cannot go mad financially.”

Goal takes this last line to claim City are still in with a shout, particularly as Juve were willing to offer Diego in part-exchange, but the Brazilian doesn’t fancy the move.

The Independent persist with the view that we would look to offer Roque Santa Cruz, even though Wolfsburg want cash only according to the Goal piece.

On Twitter, Christian Larrson claims:

“Another meeting is taking place in Milan between Juve & Dzeko’s people.”

If Juve do land Dzeko, then they won’t be able to sign their other target Milos Krasic, as they can only bring in one non-EU player. This raises the possibility of City re-igniting our interest in Krasic, which could be bad news for Shaun Wright-Phillips.

Over in Portugal, Record newspaper has City linked with Fabio Coentrao in their cover story. The Benfica  player was considered the best left-back in the World Cup by many observers (Ashley Cole had the misfortune to be playing for England).

Coentrao certainly looked better than Kolarov in South Africa, and was believed to be set to join Bayern Munich. The Germans have now balked at Benfica’s asking price and this could be a story attempting to get them back to the negotiating table. As with Luiz, Benfica seem to be have an inflated opinion of the player’s value.

One player leaving is David Ball, who has joined Swindon Town on a 6 month loan.

Jo isn’t leaving just yet, despite attempts by Real Sociedad to do a deal. The M.E.N. claim the Spanish side are only prepared to pay half the £5m City want for our £18m signing. Ouch.