Soccer Globe

23 year old Bayern Munich striker Lukas Podolski is said to be one of Mark Hughes' transfer targets for the January window after he has fallen out with the staff at Bayern. Hughes is expected to make a £12m bid for the striker. Bayern Munich president Franz Beckenbauer has stated that Podolski could move for the right bid, and given the interest in the player from Cologne and Roma, amongst others, it seems the financial powerhouse Manchester City would be most likely to get ... Read More

Manchester United's manager Sir Alex Ferguson has been forced to speak out in defence of player Cristiano Ronaldo after the much hyped Derby match, in which he recevied a red card for deliberately handballing. Despite, Ferguson's protestations, it might lead some to wonder whether Ronaldo is up to the task of pushing United forward for a title win given his individualistic style and failure to put side before self everytime as per Billy Bremner. After seeing the replays, Ferguson, however claims both that Ronaldo was ... Read More

Rumours are circulating that Manchester City are concerned there could be a fallout between manager Mark Hughes and £32.5million superstar Robinho, after Hughes fell out with Brazilian teammates Elano and Jo, which could create a damaging Hughes v Robinho rift. Although Robinho recently spoke of his intention to stay at City for the long term, the concern is not without cause, given that the Brazilian teammates have formed a community within the northwest and, as a result, to transfer Elano and Jo when ... Read More

Sir Alex Ferguson defended Cristiano Ronaldo over the red card incident that has soured the week in which his expected to be crowned European Footballer of the Year. Ronaldo seems certain to pick up the prestigious Ballon d'Or on Tuesday but will do so having been dismissed after picking up two bookings in Manchester United's 1-0 win over Manchester City at Eastlands. The Portugal winger had already been cautioned when he leapt for Wayne Rooney's corner midway through the second-half, then stuck his hands ... Read More

Manchester City defender Micah Richards has admitted that he fears for his role at the club once Mark Hughes embarks on his spending spree at the January transfer window. With City only having won 13 of their Premier League games so far this season, Hughes is expected to make several purchases in January to turn things around. Speaking to the Daily Express, Micah Richards said: "If I said the players weren't worried about what will happen in January, then I'd be lying," "Every one of ... Read More

Magnus Hedman has stated that he has been approached by Manchester City to cover injured City keeper Joe Hart. Manager Mark Hughes had confirmed that the Premier League had given permission for a goalkeeper to be brought to City, on loan, to fill in for injured Hart. Joe Hart is expected to be out of commission for around two weeks after the ankle injury he sustained in their draw against Hull, and the third choice keeper Richard Martin is also injured. Hedman has, however, ... Read More

Jose Mourinho has played down rumours that he is to return to England and take on the manager role at team Manchester City, replacing current manager Mark Hughes, amidst speculation that the Abu Dhabi Group are not happy with Hughes' recent performances. Khaldoon Al Mubarak, chairman of the Abu Dhabi Group, insisted on Monday that Hughes' place at the club was secure. However, reports are emerging that the group is prepared to pay Mourinho £15m to take the role, and a tabloid newspaper ... Read More

Brazilian midfielder Elano has expressed his frustration at the lack of opportunities to play for the first-team under Manchester City manager Mark Hughes. The 27 year old said of the situation: "It's his [Hughes's] right, he is the manager," he said. "I respect him and I will keep working, arriving on time and doing my duties at the club, but my sadness is not playing. "I can't hide that from the fans or the president, who wants to make this a big club. I think ... Read More

Bolton manager Gary Megson has stated that he is happy to remain unpopular with the fans, as long as the club performs as it did against Manchester City on Sunday, a match which saw Bolton win a 2-0 victory and move out of the relegation zone. This was Bolton's first win since the season began. Speaking post match Megson said: "The fans react to what they see but they're not going to boo. They've seen a team really having a go and to ... Read More

Reports are emerging that, following Manchester City's 2-0 defeat to Bolton, Mark Hughes is considering a January transfer bid for 21 year old Argentina star Sergio Aguero currently playing for Atletico Madrid. A move to City is likely to cost in the region of £35million, although costs are unlikely to pose an insurmountable problem given the club's takeover by the Abu Dhabi United Group. Speaking to SkySports about the possibility of a move, Manchester City manager Mark Hughes said: "We're linked with every good ... Read More

Manchester City boss Mark Hughes has stated that he has faith Bolton manager Gary Megson can handle the pressure he is currently facing, after Bolton dropped into the relegation zone in the Premier League this week. Rumours have also been circulating that Megson could face the axe if his side loses to City on Sunday. Hughes said of Megson: "Gary has been in the game a long time," "He is thick-skinned enough to know it comes with the territory and he will be able to deal ... Read More

Manchester City boss Mark Hughes has reportedly decided to change the team's strategy after Wednesday's defeat to Middlesborough, marking another in a string of defeats for the club. This means City have won just once this season, and in order to have the possibility of a European place at the end of the season, the strategy will need to be altered: "We have still been trying to play attacking football away from home," Hughes said. "Maybe we have to temper that somewhat on ... Read More