Latest Transfer Update at 24-01-2012

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Nicky Maynard: Allowed to talk to Wigan

WIGAN IN TALKS WITH MAYNARD

Bristol City have given Wigan permission to speak with striker Nicky Maynard about a possible move to the Premier League club.
Wigan have made a move for Maynard as they look to bolster their attacking options before the close of the transfer window.
City are resigned to losing their star striker with the 25-year-old out of contract in the summer after refusing to sign a new deal at Ashton Gate.
Robins boss Derek McInnes would prefer to sell Maynard now rather than risk losing him for nothing in the summer.
A number of Premier League clubs have been credited with an interest in Maynard, but Wigan have jumped to the front of the queue for the former Crewe man.
A Bristol City statement read: "City have given Wigan Athletic permission to speak to Nicky Maynard.
"Discussions to finalise a transfer fee with the Premier League club are at advanced stage.
"The club now awaits news of talks between Wigan and the 25-year-old former Crewe Alexandra forward."

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Nicolas Gaitan: Impressed for Benfica this season

NO BID FOR GAITAN - AGENT

Highly-rated Benfica midfielder Nicolas Gaitan has not attracted approaches from Manchester United or Manchester City, according to his agent.
The Premier League title rivals are both thought to be targeting the Argentine, who has enjoyed an impressive first half of the season in Portugal.

But Gaitan's agent, Jose Irribaran, claims the Manchester duo are yet to make contact with Benfica over a possible deal.
He told Portuguese radio station Antena 1: "I think any team in the world would like to have Gaitan. However, at this moment neither side has been in contact."
Irribaran insists the 23-year-old is fully focused on Benfica as they push for the Primeira Liga title this season.
"Gaitan is thinking only of Benfica and not the rumours in the papers. His objective is to play and to develop as a player," he added.
"The footballer is happy at the club and wants to win titles in Benfica. He's content in Portugal and that is very important to how he performs on the field."

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Liam Ridgewell: West Brom bid rejected

RIDGEWELL BID REJECTED

Birmingham have rejected an improved offer from West Brom for defender Liam Ridgewell.

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Thiago Motta: Tempted to join PSG

MOTTA KEEN ON PSG MOVE

Thiago Motta has admitted that he could leave Inter Milan and join big-spending Paris St Germain before the end of the January transfer window.
The midfielder's contract with the Serie A giants expires next summer and the Nerazzurri have yet to offer him an extension.
The 29-year-old has hinted that a move could be on the cards with PSG coach Carlo Ancelotti looking to strengthen his side in a bid to claim the club's first Ligue 1 title in 17 years.
And when asked about the possiblility of a move to the French capital, Motta said: " I spoke with the president (Massimo Moratti) and the club, we clarified a lot of things, now we have to see.
"Paris is a big city, there's still eight days until the end of the transfer market so anything can happen, we will see, I don't know but at the moment I feel good here (in Italy).
"I have to thank Moratti and (his former club Genoa's owner, Enrico) Preziosi, who have helped relaunch my career after such a difficult time, but let's see. I have not decided anything yet."

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Mario Balotelli: Has been involved in many controversies

REFS MAY FORCE BALOTELLI OUT - AGENT

Mario Balotelli's agent has warned his player could quit English football over what he believes is unfair treatment from referees.
The controversial Manchester City striker is facing a four-match ban after being charged with violent conduct by the Football Association following a clash with Tottenham's Scott Parker on Sunday.
It is merely the latest in a catalogue of incidents concerning the enigmatic Italian both on and off the field since he joined City in August 2010.
Agent Mino Raiola is adamant the 21-year-old is enjoying life at City but feels his reputation may be counting against him on the field.
Raiola, tempering earlier remarks made to Italian media, told Sky Sports News: "We are not (looking to move) - our understanding has been openly declared.
"He would love to stay in the Premier League for a long time and won't move this transfer window, for sure. It's not our intention, let that be clear.
"Mario doesn't want to leave the club. It's fantastic, he loves it and feels at home.
"But if every week some referee (does this) with Mario, maybe you say, 'That's enough' and he goes to another country.
"But I spoke to him for a long time yesterday and although he was disappointed (about the charge) he said, 'It's fantastic here'.
"He said, 'Obviously the people of Manchester United don't like me, which I can respect and understand but fans from all over the country like me and I like playing in England's stadiums. I'm starting to feel at home'."
Raiola had earlier suggested he felt there might be a conspiracy against foreign players such as Balotelli and City team-mate Vincent Kompany, who was also suspended for four games earlier this month.
He told Italian reporters: "I want to be balanced but I'm worried because when English players are involved in more serious things, nothing happens, whereas when foreigners are involved, such as Balotelli or Kompany, they were treated harder.
"If I find that there is something strange against Balotelli, my duty is to protect and then take him away.
"In this case I would speak with City, I'd ask them Balotelli's price and would look for the best team for him, as there are only six or seven teams he can play for."
City have until 6pm on Wednesday to announce whether or not they intend to contest the charge against Balotelli.
Yet after failing in their appeal to overturn Kompany's red card against Manchester United earlier this month, it seems the club are likely to accept the ban, albeit reluctantly.
First team coach David Platt said: "What we think as a football club has no relevance whatsoever.
"You have to take everything into consideration if you want to go for an appeal because there is a sanction in place that dictates they can increase it if they consider it to be a frivolous appeal.
"I don't think anybody thought we would win an appeal with Vincent Kompany, even though the majority of people didn't feel he deserved a red card or a four-match ban.
"It shows the futility of an appeal sometimes and the negative is that we are likely to be without a player for four games."
Platt conceded that, in slow motion, the challenge on Parker - all the more controversial because Balotelli went on to score the winning goal against Spurs - looked "poor".
Despite that, he is irritated by the process which has seen a charge brought after referee Howard Webb told the FA he did not see the incident at the time.
Platt said: "It seems inconsistent. I have seen it from an angle where I can think the referee saw it live, like I did.
"Other people saw it live and didn't react. Nobody, not one of the Tottenham players or staff.
"It is when you slow it down that all the reactions come.
"I think he [Webb] did (see it) to be honest, that is my opinion, but you have to take him at face value that he has not."
He added: "I don't know what has gone on but there seems a huge inconsistency in refereeing matches on a Monday morning.
"Shouldn't you revisit everything that has happened over the weekend?
"That doesn't take away from the incident but shouldn't you take it to the letter of the law and referee every match on a Monday morning under Law 12?"
If City accept the charge, Balotelli's ban will begin with the second leg of the Carling Cup semi-final against Liverpool at Anfield tomorrow.
Raiola said: "Mario feels very uncomfortable. He is really disappointed and thinks it's unjust.
"He feels he is being judged more harshly than the rest by the referees. It's clear whatever he does... maybe other people get away with it.
"My feeling is the club will not appeal. They've had time to think about it and it's up to them - but if it was up to us there would be an appeal."