The Ballon d’Or award has released their shortlist of candidates for this year which includes favorites Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The list includes 30 players in Europe but has no Italian players even though they are reigning World Cup champions. Who will win this year’s award? Messi is probably the favorite for the award but it is still up in the air. The winner will be announced on December 1, 2009.

Here’s the full list of nominees.

2009 Ballon d’Or shortlist (30 nominees)

Andreï Arshavin (Russia, Arsenal)

Karim Benzema (France, Lyon/Real Madrid)

Iker Casillas (Spain, Real Madrid)

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal, Manchester United/Real Madrid)

Diego (Brazil, Werder Brême/Juventus Turin)

Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast, Chelsea)

Edin Dzeko (Bosnia, Wolfsburg)

Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon, FC Barcelona/Inter Milan)

Cesc Fabregas (Spain, Arsenal)

Fernando Torres (Spain, Liverpool)

Diego Forlan (Uruguay, Atletico Madrid)

Steven Gerrard (England, Liverpool)

Ryan Giggs (Wales, Manchester United)

Yoann Gourcuff (France, Bordeaux)

Thierry Henry (France, FC Barcelona)

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden, Inter Milan/FC Barcelona)

Iniesta (Spain, FC Barcelona)

Julio Cesar (Brazil, Inter Milan)

Kakà (Brazil, Milan AC/Real Madrid)

Frank Lampard (England, Chelsea)

Maicon (Brazil, Inter Milan)

Lionel Messi (Argentina, FC Barcelona)

Luis Fabiano (Brazil, FC Séville)

Franck Ribéry (France, Bayern Munich)

Wayne Rooney (England, Manchester United)

John Terry (England, Chelsea)

Nemanja Vidic (Serbia, Manchester United)

David Villa (Spain, Valence)

Xavi (Spain, FC Barcelona)

Yaya Touré (Ivory Coast, FC Barcelona)

The 2009 Ballon d’Or shortlist revealed; includes Ronaldo, Messi, Rooney, and more - The 90th Minute Soccer Blog

There were a full slate of Spanish Primera Division (La Liga) matches in the midweek with the marquee one being Villareal v Real Madrid. Both teams finished near the top of the table last season and this season doesn’t appear to be any different. However, Real Madrid has added several superstars and is aiming to knock off defending La Liga champions FC Barcelona. Here’s a recap of the math from Wednesday, September 23, 2009 along with video highlights.

Real Madrid beats Villareal 2-0 –  Video Highlights

Real Madrid took the early lead on a 2nd minute goal from Cristiano Ronaldo. It was a low shot from just outside the box by Ronaldo that beat the keeper. It was a fairly even match and while Madrid get the better chances, they weren’t dominating like Barcelona have been in La Liga. The match would turn in the 35th minute of the first half as Gonzalo picked up his 2nd yellow for a bad challenge and was ejected. Villareal would play the last 55 minutes a man down. The first half would end at 1-0 on the early goal.

The second half was a bit more open as both teams got chances. Even though Villareal was down a man, they were able to get some decent chances and the Real Madrid defense was up and down. As the second half wore on, Madrid looked to wear down the Villareal defense. The home team (Villareal) showed signs of fatigue as the midfield of Real Madrid began to take control.

The match would turn in Real Madrid’s direction in the 73rd minute as Kaka converted a penalty kick for a 2-0 lead. The penalty was awarded after a handball called on Villareal. In the attack a cross was sent into the box and a sliding Villareal defender had his hands up as the ball struck them. It was a good break for Real Madrid as it could have gone either way. Ronaldo nearly score off a free kick around the 75th minute as it was just saved by the Villareal goalkeeper.

The last 10-15 minutes saw Real Madrid continue to have the advantage as Villareal continues to struggle early in the season. There would be no more goals as Real Madrid would win 2-0 and remain perfect with a 4-0-0 start. It may not have been a great win or impressive performance but Madrid got the 3 points and thats all that matters.

Real Madrid beats Villareal 2-0 in La Liga – Recap and Video Highlights – Wednesday, September 23, 2009 - The 90th Minute Soccer Blog

The Spanish Primera Division or La Liga begins it 2009-10 Season on Saturday August 29th with Real Madrid and FC Barcelona the clear favorites. Will Real Madrid’s spending spree that brought in Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo, Xabi Alonso, and Benzema be able to challenge FC Barcelona for the La Liga title? Here’s a preview of the upcoming season along with predictions.

Who will win the league title?

It’s going to be FC Barcelona or Real Madrid as the other teams just can’t match them over a 38 match season. Real Madrid have gotten better but can they find the chemistry to play together? It’s not known how well the team will do but at worst they will probably finish 3rd and more likely in the top 2. Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka are world class players that have the ability to score goals to steal matches but will the defense be solid enough?

The La Liga title could come down to who wins in the head-to-head matches between Barca and Madrid. FC Barcelona looks to be ready to defend their title and the potential for Lionel Messi seems endless. He’s cemented his stature as the best player in the world and they are the favorites as reigning champions. While Real Madrid made all the headlines with their transfer moves, Barca will just edge them for the La Liga 2009-10 title. Prediction – FC Barcelona win the league title

Who will earn the European spots?

Real Madrid and Barcelona will both grab the UEFA Champions League spots but the other two will be up in the air. Villareal has proven to be a solid club and they will grab the third as they will improve on last season’s 5th place finish. The last spot will come down to the wire but Valencia will just edge Atletico Madrid. The fight for the Europa League spots will be as competitive as Atletico Madrid will finish 5th, and Sevilla will fall to 6th.

Who will be relegated?

This is always tough to predict as its a long season but at least one of the newly promoted teams will be relegated. Xerez CD looked solid as the won the Segunda division and will survive but Real Zaragoza and CD Tenerife will not be as lucky. Both teams will be relegated as they just don’t have enough to last the long season. The other team will be Valladolid as they just escape relegation in the 2008-09 season.

What will the league table look like?

Here’s a prediction of what the final league table will look like in May 2010.

1. FC Barcelona
2. Real Madrid
3. Villareal
4. Valencia
5. Atletico Madrid
6. Sevilla
7. Espanyol
8. Malaga
9. Deportivo La Coruna
10. Athletic Bilbao
11. Getafe
12. Mallorca
13. Racing Santander
14. Osasuna
15. Xerez CD
16. Sporting
17. Almeria
18. Real Zaragoza
19. CD Tenerife
20. Valladolid

Spanish Primera Division (La Liga) 2009-10 Season Preview and Predictions: Will Real Madrid challenge FC Barcelona? - The 90th Minute Soccer Blog

Real Madrid concluded their preseason tour of the United States with a match against Major League Soccer side DC United. The match was at FedEx Field in DC and had a solid crowd of around 70,000. Here’s a recap of Sunday’s match along with video highlights.

Real Madrid cruises past DC United 3-0 – Video Highlights

The first half began with Real Madrid getting some chances but unable to convert any. DC keeper Josh Wicks played great and made a few key saves as Madrid had 5 shots on goals. Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka both showed their skills and had chances as they were getting continuous pressure on the DC defense. There were a few chances for DC but they were unable to get a shot on goal and seriously threaten the Real Madrid defense. Real Madrid were definitely the better team in the first half but just lacked the ability to finish in the final third when they had chances.

The second half began tied at 0-0 with both teams making several changes at halftime. DC came out right away with some aggressive play as Fred got a nice shot on goal that forced a good save from Casillas. After the early chance for DC, Real Madrid took back momentum in the match with several chances. Wicks continued to play well in goal for DC and some great saves to keep it scoreless early in the second half. Finally DC couldn’t hold off Madrid any more as they scored on a breakaway as Higuain got past the defense and beat Wicks with a shot to the far post to make it 1-0. Only a minute later Real Madrid scored again as the DC United defense was caught flat-footed. Robben found Higuain who was open on a breakaway and easily beat Wicks again for his 2nd goal and a 2-0 lead.

Even after being down 2-0 with two quick goals, DC still had chances throughout the match. Robben, who was subbed in the match at halftime, continued to be dangerous on the pitch and got behind the defense and chipped over the goalkeeper for the third goal of the match, as RM led 3-0 after 70 minutes. The last 20 minutes saw neither team score again as it would end with a solid Real Madrid victory.

3	90:00 Final	0
Scoring:
RMD — Gonzalo Higuain 1 (Raul ) 57
RMD — Gonzalo Higuain 2 (Arjen Robben ) 59
RMD — Arjen Robben 1 (Pepe ) 69
Discipline:
DC — Marc Burch (caution; Dissent) 69

Real Madrid cruises past DC United 3-0 in friendly: Recap and Video Highlights - The 90th Minute Soccer Blog

Real Madrid started their preseason tour of North America with a trip to BMO Field to play Toronto FC of Major League Soccer. The match is the first of two against MLS teams with the other on Sunday against DC United. All the stars of Real Madrid were available for Friday’s match including Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Benzema, and Alonso. Here’s a recap of Friday’s match along with video highlights.

Real Madrid easily beats Toronto FC 5-1 – Video Highlights

The match started out fairly even and Toronto FC actually had the better chances early but couldn’t convert. When Toronto wasn’t able to convert their early chances while the game was stll 0-0, it seemed the momentum shifted. Real Madrid started to take control of the match and it wasn’t long before they grabbed a 1-0 lead on a Raul shot. The all-time leading scorer for Real Madrid hit a perfect shot that hit the crossbar and bounced into the net as TFC keeper Frei had little chance.

The offensive showcase from RM continued as Cristiano Ronaldo scored the next goal and Raul added one more to make it 3-0 after only 25 minutes. The defensive problems of Toronto FC in this season of Major League Soccer were exposed by the world class talent of Real Madrid. After the first 3 goals Toronto’s defensive troubles weren’t over as they continually made mistakes. Fortunately they were able to keep the Spanish giants scoreless the last 20 minutes of the half as it remained 0-3 after 45 minutes.

The second half started with a lot of changes as Real Madrid and Toronto made many substitutions. Toronto had the first chance of the half as Barrett linked up with De Rosario who had a shot on goal that was saved. The home team came out with some aggression but seemed to lack the ability to finish in the final third. One of the bright spots for TFC was Marvell Wyne who utilized his speed to make some great plays on offensively and defensively. As with the first half, the early chances and momentum was with Toronto but they just couldn’t convert on chances.

As the second half progressed, Real Madrid started to get some chances as the momentum shifted back. In the 63rd minute Cristiano Ronaldo was subbed out as RM started to take out the starters. Newly signed midfielder Xabi Alonso was one of the players subbed in as he stepped onto the pitch in a match for the first time in a Real Madrid uniform. The pressure from Madrid proved to be too much in the second half as Benzema was wide open in the box and recieved a pass that he easily put in the back of the net. There was little doubt who would win the match and Real Madrid seemed to never been in trouble even if Toronto had chances.

In the 75th minute as the match seem over, 2nd half substitute Gabe Gala scored a goal on a rebound to give Toronto fans something to cheer about. The match didn’t slow down much as each team made changes throughout and Real Madrid was able to add one more from Robben in the 86th minute to make it 5-1. Overall it was a good performance from the La Liga side who will be looking to challenge Barcelona when the season starts in a few weeks.

Real Madrid easily beats Toronto FC 5-1 in friendly: Recap and Video Highlights - The 90th Minute Soccer Blog

Real Madrid have already had a busy offseason with the acquisition of two superstars, Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo. Madrid had a disappointing season in which they could never catch Barcelona in La Liga and were dominated by Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League. The team has large profits each season and if one team was going to spend money in the transfer market, it would be Real Madrid. While most expected Cristiano Ronaldo to sign with Real Madrid, the signing of Kaka was less predictable. The question now remains if Real Madrid are the favorites in La Liga or be able to give a challenge for the Champions League trophy. Let’s take a closer look at the moves and how it could affect the upcoming season.

Real Madrid should be better with Kaka and Ronaldo

There’s no doubt that adding these two superstars that Real Madrid should be a better team that this previous season. Cristiano Ronaldo is arguably the best player in the world and is still in the prime of his career and Kaka is only 27 with several years left. Real Madrid has a talented roster but adding these explosive players should lift the club to be competitive with Barcelona in La Liga. With Kaka and Ronaldo, Real Madrid’s attack can rival that of Barca’s Eto’o, Messi, and Henry. Last season, Madrid seemed to lack a dynamic midfielder and the addition of two will solve those issues.

Barcelona is still the team to beat in La Liga

While Real Madrid have significantly improved their roster, Barcelona is still the team to be in La Liga in the 2009/10 season. Until Madrid can prove it is able to compete with Barcelona and these two players are healthy for most of the season, the favorites have to be Barcelona. Barca has proven they are the best team in Spain and unless they lose Messi have a good chance to win La Liga. Real Madrid have tried to buy several superstars before only to have it backfire so it’s not clear if Ronaldo and Kaka will mean instant success.

The possibilities are endless

Real Madrid could win La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Champions League next season or they could not win any trophies. The possibilities are endless for Real Madrid now that they have two superstars and could still add a few more players during the summer transfer window. La Liga is a less physical league then the Premiership and Cristiano Ronaldo could be set for a record breaking season if he’s healthy and in good form. Kaka has proven his ability in Serie A and should thrive in La Liga which has a similar style of play. If this team doesn’t win at least one trophy next season it will likely be considered a disappointment, but if everything goes right then they could be winning La Liga and in the semifinals or better of the Champions League.

Is Real Madrid now the team to beat in La Liga with Kaka and Ronaldo? - The 90th Minute Soccer Blog

The Kaka deal has been finalized and the transfer fee has broken the previous record set by Zidane, at 59 million Euros. In other news, Pato is in talks with Chelsea about a possible transfer, and Real Madrid are not done as they target Cristiano Ronaldo. Here’s a cap of the top stories in the European transfer news.

Details on Kaka’s deal – “The 27-year-old Brazilian is believed to have signed for around £59m ($94.05m), which beats the world record transfer fee of £46.7m ($75.3m) paid by Real to Juventus for Zinedine Zidane in 2001. Although, due to fluctuations in currency exchanges, Zidane still cost more in Euros, at €73m, than Kaka, at €68m.

Kaka, who was also a target for Premier League club Chelsea, revealed that he turned down a £100m move to Manchester City in January because he did not want to leave Milan mid-season.

“Manchester City and Real Madrid are two different clubs with different situations. At that time, it was mid-season, I had a strong emotional impact due to the Italian fans requesting me to stay, and I decided to stay.

“Now another chance came up and AC Milan is in a big crisis (financially). For me, the sporting project (at Madrid) is interesting and will be an important boost to continue my career in the highest level.

“I wanted to stay on at Milan, but the world (financial) crisis affected a lot of clubs, especially those like Milan which are businesses. So then, I spoke with the Milan directors and we reached the conclusion that the best thing for everybody would be to sell.”

The 2007 World Player of the Year will have to wait to be unveiled at the Santiago Bernabeu until the end of June, as he is due to travel to South Africa to compete the Confederations Cup with Brazil, but he is already looking forward to the new challenge of playing for Los Blancos.

Having spoken with new Real president Florentino Perez, Kaka revealed that the man who oversaw the club’s galacticos era is attempting to construct a team to emulate that of Zidane, Luis Figo, Ronaldo and David Beckham that dazzled football during his first stint as club chief between 2000 and 2006.

The likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Xabi Alonso, David Villa and Franck Ribery have all been linked with the Spanish club since Perez’s unopposed election signalled the return of their vast spending.

Kaka said: “The president (Perez) is already making contact (with potential signings) and is putting together a competitive team, one which will try to once again become champions in Spain and Europe. That’s why I chose Madrid.”

The Brasilia-born star also admitted he had received plenty of advice on the move from former Real player and Perez signing Beckham, who spent a short spell at Milan on loan earlier this year. He also revealed that although the deal was only announced on Monday night, it had been in the pipeline for some time.

“I spoke to some friends, like Beckham, who has already played for Real. He said it’s a fantastic place to play. I spoke to him this past week and he kept helping me, he said I made a positive choice for my career’s growth,” Kaka revealed. - ESPNSoccerNet.com - http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=653569&sec=transfers&cc=5901

Pato to meet with Chelsea – “AC Milan forward Alexandre Pato plans to hold talks with former boss and new Chelsea coachCarlo Ancelotti before deciding if he will quit the San Siro and move to Stamford Bridge

The 19-year-old Brazil international was taken to Serie A by Ancelotti in 2007 and the Italian coach is eager to continue his protégé’s education in the Premier League.

“At the end of June, after the Confederations Cup in South Africa, I will meet with the Rossoneri executives and speak about my future,” Pato told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “But before that happens, I will speak to Ancelotti.

“He is an extraordinary man. It’s thanks to Ancelotti that I have been able to emerge at AC Milan and in Italian football. Before I decide my future, I want to talk to him.”

Pato added: “It’s an honour to be liked by a club like Chelsea”

The former Internacional star, who scored 15 Serie A goals for the Rossoneri last season, is under contract at Milan until 2012 but may be persuaded to quit the club after seeing compatriot and team-mate Kaka leave to join Real Madrid on Monday.

Media reports have linked Milan with the quick purchase of Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko to try to quell the unrest caused by the Kaka sale. Dzeko is also being tracked by Arsenal.” – ESPNSoccerNet.com - http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=653611&sec=transfers&cc=5901

Real Madrid target Ronaldo - Florentino Perez has claimed he will do “everything possible” to lure Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid, but has ruled out a move for Xabi Alonso.

Returning president Perez has already made one stunning signing with the £59million capture of Brazil international Kaka from AC Milan.

And the Santiago Bernabeu supremo is keen to revive his ‘galacticos’ transfer policy from his previous stint, which saw the likes of Luis Figo, Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo and David Beckham brought in.

World Player of the Year Ronaldo has been a long-term target for the Spanish giants, although Manchester United have always vigorously resisted any advances.

The best

But Perez does not appear deterred and he toldOnda Cero and Radio Marca: “I will do everything possible to get Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid.

“Kaka is (just) the first signing.

“The only thing I have done is ensure we follow the path Santiago Bernabeu marked out for us; (signing) the best players in the world (Alfredo Di Stefano), the best in Spain (Amancio) and, with them, the best from the youth set-up (Raul).”

Perez appeared to pour cold water on reports Liverpool’s Spain midfielder Alonso could be heading to the Bernabeu.

Great player

“He is a great player but he also plays in a big team and I haven’t heard any news that they plan to sell him,” said the Madrid president.

“It’s obvious (Liverpool manager Rafa) Benitez is counting on keeping him. That’s normal, he’s a good player and it wouldn’t be easy to replace him.”

Nevertheless, it is expected to be a summer of change at Madrid with nine players seemingly on their way out of the club.

“(The squad) has 28 players. We can bring in six new and only register 25,” he said – Skysports.com - http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_5371209,00.html

European Transfer News: Details on Kaka deal, Pato in talks with Chelsea, and Real Madrid target Ronaldo - The 90th Minute Soccer Blog

AC Milan star Kaka took a physical in Brazil on Monday before his transfer to Real Madrid can be confirmed. He is in Brazil with the National Team and the deal is expected to be announced. Here is more information the deal.

Kaka set to move to Real Madrid

AC Milan playmaker Kaka has undergone a medical in Brazil at the request of Real Madrid.

‘The Spanish giants are looking to strengthen their squad over the summer and have been linked with several of the world’s top players since Florentino Perez took over as president.

Kaka is among their top targets and Milan have admitted it could be difficult to keep him during the transfer window.

Rossoneri owner Silvio Berlusconi is set to speak with Kaka in an effort to persuade him to stay but a world-record move to the Santiago Bernabeu is expected to go through.

Such a switch has now moved a step closer with the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirming that Kaka has had a medical.

The 27-year-old, who has previously been linked with Premier League clubs, is currently in his homeland on international duty.

A statement on the CBF website read: “The technical committee of the Brazilian national team attended the request of Kaka and the board of Real Madrid and released the player to perform the routine examinations in a clinic in Recife.

“The CBF had to make all the arrangements for the test through its Medical Department head Jose Luiz Runco, who accompanied the player during the tests.”

Brazil face Paraguay in a World Cup qualifier on Wednesday after beating Uruguay 4-0 over the weekend.

Kaka scored the fourth goal from the penalty spot after being felled in the area.”  - Skysports.com - http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11854_5369913,00.html

European Transfer News: Kaka to move to Real Madrid in record setting deal - The 90th Minute Soccer Blog

AC Milan and Real Madrid are making news as both have expressed interest in signing Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United. In other news, Real Madrid have made a bid for Kaka and a decision should be made by Monday whether the Brazilian star accepts the deal. Chelsea have also been rumored to be interested in Kaka, and the English club is also targeting David Villa and Frank Ribery. Here are more details on all of these stories.

AC Milan interested in Ronaldo – “AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi has declared that Cristiano Ronaldo would consider a move to his club.

European Transfer News: AC and Real Madrid interested in Ronaldo, the latest on Kaka, and more - The 90th Minute Soccer Blog

The transfer market continues as Manchester City target another player in Manchester United’s Carlos Tevez and AC Milan claim that no deal with Real Madrid is done or even being discussed. Man City have just signed Gareth Barry from Aston Villa and are looking to add Tevez who has shown frustration with his limited playing time at Man United. The move would bolster City and could be one of several summer signings. It has been rumored the club will go after Lionel Messi or another top star from Italy or Spain. In Italy, Kaka has reiterated that he wants to stay with AC Milan and there’s been no deal with Real Madrid. Here are more details on each story.

AC Milan and Kaka deny Real Madrid rumors – “Speculation has been mounting that the Brazilian playmaker will swap the San Siro for the Bernabeu following Florentino Perez’s return as Real Madrid president.

Reports in Spain on Tuesday claimed a deal had been agreed between the clubs during talks in the Spanish capital, with a fee of £56m quoted. But in a statement released on the club’s official website, Milan insisted Galliani had only travelled to Madrid to attend a dinner for Perez.

The statement read: “The general manager of the Rossoneri, Adriano Galliani, is in the city of Madrid exclusively for the investiture dinner of Florentino Perez, the new president of Real Madrid.”

Earlier Kaka, who turned down a move to Manchester City in January, claimed he wants to stay at the San Siro.

“I’ll say it for the last time. The last time. I don’t want to leave Milan,” he told Gazzetta dello Sport. “In this period I prefer to remain silent because I don’t want to be misunderstood. Or, worse still, to be used.

“To the millions of Milan supporters, I say that I have made my choice. I have said what I want to stay. Leave me in peace, please.”

Kaka was the subject of a big-money bid from City in January but the audacious swoop failed, with the player insisting he had no desire to leave Milan.

Since then he has been linked with a move to Madrid and speculation increased still further as the return of Perez – who was in charge during the Spanish club’s famous Galacticos era – grew ever more likely.”- http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=652235&sec=europe&cc=5901

Manchester City target Carlos Tevez – “Manchester City boss Mark Hughes has confirmed his interest in signing Carlos Tevez, with his two-year loan deal at Manchester United expiring at the end of the campaign. Tevez’s future has been the subject of constant speculation and it is believed United’s right to first refusal on signing the striker has expired. And they are thought to be reluctant to pay the reported £32m price-tag on the Argentine international’s head.

Reports suggest City are ready to meet the asking price for the former West Ham forward and Hughes admits he would be interested in signing Tevez if he becomes available.

“Carlos Tevez is a good player. If good players become available then obviously every manager is interested,” Hughes told Sky Sports News.

Meanwhile, Hughes has admitted Daniel Sturridge could be on his way out of Eastlands.

Chelsea have been strongly linked with a move for the 19-year-old forward, who has so far failed to agree a new deal at City. Hughes admits Sturridge’s future is out of his hands as the player is now free to discuss terms with another club – though City would be due compensation if no fee is agreed due to the player’s age.

“We are not in a position to dictate that [Sturridge's future] really,” added Hughes. “We have offered Daniel a deal that we think is at the level he should be at.

“He is in a strong position because he is in the last year of his contract. He is keeping his options open, which he has done for quite some time, we just have to wait and see.

“Obviously I have made my intentions very clear to him I would like him to stay but it may be out of our hands.”

Meanwhile, Brazilian midfielder Ze Roberto claims City are ”top of the list” of possible destinations after he was offered only a one-year contract extension by Bayern Munich.

The 34-year-old’s current deal in Bavaria expires at the end of the month and he had been hoping to receive a longer commitment from the Bundesliga club than the 12 months on the table.

He has, therefore, turned his attention to other options and appears keen on a move to Eastlands.

”(My future) will be decided in the next few days,” he told German newspaper tz. ”Manchester City’s interest is right at the top of the list. They want to get into Europe and I am wanted to help them (get there).

”There are also two Bundesliga sides interested in me. One of them is even offering me a three-year contract. There is also a club from Saudi Arabia and some US clubs are interested.’ “ http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=652328&sec=transfers&cc=5901

European Transfer News: Kaka says he wants to stay at AC Milan, Man City target Carlos Tevez - The 90th Minute Soccer Blog