Kicking us off, there’s talk in the MailOnline that New York City FC fans could get to see Frank Lampard walk-out for their team sooner than expected.with the midfielder supposedly becoming frustrated with the lack of first team football at City - despite making 30 appearances in the Manchester sky blue this season.
“The 36-year-old started against West Bromwich Albion on Saturday but has grown frustrated at his general lack of game time.
“City have been impressed with Lampard and his contribution on and off the pitch during his loan spell and his presence proved vital in the absence of Yaya Toure during the Africa Cup of Nations.
“The former England international was ready to join up with City’s MLS franchise in New York but was convinced by City’s hierarchy that he had a vital role to play in their bid to retain the Premier League title and catch pacesetters Chelsea, his former club.
“Lampard has made 30 appearances this season but many of those have been 10 minute cameos and his main objective remains to play. He has been encouraged by New York’s start to the MLS season and is drawn to joining up with their project sooner rather than at the end of the season.
“The MLS transfer window remains open until May.
“City have a big squad to utilise and just eight Premier League games left without the FA Cup or European football to contend with.”
Sticking with the Daily Mail, and Rob Shepherd’ Football Grapevine column where City are linked with a double big-money raid of Liverpool with Raheem Sterling and Jordan Henderson touted as Summer incomings as part of a squad overall at the Etihad.
Sterling has two years left on his contract at Anfield and is yet to agree on a new deal.
“Manchester City are planning a £200m makeover in the close season.
“And they could raid Liverpool not just for Raheem Sterling but also Jordan Henderson who is also in contract dispute with the Anfield club.
“But City will have to offload a big chunk of their existing ageing squad to conform to FFP regulations.
“City’s problem is that many of the players they want to move on might not budge given that potentially interested clubs won’t pay their current wages.”
And finally, Micah Richards could be set for a return to the Premier League with Southampton boss Ronald Koeman eyeing up the full-back, currently on loan from City at Fiorentina, who will be a free agent in the Summer.
The Mirror have this report:
“Southampton are considering a move for Micah Richards if they lose Nathaniel Clyne this summer, writes Tom Hopkinsion in the Sunday People.
“England right-back Clyne, 23, has only 15 months left on his contract at St Mary’s and, aware of interest from Manchester United, has told Saints bigwigs he will not be signing the new deal they have offered before the end of the season at the earliest.
“That means Southampton are on the look-out for a replacement and they have been offered the chance to sign free agent Richards.
“The 26-year-old, who has spent this season on loan at Italian side Fiorentina, will be out of contract at the end of his deal with Manchester City and he is open to a move to Southampton.
“Saints executive director Les Reed is aware that Richards is an option but Southampton are also keeping tabs on AZ Alkmaar’s Swedish right-back Mattias Johansson.
“The fact Richards will move on a free this summer is a blow to Oldham, who had negotiated a cut of any sell-on from City when he moved between the two clubs in 2001.”
