Inter line up Leonardo to replace Benitez; Mancini handed £50 million transfer kitty

Inter line up Leonardo to replace Benitez

Inter chief Massimo Moratti is lining up move for former Milan boss Leonardo as he looks to replace Rafa Benitez.

It is now only a matter of time before Rafa Benitez gets the sack, as Milan officials are working on canceling the Spaniard’s contract.

Massimo Moratti first wanted Luciano Spalletti to take over at Meazza, but since the former Roma boss has a rock-solid contract with Zenit, Moratti was forced to look into other options.

Inter chief is now eager to convince Leonardo into taking the job, as he obviously doesn’t mind the fact that the Brazilian spent much of his playing and coaching career at Milan.

Reports from Italy suggest Moratti has already contacted Leonardo, who is reportedly ready to accept the offer.

It remains to be seen whether Leonardo will be appointed just as a temporary solution, until the end of the season, or he will maybe get the job on the permanent basis.

[Source: La Gazzetta dello Sport]

Mancini handed £50 million transfer kitty

Manchester City owners are prepared to allocate £50 million for January signings as they hope the Citizens can mount a serious title challenge.

Manchester City missed a great chance to go top of the league as they lost at home to Everton, but Roberto Mancini was, nonetheless, promised a generous transfer kitty in a bid to turn his side into genuine title chasers.

Mancini will now have the money to sign a world-class striker and thus get some pressure of Carlos Tevez, with Edin Dzeko and Porto’s Hulk being mentioned as possible targets.

The Citizens are also set to revive their interest in Dani Alves, who is yet to sign a new deal with Barca, as the Brazilian could be available at a cut-back price.

The Italian manager hopes to boost his transfer budget with the sale of fringe players such as Bridge, Adebayor, Santa Cruz and Wright-Phillips, so we can expect another busy transfer window for the Eastlands outfit.

[Source: Daily Mirror]

Argentina World Cup defender set for La Liga move

Bayern defender Martin Demichelis is set to join Malaga on loan until the end of the season after falling out with coach Louis van Gaal.

The Argentine stopper has been on the fringes at Bayern from the start of the season and he repeatedly said he would like to leave in search for the first team football.

According to reports from Germany, Demichelis has already agreed to join Malaga on loan in January, with the La Liga side having the option to make the transfer permanent for €3 million euros.

The deal is expected to be concluded later today, while the player will join his new teammates as soon as the transfer window opens in January.

Despite the arrival of Manuel Pellegrini, Malaga remain in La Liga danger zone and they are certainly hoping the Argentine defender will help patch up their leaky defence.

[Source: AS]

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