Manchester City coach reveals interest in Hamsik and Lavezzi; Zanetti vows to play on

Manchester City coach reveals interest in Hamsik and Lavezzi

Manchester City are lining up bids for Napoli duo Marek Hamsik and Ezequiel Lavezzi, according to first team coach Fausto Salsana.

The Citizens are preparing for life without Carlos Tevez, with Roberto Mancini keen to add few more attacking players in January.

The Italian manager recently revealed his admiration for Napoli pair Marek Hamsik and Ezequiel Lavezzi, and now his coach has confirmed that City are ready to step up their interest in the duo.

“They’re two players who we like as our objective at City is to do great things,” Manchester City coach Fausto Salsana was quoted as saying in The Sun.

“Hamsik has developed into an important player. He’s now acquired the right experience.

“We’ve been watching him since we were at Inter and he played for Brescia.

“And Lavezzi is a devastating player. He’s the kind of guy who does real harm in one-on-one situations.”

The Citizens are hoping they will be able to sell Carlos Tevez in January and plan to use that cash to fund the purchases of Hamsik and Lavezzi.

Zanetti vows to play on

Inter captain Javier Zanetti says he doesn’t plan to end his career any time soon.

The 38-year-old utility player has two years left on his current deal with Inter, but he doesn’t think that the time has come to hang up his boots.

Even though the current contract will expire just before his 40th birthday, Zanetti states that he would like to extend his deal for another year.

“If my legs don’t betray me I would like to extend the contract for another 12 months,” Zanetti told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“I’ll sign a blank paper and president (Massimo) Moratti can decide the salary.”

The veteran defender is currently playing his 17th season with the Neroazzurri, and has amassed over 760 appearances for the club.

The 38-year-old is still considered a key part of the squad and has played full 90 minutes in every one of Inter’s eight games this season.

Borussia chief denies Goetze to Real rumours

Borussia Dortmund chief Hans-Joachim Watzke has moved to deny reports linking Mario Goetze with a move to Real Madrid.

Real Madrid are one of the teams showing interest in the Germany international, with Jose Mourinho weighing up a January move for the midfielder.

Bayer Munich and few other European giants are also keen, but los Blancos appear to be leading the race for the youngster.

Recent reports suggested that Real Madrid have even made an official bid for the player’s services, but Borussia Dortmund chief has rubbished such claims.

“Firstly, there is no offer from Real Madrid,” Borussia Dortmund chief Hans-Joachim Watzke told Die Welt.

“Secondly, it is clear that the departure of Mario is non-negotiable.

”In this regard, any possibility is a false debate.”

The player earlier suggested that he was open to a move to Santiago Bernabeu.

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