Benjani move confirmed

As expected, the loan transfer of Benjani to Sunderland was confirmed today and it is all but certain that his career with us is now over with his contract set to expire at the end of the season.

It is a good move for Benjani as he remains in the Premier League and goes to a side where he will likely see plenty of playing, something he would not be afforded (despite his recent stint as a stand-in) with the return of Emmanuel Adebayor.

Steve Bruce clearly thinks he has landed himself a good player (and it must be noted that there was plenty of interest in him) anyway:

"He's a big, strong, powerful centre forward and one we've been tracking for a long time," Bruce said. "I'm delighted that we've been able to bring him to the club. He'll bring another dimension to our striking options and will be a great addition to the squad."

It is easy to dismiss Benjani's time at the club as a failure, yet he was in many ways a victim of the circumstances that have swept through the club over the past 12-18 months. When he first arrived, my view was that he was a useful, if somewhat underwhelming signing but he performed fairly credibly initially and of course etched his name into derby folklore with the his goal at Old Trafford in our 2-1 victory.

But when the significant money began to arrive he found himself frozen out of the side during the time Mark Hughes was in charge - perhaps surprisingly when you look back and consider options in attack were limited and both Ched Evans and Felipe Caicedo were regular fixtures in the starting line up.

His rather languid style may not have endeared himself to Hughes though and until his recent surprise recall he was well and truly cast into the wilderness. There can be no argument that our progress and ambition means his future lies elsewhere, but he always struck as an affable character and he certainly won't go with any ill will towards him.

Career stats:

Season	Apps	Goals
2007/08	13	3
2008/09	8(4)	3
2009/10	4(2)	1

A late, late deal for Benjani?

So suggests ESPN, based on Steve Bruce's pre-match interview when he discussed the potential move:

Steve Bruce is hopeful Benjani will be joining the club after Sunderland's last-gasp move for the Manchester City striker.

Speaking before Monday night's ESPN game with Stoke Bruce said his club had got all the paperwork off on time and were awaiting confirmation.

The 31-year-old Zimbabwean had been in talks with Blackburn but now his fate rests with the Premier League.

When asked if Benjani would be heading to the Stadium of Light Bruce said: "We hope so, we have done everything properly. It was very, very late but we hope it's been accepted by the FA.

"It was pretty hectic at five to five when everything was going in there. At this moment in time I'm not so sure but Niall Quinn the chairman is very, very confident that it has been completed."

I haven't been able to find anything else to back this report out, so if anyone has anything please feel free to leave a comment.

UPDATE: The Times man in the North-East, George Caulkin, suggests on twitter that the paperwork to sign Benjani has been filed but was held up by 'technical problems' and the hope is that some leniency will be afforded.

Bruce confirms Benjani talks

"We have entered into discussions with his representatives about the player.

We have just looked at the situation and we feel we are juggling the balls in the air a little bit and you are just hoping the squad is big enough and strong enough. With the injuries we have, we are worried we are a little bit light in that area, and we have decided that we will try to make a move."

>>Steve Bruce.

Sunderland move for Benjani

Sky Sports News understands Sunderland are in talks to sign Manchester City striker Benjani.

Benjani's future at City has been the subject of speculation for the last few weeks with a number of clubs credited with an interest in the Zimbabwe international.

West Ham were believed to be close to signing the former Portsmouth man, but they have ended their interest in Benjani.

Sunderland have now jumped to the head of the queue for Benjani with the player understood to be on Wearside for talks.

>>skysports.com

It appears that Roberto Mancini would not stand in the way should Benjani wish to leave:

“I spoke with him two days ago and he told me he had a possibility to go and play.

We have a lot of strikers but he it is up to him to decide. “If he wants to stay here I will be happy. He is a good player and a good man.”

Johnson deal moving closer?

It appears as though progress is being made over the potential signing of Middlesbrough's Adam Johnson.

After Gordon Strachan poured water on a possible move yesterday, Sky Sports reported that Johnson himself was keen to speak to us over a move and today's MEN states a deal is 'edging' closer:

Manchester City are closing in on Middlesbrough winger Adam Johnson to replace the departing Robinho.

MEN Sport understands the Blues have tabled a £5m bid for the 22-year-old, whose contract at the Riverside expires in the summer.

The departure of Robinho on Thursday on six months' loan to Santos has freed up a place in the City squad, and Johnson has asked Boro for permission to talk to City.

I do like Johnson as a player from what I have seen, and if he is interested in a move, given his contract expires in the summer I'd imagine Middlesbrough would take a fee in the region of £5 million or so.

UPDATE: Sky Sports are reporting Roberto Mancini as 'confirming' his interest in Johnson.

Santa Cruz sidelined for a month

I was expecting worse news in all honesty:

MANCHESTER City boss Roberto Mancini expects Roque Santa Cruz to be sidelined for a month with his latest calf injury.

The Paraguayan lasted just four minutes of his comeback at Everton on Saturday before going down with the same problem that caused him to miss three games over the Christmas period.

Although Mancini does not believe Santa Cruz will need an operation, despite early indications to the contrary the City chief did confirm the £18million summer arrival from Blackburn will be out of action for a month.

A big setback as I thought his brief cameo when he came on against Blackburn was a positive one and that he would finally get a run of games under his belt.

What it does mean - and I never thought I would be writing this - is that on the evidence of Saturday, as Carlos Tevez functions far better playing alongside a bigger target rather than leading the line, is that a recall for Benjani is a must for the semi-final.

Benjani eyeing new deal

Surprise starter (and with a hat-trick of assists under his belt) Benjani has spoken of his hope that his recent appearances may translate into a new deal come the end of the season:

“I’m very happy because I’ve started two games in a row and it’s been a long time since that happened.

“As a player you have to keep on believing, even if you know the chances of playing regularly are slim.

“You have to be very professional, do everything right and work very hard and now I’m glad I’m getting my chance.

“I’ve always wanted to see out my career at City. I have six months left on my current deal and it would be nice if I could get another year or so."

Whilst Benjani has fulfilled a need under the formation Mancini has put out the past couple of games, there is surely no way he is part of any long term future or plan that Mancini is putting together.

What his return to the side may do though is just increase the number of clubs interested in picking him up at the end of the season.

Benjani - 'I'm going nowhere'

"I am not going anywhere and I am going to put up a fight to ensure that I get my place.

"I still have a contract with Manchester City. I have had injuries. And every player goes through this phase. It will soon be over.

"I am not bothered about which club is after me because I am still a Manchester City player."

>>Benjani.

Benjani linked with a move away

Skysports.com understands Bolton are lining up a January raid on Manchester City for striker Benjani Mwaruwari.

Bolton are desperate to add to their attacking options when the transfer window reopens in the New Year and have earmarked Benjani as the player to fire them to safety.

The Zimbabwe international has a wealth of Premier League experience having moved to England in 2006 when he joined Portsmouth from Auxerre.

Benjani has fallen down Mark Hughes' pecking order following an influx of new strikers over the summer.

>>skysports.com

It isn't a huge stretch of the imagination to think that Benjani's last days at the club are ticking by. He is way down the list of options for Mark Hughes, and with some highly promising Academy players on the rise he could slip even further down the pecking order.

It does seem though that money could well be an issue with regards his departure - no doubt he is on a decent contract that not all suitors may be willing to pay.

A huge surprise though if he is at the club post-January, although it may well be a loan deal if a permanent move cannot be agreed.

Benjani fee negotiation?

The Zimbabwe international was sold to City during the 2008 January transfer window for a figure quoted as £9 million, with £4 million of that to be paid up front and the remainder spread over the length of the player’s contract.

However, Portsmouth, who are fighting for their Premier League survival, are believed to be willing to take less than the full amount should City settle before the end of the season, according to a report in the Daily Mail.

The deal itself was problematic at the time, due to a knee condition that was revealed in Benjani’s medical.

>>telegraph.co.uk

UPDATE: Seemingly not though according to Portsmouth's official site:

Contrary to inaccurate newspaper reports today Portsmouth Football Club would like to make it clear that they are not in negotiations with Manchester City for an early settlement in connection with the transfer of Benjani Mwaruwari.

Both the terms of the deal and the transfer fee remain the same as in January 2008 when originally negotiated with Manchester City, who can confirm this.

Pompey announced at the time that Manchester City paid half the agreed £7.75m deal up front, with subsequent equal payments to follow after 25, 50 and 75 appearances.

Benjani set to return

CITY striker Benjani will step up his return from a long-term leg injury when he lines up for the reserves against Blackburn tonight.

Benjani has made only 10 appearances for the Blues this season and last played in the 2-1 defeat against West Brom on December 21.

Daniel Sturridge, also recovering from injury, will play as will Darius Vassell and Javier Garrido in a strong looking side.

>>MEN.

Sunday transfer round up - something new

A quiet weekend all round really with the postponement of yesterday's game at Portsmouth coupled with not much of note on the transfer front speculated - as you'd expect really over a weekend with most of the media attention focused on the action on the field.

A couple of new names linked with moves in and out of the club though, with us being touted as a possible destination for Andrei Arshavin. Since rising to prominence on the back of Zenit's UEFA Cup triumph last season and then a (mostly) successful European Championships he has been linked with moves to all and sundry.

A move to Arsenal was expected this January, but there appears to some haggling over the fee and/or personal terms so it is possible we could sneak in ahead of them to his signature. I would be surprised if we were interested though. It seems a classic case of another clubs name being thrown into the mix to elicit a higher bid from interested parties. Besides, as good a player as he may be - although given his age (27) you do wonder why he hasn't 'broke through' earlier - it is difficult to see quite where he would fit into our line up and surely our priorities lie elsewhere?

Jo has been touted as a player who has fallen foul of Mark Hughes, with a couple of destinations speculated, but it is the first time I have heard Newcastle linked with him.

The Mail suggests a loan until the end of the season being a possibility. The article also speculates Portsmouth may want to take Benjani on a similar deal, and that we would encourage a bid from Tottenham for Richard Dunne.

I'd suggest that all three possibilities are nonesense. No way do we counter the possibility of loaning Jo or Benjani to a fellow Premier League side whilst as bad as Dunne's form has been, if Dunne exits, who do play there?

As we hit the halfway mark of the transfer window, lets hope for a more prosperous week than the one we have just had as time is beginning to tick away.

Benjani sidelined

Manchester City striker Benjani looks set to miss the Christmas schedule with a hamstring injury picked up during Saturday's 1-0 defeat by Everton.

Manchester City manager Mark Hughes told the club's website: "He'll probably be out for a number of weeks.

"A number of the guys are carrying injuries, so that will have an impact when you've got games coming up thick and fast.

"You need a fit squad and in that respect we are struggling right now."

>>bbc sport.

Benjani, almost by default has become the lead striker this season, primarily because of the injuries to Bojinov and Vassell early on, the lack of experience of Evans and Sturridge and latterly the wretched form of Jo. For me, Benjani could be a useful player but (like Bianchi before him last season) not as a lone striker in this formation, but as more of a support to a main goal scorer.

There is a school of thought that now suggests Vassell is most likely to step into the breach until such a time we can add a face or two in January, but whilst Hughes appears to be enamoured with Vassell's workrate and ability to put in a shift, I'm convinced he views him as somebody to lead the line.

My guess is that Hughes would prefer more of a target type player, which rules Sturridge out so I would say Jo is likely to edge out Evans in getting the nod, and if Benjani is ruled out until the beginning of next year it is a real opportunity for Jo to get his City career off the ground.

If Hughes opts against Jo though, we can safely say that it does not appear as if he has much of a future at the club.

Club hit out at BBC

Manchester City have today poured scorn on the suggestion that Benjani Mwaruwari could be banned from playing for the Club.

The BBC's late-night Inside Sport programme made the claim that the option of banning Zimbabwean athletes from competing in Britain is being discussed as part of a new strategy to put pressure on Robert Mugabe's regime.

Club spokesman Paul Tyrrell said: “This is the worst type of scare story which shows a lack of editorial integrity from the programme makers and although we are pleased that the BBC have today been quickly distancing themselves from the claim regarding Benjani, it is important to make the position crystal clear regarding his ability to live and work in the UK.

“The player last month received a three and half year work permit from the Home Office to play for Manchester City. We have been assured work permits are non-negotiable.

“The programme makers and the BBC should apologise to the player immediately.”

>>mcfc.co.uk

Tyrrell is correct when he referred to the inclusion of Benjani as a 'scare story', and it seems that the BBC are stretching things somewhat by using Benjani as evidence to support their story.

In some ways it is a shame, as the situation in Zimbabwe is a terrible tragedy all told, and the British government clearly need to provide a firmer lead and direction than they have done so far - as shown during the Cricket World Cup debacle a few years ago.

It's a pity that what could have been a relevant investigative piece amounted to little more than headline grabbing from the BBC.

Six Easy Points

.......and when we've won our derby day this is what we'll sing ...... Hark Now hear !!!

40 years since the last 'double' over united and they couldn't have picked a better day to repeat the feat. With the minutes silence impecabbly observed (though go see some of the self righteous whining on red issue) city put in a performance well above the standard of the last few weeks to firstly frustrate and then pick off united.

BBC match report

MCFC official site

Time to crack open another beer, and enjoy the day.

Viva la Sven

Benjani deal concluded

Manchester City are delighted to announce the signing of Benjani Mwaruwari from Portsmouth for £3.87million.

The Zimbabwe striker joins the Blues on a two and a half year deal after passing a medical yesterday and agreeing personal terms.

Further payments could be made if the player makes up to 75 senior starts.

The Premier League and Football Association have approved the transfer, and the 12-goal hitman will go straight into Sven-Goran Eriksson’s squad, taking the number 27 shirt.

>>mcfc.co.uk

So the deal is concluded, and everyone goes home a winner. Right?

At first glance, the concensus was we pulled off a bit of a steal on Portsmouth by only paying half of the original agreed fee, before the plug was pulled on the original deal at virtually the last minute as the deadline drew near.

The sticking point was clearly the issue of the knee injury that Benjani suffered around eighteen months ago, with ourselves not being willing to pay the whole fee up front but Portsmouth I imagine needing the cash to fund the Defoe and Diarra deals they themselves were committed to.

All of which resulted in the deal finally being concluded, with £3.87 up front and the remaining £3.87 to be paid in installments after 25, 50 and 75 games - which on paper looks a far better deal from our end given the age of the player, and by signing only a two and a half year deal it may be that the 75 game payment is never triggered, leading to high praise from Alistair Mackintosh and Peter Storrie justifying the deal for Portsmouth by the fact that they would still receive the full transfer amount.

Now, obviously the deal is good one from our perspective and those of us who were on the fence with the transfer initially are probably in the 'good deal' camp now, but what I cannot understand (and nothing I have read has convinced me otherwise) is how this transfer was ultimately sanctioned by the Premier League - who Mackintosh thanked for their 'hard work and pragmatism', and has led to criticism from Paul Jewell, who was unable to replace Danny Mills following his season ending injury not long after his loan spell from ourselves began.

To me, the midnight deadline is their for a reason. There could be extenuating circumstances to sanction a transfer if it was proven that there was intent all round to conclude the deal, but from what we know, Benjani arrived late to the club which led to a last minute medical which clearly highlighted a concern over his knee.

If at that point, we wanted to re-negotiate the terms of the deal, then this is a change to the original transfer terms (and that which was previously agreed by the clubs), meaning the deal as agreed is null and void, so if a new, revised agreement is not reached by the midnight deadline then surely time is up and it cannot be concluded?

Or is that too simple a point?

Throughout the whole issue, the Premier League have remained silent, something that isn't a surprise given their previous less than tough stances on issues over the years, leading you to conclude that the clubs are very much in control of matters whereas it should surely be the Premier League who arbitrate and lead the way when it comes to decision making.

Whilst Benjani will undoubtedly add something to our squad, and is likely to go straight into the starting line up on Sunday in the derby, it doesn't seem that the deal was enitrely completed 'by the book', and I can see how the manner it was concluded has caused problems within the Premier League

Club issue Benjani denial

Manchester City have tonight corrected press speculation that Benjani Mwaruwari has completed his transfer to the club from Portsmouth.

Some news organisations have this evening claimed in unattributed stories that the Portsmouth striker has joined the Blues.

However a club spokesman said: “No deal has been completed. Manchester City remain in contact with the football authorities regarding this potential transfer, and any further developments will be announced first on mcfc.co.uk."

>>mcfc.co.uk

MCFC Stats raise a number of questions regarding the whole Benjani deal, or sorry mess as it should more accurately be referred to as four days after the transfer window deadline passed, we are seemingly no nearer to resolving the transfer.

We are led to believe that the majority of documentation was faxed across to the relevant area, but not all of it to complete the transfer. So, and what seems to have got lost in all of this, is that surely the transfer cannot be completed? There is a reason for a deadline, and once this passes, no further transfers can be completed. Or is that far too simple?

Now, reading the statement the club have put out, it does not (and something they have yet to do) state that we are being proactive in signing him or even confirm we want to sign him. Sven has come out and said he would like to sign the player but reports appear to be suggesting that we are seeking to renegotiate the terms of the deal, again something that surely contradicts the purpose of a deadline for the transfer window and sets a worrying precedent?

Despite Harry Redknapp's platitudes today, it is clear that Portsmouth would much rather rid themselves of Benjani to get the money in to fund the signing of Defoe, but whether they felt they were being railroaded or not, on the face of it it looks as though we are now playing hardball over the transfer - perhaps trying to get ourselves out of a deal that shouldn't have been agreed in the first place?

Whether or not you agree that Benjani would be a good fit for us (something I am still to be convinced of), the one person in this saga that is currently going on is left in limbo, unable to play or even train and in some respects is now without a club. Whilst both ourselves and Portsmouth are appearing to wriggle in and out of the deal, he is left, through no fault of his own, kicking his heels.

Perhaps it is a sign of the ever increasing power that clubs hold over the Premier League in the current climate in that all of the talk is coming from the clubs, whereas surely it is upto the Premier League to hand down jurisdiction on this issue - yet (unsuprisingly given their track record over arbitration matters) they of course remain silent and unwilling to act within their power.

Whatever the final outcome over the Benjani transfer (and I believe the transfer will be sanctioned) someone involved in this need to stand up and make a decision. Soon.

Benjani deal to be resurrected?

Having waited up until after midnight on Thursday to try and ensure I got confirmation of all of our transfer news before finishing posting up, I decide to call it a day shortly after, safely assuming that the Benjani deal was not yet announced but would be confirmed shortly and I'd pick the details up in the morning.

The morning brought news only that the transfer had not gone through, with time simply running out before we could get the deal completed, with only a brief statement from the club announcing this.

Having signed Jermaine Defoe from Tottenham - presumably financed in part by the Benjani move, Portsmouth were indeed disgruntled, stating they had confirmation from ourselves that the papers were being faxed off only to then be informed that not all the relevant documentation had been received.

There were then noises from Portsmouth that they had been in contact with league officials and were hopefully of still getting the deal through, but perhaps tellingly at this stage there was no official word from ourselves backing this up or confirming we were hopeful of completing the transfer - only reports coming out of planes being missed, late arrivals and even of failed medicals. There were also whispers that the elements of the transfer fee may have been channeled to parties that the club were not entirely happy with, and it could be that there is a definite divide within the hierarchy of the club with certain factions not happy to sanction the deal.

Being a cynic at times, I was of the opinion yesterday that the club were not too displeased that the transfer had not gone through and may have even played a part in pulling the plug in some way, and personally I was not overly concerned the deal did not go through.

I was not overly convinced that signing Benjani was a great move. Admittedly, he has posted a decent tally this season and does look a far better player than the one who struggled terribly when he first arrived in the Premier League. But, for me, he is too hit and miss as a player to be worth the £7 - 9 million that was touted as the fee and whilst Sven no doubt worked hard to bring in players, I do think better players will be available in the summer.

Today though. both Sven and Benjani have spoken of their desire to get the deal concluded, with Sven saying "I want him here and he wants to come, I strongly believe that, I can't speak to him directly until he is a Manchester City player but that is what I believe. A lot has been said and written by people who don't know the facts. Something will happen on Monday or Tuesday."

There has been a precedent of course with the William Gallas-Ashley Cole transfer being completed after the midnight deadline, and if the Premier League are satisfied there was intent to complete the deal it is quite possible they may sanction the transfer and Benjani will join the club after all.

Following the Arsenal game yesterday, it is increasingly clear with each passing match that we do need something different up front as we are really struggling at the moment and it seriously threatening to derail the season at quite a crucial stage.

Benjani may not be the preferred option to many, but if the deal does go through he will at least offer something different to what is available at the moment and is a more potent weapon than what we have. If the deal doesn't go through, Sven will need to come up with a different approach than what is being tried at the moment.

Deadline day news

Manchester City goalkeeper Andreas Isaksson has turned down a move to Galatasaray, having previously expressed a wish to join the Turkish club.

Isaksson had been hoping to leave City before the close of the transfer window to safeguard his position in Sweden's Euro 2008 squad.

He has lost out to Joe Hart to be City's No.1 and admitted a desire to finalise a switch to Galatasaray in order to play regularly.

But City's first-team coach Tord Grip has confirmed that Isaksson does not want to join Galatasaray on loan.

"Andreas is probably staying here, it now looks that way," City's Tord Grip told Sportbladet.

"I am at the training complex and he is here today.

"He is able to go on loan to Galatasaray and get a game.

"But that is what he doesn't want to do and we cannot do much more."

>>Sky Sports.

Ched Evans will stay on loan at Norwich until the end of the season, after the club reached an agreement with Manchester City.

His 'emergency loan' spell was due to end on February 26, with Man City able to recall him from Wednesday, but now

Evans, 19, has scored four goals in 12 apperances for Norwich, his first being within just two minutes of his City debut; his most recent the winner against Southampton on Tuesday night.

>>Norwich Evening News.

OUSMANE Dabo has left City to rejoin Lazio - where he will link up with Rolando Bianchi.

The French midfielder failed to make a Premier League appearance under Sven-Goran Eriksson, getting his only game for the Swede in the Carling Cup win at Bristol City in August.

Dabo struggled to make an impact after Stuart Pearce brought him to Eastlands from Lazio in June 2006.

And the 30-year-old had become increasingly frustrated by his lack of opportunities under Eriksson's management.

"I'm the only player in the first-team squad who hasn't been given a chance this season," he said earlier this month.

"After a while, it gets so ridiculous that it becomes laughable."

>>MEN.

Of the three moves above, the only one that surprised me was the Isaksson one given that it was widely believed both the player and club were happy for him to move during the window after Joe Hart was established as the number 1, but it may well have been that the Swede was after a permanent move rather than just a short term deal.

The Evans move is a sensible one given the return to fitness of Danny Sturridge along with the the strides that Valeri Bojinov has made to get back on the pitch and will allow him to gain some decent experience at a place where he seemingly enjoys playing.

With just over four hours to go before the window shuts, all eyes will now be on the two moves (Benjani and Caciedo) which have been heavily rumoured for the past couple of days but have (as yet) still to be announced - although I would be surprised if they weren't completed before the deadline passes.

I'll update this post through the evening as soon as any deals are confirmed, and if anyone hears of any deals (rumoured or confirmed), feel free to post up.

UPDATE:

West Brom have completed the permanent signing of Ishmael Miller from Manchester City for an undisclosed fee.

The Championship leaders have exercised the option to buy the striker before January 31 - a clause Albion inserted in the deal which brought Miller to The Hawthorns on a season-long loan in August.

Miller, 20, has signed a three-and-a-half-year contract, which includes an extra year's option in the club's favour.

>> Sporting Life.

No news of the fee involved, but I confess I wasn't aware of the clause inserted into the loan contract. A good move for Miller this, moving to a side who look a good bet for promotion to the Premier League. Kudos to Sven as well for getting him under a new contract at the beginning of the season which would have increased his value.

Although he has performed well for West Brom this season, I don't (as I've written before) believe he quite has what it takes to make it at the club and lacks the technical ability to quite make it at the highest level.

Whilst no official confirmation from the club has yet, FC Basel's website is reporting the transfer of Caceido has been completed. Worth checking out for the translation.

UPDATE:

Inter have confirmed that Roberto Mancini’s son Filippo will be spending the rest of the season on loan at Manchester City.

The player has been on trial with the Eastlands based club since last week and he has impressed Sven Goran Eriksson.

The 17 year old made his debut for the Nerazzurri in the Coppa Italia just days before arriving in Manchester.

A statement on the club’s official website reads:

“Filippo Mancini will be playing in England for Manchester City.”

>>Setanta Sports.

UPDATE:

The MEN is reporting that Paul Dickov has joined Blackpool on loan until the end of the season, and still suggests the Benjani move could be completed - with Jermain Defoe set for a move to Portsmouth as his replacement.

UPDATE:

The transfer window is now closed, and no confirmation of the Benjani (or Defoe) moves. That's not to say it won't happen though as an announcement could still come through that the deals were completed by midnight.

If the Benjani move has not gone through, it will be interesting to see the reason why, but we'll know one way or the other tomorrow morning.

UPDATE:

Manchester City have confirmed that the proposed transfer of Portsmouth striker Benjani to the Blues was unsuccessful.

City spokesman Paul Tyrrell said, "Due to the late arrival of the player in Manchester we were unable to complete the transfer."

>>mcfc.co.uk

A very short statement from the club, and one that strikes as a bit of an administrative mess more than anything. Perhaps more will come out later today as to exactly why the deal didn't get done but given I wasn't entirely convinced of the merits of signing him it may well be a blessing, but I'll post something more in depth regarding the transfer deadline hopefully later today.