MANCINI PLAYS DOWN VAN PERSIE TALK

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini does not expect Arsenal captain Robin van Persie to join the Premier League champions this summer.

City, Manchester United and Juventus have all had bids turned down for the player who turns 29 today.

Despite his apparent eagerness to leave the Emirates, van Persie is expected to be included in the Arsenal squad for their pre-season training camp in Germany this week.

Speaking to Sky Sport Italia, Mancini said: “Van Persie? No, I don’t think he will come here.”

COLE ISSUES TWITTER DENIAL

Chelsea’s Ashley Cole has rejected rumours that contract talks over a new deal at Stamford Bridge have stalled.

Cole’s future has been the subject of speculation with the 31-year-old entering the final year of his Blues contract. Reports suggested Chelsea had yet to open talks with Cole over a contract extension, with the player supposedly holding out for a deal worth £200,000 a week.

However, Cole took to Twitter yesterday to dismiss talk of his pay demands and explain that talks have only just got under way.

CITY MAY MOVE FOR SINCLAIR

Premier League champions Manchester City are considering a surprise £5million move for Swansea City’s Scott Sinclair.

The winger has just a year to run on his current deal and he has already been linked with Liverpool and Fulham. Swansea are hoping to push ahead with talks on a new contract after Sinclair’s participation in the Olympics with Team GB ended with the penalty shoot-out defeat against South Korea on Saturday.

New Swans boss Michael Laudrup will be faced with a number of players keen to discuss their futures this month, and Sinclair could opt to leave south Wales rather than attempt to thrash out an improved deal at the Liberty Stadium.

MOSES STILL ON BLUES RADAR

Chelsea will step up their pursuit of Wigan’s Victor Moses this week as manager Roberto di Matteo attempts to strengthen his squad ahead of the Community Shield on Sunday.

Moses has already been the subject of bids from the Blues this summer, but they have so far refused to meet the £10million asking price. A deal closer to £8million could persuade Wigan to sell with a proportion of the fee due to the player’s former club, Crystal Palace.

However, the 21-year-old’s arrival at Stamford Bridge will not deflect the European champions’ long-term interest in either Porto striker Hulk or Germany forward André Schurrle. Both Hulk and Schurrle would cost around the £25million mark.

ON THE CONTINENT

Barcelona defender Eric Abidal is hopeful of a return to action before the end of the year after his successful liver transplant in April.

Hoffenheim boss Markus Babbel has confirmed the club have made a fresh bid for Real Madrid striker Joselu.

PSV overcame Ajax 4-2 at the Amsterdam ArenA to win the Johan Cruyff Schaal Cup – the Dutch equivalent of the Community Shield.

OTHER NEWS

Celtic kicked off the Rangers-free Scottish Premier League season with a win over Aberdeen.

Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic returned after eight months out injured playing an hour of the 0-0 friendly draw against Norwegian side Valerenga.

Blackburn’s pre-season friendly against NEC Nijmegen in Holland yesterday was cancelled because of the threat of fan violence.