Even after last nights shambolic performance at Anfield (a game I expected City to get nothing out of in the first place) Roberto Mancini is still planning for his assault on the Champions League next season.
An interesting name being thrown into the ring is that of Clarence Seedorf, who is still waiting to hear whether AC Milan want to retain his services next year. After the positive impact that Patrick Vieira has had on the City squad, maybe the Italian maestro is hoping lightning can strike twice.
Seedorf has played in Milan since the 99-00 season when he originally signed for Inter, he stayed there for 3 seasons before moving to AC Milan where he has remained. Now in his mid 30’s he is still an important part of the team and plays in the majority of the matches, it does have to be said though because of the slower nature of Serie A maybe that isn’t so surprising.
Seedorf is famous for being the only player to win the Champions League with 3 different club, Ajax, Real Madrid and AC Milan, and it is that experience that the Daily Mail believe is the driving factor behind Mancini chasing the former Dutch international.
His contract in Italy expires this Summer, so he would be available for nothing, speaking about his future Seedorf said:
“I am hearing a lot of rumours….But I am awaiting an offer from Milan as there are some concrete offers on the table from Brazil and other clubs. But I will firstly think about the Scudetto before my future.”.
It is clear that ideally he would prefer to stay in Milan, how likely that is however I am unsure. Even with the extended playing careers of players in Italy I can not see him being guaranteed many appearances in the future at the San Siro, however at the same time how attractive he is to Manchester City I am also uncertain.
It would appear that Patrick Vieira will hang up his boots at the end of the season and it has benefited City having someone with a bit of experience around the dressing room, but the Frenchman is only 34 now and he is leaving, Seedorf would be a whole year older at the start of next season. Experience is one thing, and if he is just there to offer support and guidance then fair enough, but an away day at The Stadium Of Light, not sure how useful he would be in that situation!
Clearly the Dutchman has many offers on the table, but the chance to play in the Premier League before he retires could be an attractive proposition, how attractive it is to the supporters of the club however remains to be seen.
For more of my thoughts on the latest transfer rumours, twitter is the place @soccercityjoe!
