Football News

Manchester City have decided not to continue their pursuit of Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o but still hope to persuade John Terry and Carlos Tevez that their futures lie at Eastlands.

Cameroon international Eto'o looked to be heading to City when the two clubs agreed a transfer fee a fortnight ago but personal demands by the player for a proportion of the settlement look to have derailed the deal.

However, reports suggest that when City fly out for a pre-season tour of South Africa on Wednesday Mark Hughes will have completed the signing of Tevez.

He is also set to make a third bid for Terry next week. The England international has already been the subject of two offers from the Eastlands club, both of which have been rejected by Chelsea.

It is thought Hughes is ready to offer up to £40million for Terry, and reports suggest the club could pay him up to £300,000-a-week in wages.

Meanwhile, Brazilian striker Jo has been allowed to join Everton on a season-long loan deal while Benjani could be heading to Blackburn Rovers.

Micah Richards has been diagnosed as the first top-flight footballer to have contracted swine flu.

The defender has picked up the illness while on holiday in Cyprus and must remain in the country until he has fully recovered.