Profile: Álvaro Negredo

Spanish forward follows Navas to the Etihad Stadium

By Aaron Leggott

Manuel Pellegrini is quietly overseeing the beginning of a new and exciting era at Manchester City. Following the purchase of midfielders Fernandinho and Jesus Navas, the Chilean has  finalised the transfer of Álvaro Negredo from Sevilla for around £20 million pending a successful medical.

Photo: Official Sevilla Facebook

The 27 year old, who was Europe's seventh top scorer last season, has been seen by many to be a steal at just £20 million. 

So what can he bring to the Blues? Here's a quick lowdown on the man who has spent the last four years at Los Rojiblancos:

Name: Álvaro Negredo

Age: 27

Position: Striker

Club appearances (Sevilla): 139

Club goals (Sevilla): 70

Match Reflection: SuperSport United 2 - 0 Manchester City

City lose first pre-season game under Pellegrini

By Aaron Leggott

Manuel Pellegrini saw his new City side lose to SuperSport United by two goals in the first pre-season game of the 2013/14 season. 

And despite City showing their dominance in the first half, they were unable to exert their dominance in the second period after Mame Niang and Kermit Erasmus scored in the 56th and 81st minutes respectively.

Scott Sinclair in action
Photo: Official MCFC Facebook

City, as expected, made the stronger start to the game and lone striker Edin Dzeko produced two efforts on target within the opening stages.

PRE-SEASON: Nelson Mandela Football Invitational

Where are the Blues heading? First part of an in depth look at City's pre season schedule

By Aaron Leggott

Modern day footballers are getting used to having to travel around the globe during pre season nowadays - it's a hard life isn't it?

But as demand for extra revenue and sponsorship increases, the hierarchy at Manchester City know that these trips are a must if they want to attract and generate extra income.

The first trip sees the Blues stop in South Africa to partake in the Nelson Mandela Football Invitational.

Manuel Pellegrini's men will come up against two of the countries top teams, with the first fixture against SuperSport United on Sunday, July 14. 

The game is being held in Pretoria at the Loftus Verseld Stadium at 2pm - a ground capable of holding over 50,000 spectators. 

Pellegrini speaks to the media

Gaffer 'not concerned' about title pressure

By Aaron Leggott

After speaking to the English media for the first time, new boss Manuel Pellegrini has insisted he feels no pressure to win the Premier League with the Blues.

But whilst he is confident in his ability, the Chilean knows that immediate success is the aim, whilst also producing an academy capable of rivaling that of FC Barcelona.

Official MCFC Facebook

He said: "I'm not only here to win trophies, I'm here to work with young players.

"As a coach, we want immediate success. I'm trying to have a strong squad that can bring us trophies."