Man City blasted by Real Madrid chief and agent over bungled Gago transfer

03 February 2010 19:32
Manchester City have come under fire from Real Madrid over their attempts to revive a deal for Argentina midfielder Fernando Gago on transfer deadline day.[LNB]City had abandoned plans to sign Gago because Madrid were refusing to lower their £22million demand, and instead opted for Parma's Kenya international McDonald Mariga.[LNB]When Mariga was refused a work permit on Monday, City returned to the negotiating table with Madrid and agreed a £15.8m fee for Gago.[LNB] Last ditch bid: Real Madrid's Argentina midfielder Fernando Gago (left)[LNB][LNB]However, it was too late to complete a deal for the 23-year-oldplayer before the 5pm deadline, and City's request to take Gago on loanuntil the end of the season before signing him on a permanent transferwas rejected by the Spaniards.[LNB]Real's director general Jorge Valdano criticised City's late bid, saying: 'They had nothing prepared, not even one documentsigned. They had not reached an agreement with the player and theywould have had to have done everything in 40 minutes.' [LNB]Not permitted: Parma's McDonald Mariga moved to Inter Milan instead after failing to secure a visa[LNB]City would be justified in asking how they could discuss terms withGago when they had no deal in place with his club, and they have alsorubbished speculation originating from the Spanish media that thetransfer fell through because owner Sheikh Mansour could not becontacted to ratify it.[LNB]That will do little to appease Gago's agent Marcello Lombilla who claims his client has been used as a pawn.[LNB]'City used us,' said Lombilla. 'This has never happened to me before.[LNB]'I don't want to talk about the figures that City were offeringbecause they approached Madrid without even knowing there wasn'tphysically enough time to put something together.'[LNB]Meanwhile City defender Pablo Zabaleta is set to wear a mask against Hull on Saturday to protect a broken nose.   [LNB]Zabaleta suffered the injury in the victory over Portsmouth at theweekend after an accidental blow from Kevin-Prince Boateng.   [LNB]But he is keen to maintain his record of playing every game under new manager Roberto Mancini.   [LNB]Vincent Kompany has been ruled against Hull with a groin strain while Patrick Vieira remains doubtful with a calf injury.  [LNB] City plan to outmuscle Liverpool with £26m bid for Bilbao star Javi MartinezBridge set for emotional City return as defender puts Terry scandal to one sideManchester City star Carlos Tevez reveals: I have put 'Welcome to Manchester' poster on my wall at homeMANCHESTER CITY FC

Source: Daily_Mail