Manchester City open to offers for Benjani as Sunderland and Blackburn signal interest

29 January 2010 13:03
The Zimbabwean has emerged as a target for Sunderland and Blackburn following West Ham's decision to withdraw from the race to sign the former Portsmouth striker.[LNB]And although Benjani's departure could leave Manchester City short of cover in attacking positions in the wake of Robinho's loan move to Santos, manager Mancini admits that he is happy for the player to chase first-team football elsewhere.[LNB]Roberto Mancini claims offer from SunderlandMan City told to forget signing Roque Santa Cruz as Thaksin Shinawatra faces further woeMancini said: 'I spoke to Benjani two days ago, before the Manchester United game, and he said that he would like to go and play regular football if possible.[LNB]'If he wants to play, then that is his right because it is important for players to play.[LNB]'I have a lot of strikers, but if he decides to stay, then I will be happy because Benjani is a good striker and a good man.'[LNB]City face Portsmouth at Eastlands on Sunday aiming to bounce back from the midweek Carling Cup semi-final defeat against United.[LNB]But with crisis-club Pompey travelling to Manchester with increasing uncertainty surrounding their finances, Mancini has warned his players to beware Avram Grant's team.[LNB]He said: 'It is a dangerous situation for us because the Portsmouth players will not be thinking about the club's situation when they are on the pitch.[LNB]'We must pay a lot of attention to this game because it is an important one after the United match.[LNB]'What happened against United is in the past now, but the players played a very good match and showed they can play at the same level as United.'[LNB]

Source: Telegraph