Transfer talk: Tevez rejects Ferguson's retirement claim

The unsettled Man City captain has rejected Sir Alex Ferguson's claim that he was not offered a new contract when he was at Manchester United because he told the Scot he intended to quit within four years.

Manchester City

The midfielder Nigel de Jong said that contract talks with Manchester City have broken down. The Holland international has two years to run on his current deal and has established himself as one of the key figures at the club since joining from Hamburg two years ago. De Jong, 26, had hoped to sign a contract extension before the new season, with City due to meet cross-city rival United in the Community Shield on August 7.

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De Jong may, however, be forced to wait until after the new campaign begins after revealing discussions had ended.

"I can't go into details other than to say that I couldn't reach an agreement with the club, so we will have to see what happens in the future," he told The People.

Carlos Tevez, the unsettled City captain, has rejected Sir Alex Ferguson's claim that he was not offered a new contract when he was at Manchester United because he told the Scot he intended to quit within four years.

Ferguson's revelation comes amid continued uncertainty over Tevez's intentions for the new season following the collapse of a proposed move from Eastlands to Corinthians.

Manchester United

Nani has claimed he will be inspired by the intense battle for first-team spots at Manchester United this season.

The arrival of Ashley Young from Aston Villa has provided immediate competition for the winger, who with Antonio Valencia sidelined for most of last term was the only orthodox wide-man at Sir Alex Ferguson's disposal.

Danny Welbeck has operated on the flanks and is now available after a successful loan spell at Sunderland, while Mame Biram Diouf was picked there for the first half of Saturday's 3-1 win over Chicago Fire.

However, Nani, who scored the visitors' final goal at Soldier Field, said he does not intend to take a backward step.

"It inspires you," he said. "If you have competition, you will train harder and push yourself in every game."

Bolton Wanderers

The midfielder Stuart Holden said he wants to return to his former club, the Houston Dynamo, in Texas.

The US international joined Bolton in January 2010 and had impressed in England before being sidelined with an injury last season.

Holden said he would be keen to return to Dynamo before he retires.

"I watch every [Dynamo] match online at two in the morning and get updates from the website," he said.

Norwich City

Paul Lambert is prepared to draft in more players at Carrow Road, but only if the right ones are available.

The City manager already has brought in many fresh faces for his squad during the summer transfer window, but he has not stopped looking for more additions.

"I am delighted with the squad that's here at the minute, but if you can improve you try to do it," said the Scot. "I've brought in roughly the number I said we'd need. There might be room for manoeuvre somewhere along the line, but I am delighted with the group."

Newcastle United

Joey Barton said he will not be leaving Newcastle this summer. Barton, 28, was linked in the Sunday Times with a possible move to Manchester United, one of several said to be ready to bid for Barton, who has a year left on his contract.

"Nice to be linked with some big clubs today but I honestly don't want to leave Newcastle. Thanks but no thanks," he wrote on Twitter. "I will most likely leave Newcastle at end of season, when my contract expires and I am no longer employed. Its [sic] out of my hands."