what the papers say

Zaki speculation

The Mirror

"Manchester City want Wigan's £6m striker Amr Zaki"

Wigan boss Steve Bruce is desperately trying to sign Amr Zaki permanently - to avoid losing the Premier League's top scorer.

Latics want to seal the £6m deal they have with Egyptian club Zamalek for hotshot Zaki, who is on a year's loan at the JJB.

But Zamalek are trying to push up the price - and claim that Manchester City are in the hunt - so Wigan will speed up their efforts to tie down Zaki.

Wigan don't want to lose Zaki, who has hit seven goals this term, so chairman Dave Whelan may even be ready to pay more than £6m.

The Times

"Mark Hughes hails Micah Richards"

Mark Hughes is backing Micah Richards to regain his place in the England squad. The Manchester City defender enjoyed a meteoric start to his career for club and country, but, after sustaining a knee injury in February, has yet to feature for Fabio Capello. The 20-year-old will have the chance to remind the nation of his talent this evening, when his side travel to play Newcastle United. But the England manager is out of the country and will not be at the game.Hughes, the City manager, said. “With the qualities Micah’s got, he should be first-choice in international sides because he can be that good.”