Effenberg to join City on £4m contract
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Stefan Effenberg has agreed to join Manchester City on a £4m two-year contract. The German midfield general will be unveiled as Kevin Keegan's next signing in the next couple of days after Bayern Munich insiders revealed that the move has been concluded.
Effenberg has met Keegan to discuss a deal that has been mooted since City were promoted to the Premiership. The 33-year-old has agreed a record £40,000-a-week and two seasons of employment in Manchester.
Effenberg has a great reputation as a player, holding the Champions' League trophy aloft last season, but he is also known as a strong and outspoken personality. He caused a storm in Germany last week by blaming record unemployment on a "lazy" population and he has had numerous disputes with clubs and the media. But Keegan sees him as the type of leader City will need to inspire them towards a top-six finish.
Keegan is also working on a £10m-plus move for a striker. He has asked about Leeds United's Robbie Keane and is also chasing Empoli's new Italian international Massimo Maccarone.
The former England defender Terry Butcher has taken over as Motherwell manager after Eric Black and the chief executive Pat Nevin resigned from the Scottish Premier League club.
Motherwell have been put up for sale by the chairman John Boyle, while Black looks set to join the new Coventry manager, Gary McAllister, at Highfield Road. Butcher has previously been in charge at Coventry and Sunderland.
Liverpool will make one last plea to the Premier League tomorrow to have the date of their crucial home game with Blackburn switched to the same night as the game between Manchester United and Arsenal.
The season's final games on 11 May kick off at the same time, but the Liverpool manager, Gérard Houllier, believes that the previous matches involving the three championship rivals should all be on the same night, 8 May, when United are due to play the Gunners. Liverpool want their home match with Blackburn on 5 May switched to 8 May.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments