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MANCHESTER, England (AP) -Manchester City has released Paul Dickov, Geovanni and Emile Mpenza in a clear-out of 10 players.
City said Thursday that Dickov could make his loan deal with Blackpool a permanent switch. Mpenza, another striker, has attracted interest from Premier League and Championship clubs.
Brazilian midfielder Geovanni, formerly of FC Barcelona and Benfica, and Filippo Mancini, the son of former Inter Milan coach Roberto Mancini, have also been released.
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BIRMINGHAM, England (AP) - Curtis Davies has signed a four-year deal with Aston Villa after spending last season on loan from West Brom.
The English defender missed much of last season with a foot injury, but is hoping to return for the Sept. 20 clash against his former side.
"It's a very tight thing but potentially I think I can be back for that," Davies said. "I just need to keep progressing, really. I can't worry about any one individual game, as much as I'd love to play that game, there's a lot more to the season - hopefully with a long European campaign coming up."
Villa didn't disclose the fee paid to its Premier League rival.
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MILTON KEYNES, England (AP) - MK Dons manager Roberto Di Matteo insists he can handle the pressure in his first non-playing job.
The former Italy and Chelsea midfielder was hired Wednesday by the League One club to replace Paul Ince, who was lured to Blackburn after steering the Dons into English football's third tier.
A triple leg fracture back forced Di Matteo to retire in 2002.
"I missed being in the front line very much but the fire never goes away," the 38-year-old Di Matteo said. "This is a big challenge. The contract is for one year with another year option and you are under pressure as a manager but it is all about being successful.
