Maicon moving to City would be 'unthinkable', says agent

The agent of Maicon has laughed off reports linking the Inter Milan full-back with a move to Manchester City.

The Brazil international is a reported target of the big-spending Premier League side, but his representative has insisted that there is no likelihood of such a move.

"Every day there's a story linking Maicon to a different club," said the player's agent, Antonio Caliendo.

"First it was Real Madrid, then Manchester United and now Manchester City.

"I think Maicon has already reiterated his wish to remain at Inter."

Maicon has been a key player in Jose Mourinho's side, who are currently seven points clear at the top of Serie A, and is under contract at the San Siro until June 2013.

Caliendo did not rule out a move under the right circumstances but appeared to dismiss City's chances of persuading him to move.

"If the likes of Real Madrid or United knock on the door then you consider the eventual offers," said Caliendo. "But we are talking about a top player who is fighting for the league title, the Champions League, the best player in his role, what would he be doing at City?

"I think it would be unthinkable, let's not joke about it."

Meanwhile, Stephen Ireland has revealed that he feared he was going to die when he was rushed to hospital after complaining of dizziness during his side's Carling Cup tie with Fulham in September, which his side won 2-1 in extra-time.

The Manchester City star had no-one near him when he suddenly felt unwell in the match at Eastlands. He was promptly substituted by manager Mark Hughes but when his symptoms failed to improve, he was taken to Wythenshawe Hospital for exhaustive tests.

In the end, no reason for Ireland's strange turn was established and he was released during the early hours of the following morning. But the midfielder admitted at the time that he was very worried. "Thankfully it wasn't too serious because at the time I thought that was the end of me," he told the Manchester Evening News.

"I don't know what it was. I have had every test that there is and I still don't know, but it was a bit of a strange scare. It took me a while to get right but I am back on track. Everything is looking positive."

Ireland returned to action just 12 days afterwards. However, he has since lost his place in City's first-choice starting XI, having failed to find the form that saw him identified as one of the best young players in the country last term.

He was a substitute for Sunday's draw with Birmingham at St Andrew's, with a 30-minute appearance failing to prevent City being held to a fourth consecutive draw.

Although the big-spending club have lost ground on Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal, they are now in fourth spot, with Ireland confirming City are still pleased with their recent efforts.

"We have almost got a brand new squad but we have clicked really well," he said. "We have to get on with it if we want to achieve things and win things this year."