World Football Gossip Roundup: Mario Balotelli, Thibaut Courtois, Paulinho

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Mario Balotelli isn't quite done at Manchester City. Oh no.

Before the January transfer window opens, Balotelli has a bit of business to conduct with his current club. He's taking them to court.

Balotelli's court date with Manchester City leads this Monday edition of the B/R World Football Gossip Roundup. Inside, we also have updates on Barcelona's search for a new keeper, Marouane Fellaini's punishment, Paulinho and Christian Eriksen.

Read on for all the details.

Mario Balotelli, Manchester City Heading to Tribunal

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Italian forward Mario Balotelli will take Manchester City to a London tribunal this week in a dispute with the club over a disciplinary fine (via BBC Sport).

City fined Balotelli, 22, two weeks' wages for missing 11 matches last season through various suspensions. Balotelli appealed to City's board, which upheld the decision.

The tribunal is sparking renewed speculation over Balotelli's future. The Italian joined City in 2010 from Inter Milan.

Barcelona Interested in Thibaut Courtois?

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Barcelona are interested in Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, according to The Sun.

Courtois, a 20-year-old Belgian international, is on loan with Atletico from Chelsea for the second straight season. He helped Atletico win the UEFA Europa League last season.

Marouane Fellaini Awaits Punishment

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Marouane Fellaini faces a three-match ban from the Football Association and a £120,000 fine from Everton for his actions during Saturday's Premier League draw with Stoke City (via Daily Telegraph).

Fellaini was seen on video headbutting Stoke's Ryan Shawcross. In a separate incident, Fellaini elbowed and slapped Shawcross.

Referee Mark Halsey missed the incidents during the match, but the FA is expected to bring retrospective punishments with the help of video replay.

Fellaini has apologized (via BBC Sport).

Paulinho Staying in Brazil?

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Paulinho says he wants to remain in his native Brazil with Corinthians (via Sky Sports).

The 24-year-old midfielder has been linked with Inter Milan, Manchester City and Chelsea. After helping Corinthians beat Chelsea in the FIFA Club World Cup final over the weekend, Paulinho has said he is staying put.

I'm staying at Corinthians. There were lots of rumours that I could possibly leave the club, that there are talks, but I have never been aware of anything concrete, apart from Inter Milan, which everyone knows about. The more titles you win, the more you want to win. That's what everyone says, and I say that too.

Paulinho has won eight senior caps for Brazil.

Christian Eriksen Wants to Finish Season with Ajax

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Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen says he wants to finish the season with Ajax, according to Goal.com.

Eriksen, 20, has been linked with several clubs including Tottenham Hotspur. He called the stories "rumors" and said he wants to stay with Ajax for now.

I've read about it, but they are just rumors. It also depends on what Ajax want. I hope, and I think, I will finish the season with Ajax. Someday, I will take the step (abroad), but I do not know when.

It depends, of course, on how I feel at that particular time and which clubs come along.

 

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