City news in 250 words

A 'BEFRIEND A PAEDOPHILE' scheme is coming to Greater Manchester. If it goes ahead, it would allow convicted paedophiles to meet with 'friends' and go on outings to cafes, cinemas and art galleries to prevent them from becoming marginalised and re-offending. Three circles are reportedly due to be set up by police, probation and Greater Manchester Community Chaplaincy this year.

NEW MANCHESTER CITY owners, The Abu Dhabi Arab United Group are considering plans to launch the club's own soft drink brand and a fast food chain. The group are also reportedly in talks about purchasing the council-owned City of Manchester stadium as well as plans to re-brand the club under the name 'City'. 83 marketing proposals were published in an Arabian news website.

JOBS are to be cut at Manchester Airport. Up to 180 baggage handlers, check-in staff and other workers for Servisair Manchester are reportedly set to lose their jobs due to the expected downturn in flights for winter 2008-2009. Redundancies are expected by November and negotiations are currently underway with union officials.

UNITED CHIEF EXECUTIVE David Gill has spoken out about City's rumoured £134m bid for Cristiano Ronaldo. Speaking on BBC 5 Live's Sportsweek programme, Gill said: "I can't believe he (Dr Sulaiman Al-Fahim) is serious at those levels and, anyway, we're not looking to sell our best players. Ultimately we would discuss any offer with Sir Alex and the owners, as that sort of money is very large for one player.”