Therefore, most attacking full-backs in Europe have been linked with a move to the Etihad and today we can add one of the less mentioned – 23-year-old Nice left-back Dalbert.
Squawka report: “Nice have insisted that they won’t sell talented defender Dalbert for less than his €30 million (£26.31 million) release clause.
“The left-back has been linked with a move away from Nice, with Premier League clubs Arsenal and Manchester City amongst those rumoured to be interested in signing him.
“Nice were initially prepared to start the bidding for Dalbert at €15 million but altered their approach amidst the reported interest from Arsenal and City.”
If Dalbert is a new name (or fairly new), Benjamin Mendy is anything but.
The Monaco star has allegedly been on Pep Guardiola’s shopping list since the epic Champions League matches against the French Ligue 1 champions.
The 4th Official believe a move to the Blues could be edging closer as they write: “The latest to join the bandwagon is the 22-year-old Benjamin Mendy with reports doing the rounds of an imminent transfer to Manchester City. The Frenchman began his career with second tier side Le Havre, before joining French giants Marseille.
“It was under the enigmatic Marcelo Bielsa that he really flourished. Bielsa’s counter-attacking brand of football unlocked the left-back’s attacking potential, showcasing his will to go forward as much as defend.
“His superior crossing ability to unlock defences and his use of pace to channel an attacking outlet through the wings highlight why it would be easy to cast him in Guardiola’s preferred inverted full-back role.
“With the release of Bacary Sagna, Gael Clichy and Pablo Zabaleta, it is easy to see why City are looking to spend almost €45m on the full-back. Monaco have reached an agreement to sign Feyenoord’s Terence Kongolo (£13m) in a bid to replace the City-bound Mendy.”
Finally, you just can’t keep Mario Balotelli down.
In the years since the enigmatic Italian left the Blues, his love of the Club plus his relationship with the fans has never waned.
The Express have picked up on his gentle ribbing of United fans on Twitter about the 2012 title win.
They write: “Balotelli has taunted Manchester United fans on Twitter - five years after City’s title win. Balotelli flopped during his spell at the Etihad but he did play a part in one of City’s great days.
“The madcap Italian set-up Sergio Aguero to net a stunning late goal in a 3-2 win over QPR which secured City the 2011/12 title ahead of United.
“Balotelli was busy reminiscing about that today and tweeted: ‘I have a bit of melancholy I just review the winning match title vs QPR... that was amazing and I really loved it. #mutdsorrynotsorry #lol.’
“The tweet predictably went down well with City fans, who rushed in their droves to thank Balotelli.
“One wrote: ‘Thanks for being an important part of one of the greatest & happiest moments of my life. Without your assist who knows...’
“Another said: ‘Best. Assist. Ever. Cheers, Mario.’”
Why always Mario? And he didn’t’ flop at City’… There’s a reminder above of that momentous day and Mario’s crucial role - any excuse!
More gossip and City snippets tomorrow…
