Surprisingly, there’s little in terms of transfer speculation (for once!) but here are some alternative stories fit to quench your thirst.
Let’s start with the article in the Manchester Evening News, which features an interview with City new-boy Fernando. In it, he discloses his footballing heroes - and his current idol is a familiar face we all know and love.
Writes Paul Handler: “Although he spoke to MEN Sport through an interpreter, no translation was needed when he was asked who his midfield idol is.
“A shrug of the shoulders and a smile suggested there was no doubt in his mind before he added simply: ‘Yaya’.
“It is easy to see why Fernando chooses Yaya over the more subtle attacking talents of David Silva or Samir Nasri.
“Toure can do as much damage if not more than that duo going forward AND perform the holding role that Fernando has been tasked with at the Etihad.
“The 27-year-old was well used on City’s US tour, with only youngster Bruno Zuculini getting more minutes from the central midfielders.
“He did well overall, although after a summer off there is clearly sharpness to be added, plus the inevitable adjustment to the frenetic pace of the Premier League.”
Reflecting on the past few weeks, Fernando declared: “It’s been a tough tour. It got easier as the games went along, but it was difficult.
“It has been more intense [than in Portugal] and the pace is quicker. But I was expecting that having watched the Premier League before I came here. But I’m getting used to it. I’m adapting.
“I knew I was facing great players when I came here, I just need to keep working hard and I’ll prove myself.
“I win a lot of balls, like multi-legged, that’s where the Octopus nickname came from, and hopefully I can do well.”
In other news, the Daily Mail have listed three Premier League stars who they feel should be included in your Fantasy Football team - one of those is Stevan Jovetic.
Writes Oliver Todd: “A fairly average first season in English football has pushed Jovetic’s price tag down - and you should take advantage when you can.
“With Alvaro Negredo injured and Edin Dzeko a player whose form peaks and troughs, the Montenegro striker should finally get a good run in Manuel Pellegrini’s side.
“He has been in excellent form in pre season and a decent double against Liverpool showed he can hack it against the Premier League’s best - though that shouldn’t be a surprise. He scored against Chelsea in the FA Cup last season after his team-mates failed to do so in the league.
“If you’re picking your team based on last season’s stats you could overlook Jovetic, but do so at your peril. It’s his turn to light up the Premier League and that can only help your Fantasy team.”
Thanks for the tip!
And finally, a snippet of transfer gossip as Paul Watson of Here Is The City claims Matija Nastasic could be on his way to Juventus.
“According to Tuttosport, Juventus sporting director Beppe Marotta has identified his two objectives in Paris Saint Germain forward Ezequiel Lavezzi and Serbian international stopper Nastasic,” Watson reports.
“Manchester City finally seem to be about to announce the signature of Porto star Eliaquim Mangala after weeks of speculation, and that could have a strong bearing on the future of Nastasic.
“Tuttosport believes that Man City will be happy to let Nastasic leave and the most likely formula would be a loan with the option of an outright sale in the summer of 2015.”
That’s all for today. Check back to mcfc.co.uk again tomorrow for another round-up of City-related media speculation. In the meantime, have you read the latest confirmed transfer news? Jack Rodwell has joined Sunderland and Emyr Huws has extended his contract!
