First to Bernardo, who played 83 minutes of City’s 1-0 victory over Newcastle at St James’ Park.
As reported by Sportwitness he said: “The important thing is to win, and three more points, regardless of being 1-0 or 3-0, we are very happy to be on the way of winning.
“We still have a game before the New Year, so we still have a game on the 31st against Crystal Palace. Of course that’s a good difference. But in football everything is possible, we have to keep winning to keep the distance and not give a chance for our rivals to approach.”
There are of course just three more days before the January transfer window swings open, and speculation continues to swirl.
Goal.com, via Don Balon, reckons that a Barcelona centre-back could be on City’s radar.
They report: “Barcelona are bracing themselves for interest from Manchester rivals United and City in defender Samuel Umtiti, reports Don Balon.
“The La Liga giants fear that Virgil van Dijk’s £75 million move to Liverpool will see leading clubs turn their attention towards Camp Nou.
“France international Umtiti has a €60m release clause which would represent no stumbling block for leading Premier League sides.”
Two more familiar names to Media Watch - Jonny Evans and Inigo Martinez - are mentioned over in the Daily Telegraph.
Jason Burt writes: “Arsenal and Everton have also been interested in Evans and Albion would hope to receive around £30 million should they agree a deal to sell the 29-year-old Northern Ireland international.
“City have also tracked Martinez, who has been linked to Barcelona, and it is understood that a deal to sign the 26-year-old, who has four Spain caps, may be easier to complete given he has a £28 million release clause in his contract.”
Finally to the Daily Mirror, who carry quotes from former Barcelona playmaker Xavi on City’s current form.
The Barca legend said: “The football they are playing is mesmerising. They are the in-form team in Europe and as good as their players are, Pep has to take credit for the football they are playing and the form they are in.
“Pep teams do not just happen, these record runs do not just happen, treble-winning seasons do not just happen - they happen because Pep is obsessive about winning.
“He is focused, he hates to lose and that becomes infectious with the players.”
That’s your lot for today, we’ll be back tomorrow with more media talk...
