Internationals may present managers with headaches when they try to prepare sides for domestic action, but they are manna for heaven for journalists.

After an international, players are obliged to trot through the mixed zone where they are pounced upon by journos armed to the teeth with questions on that week's hot topic.

The Ivory Coast played Italy on Tuesday night at Upton Park, providing the perfect chance for the press and fans to take a look at the much-mooted City target Mario Balotelli. Kolo Toure was grabbed and told the Telegraph he liked what he saw of a player who has a reputation for feistiness.

'"He's very strong, technically he's very good. He's fast and I think he's a player for the Premier League, definitely."

'Balotelli has been regarded as petulant and unpredictable, particularly after falling out with former Inter manager Jose Mourinho.

'But Touré added: "His attitude is very good as well, he reminds me of Roy Keane, Patrick Vieira - these type of guys.

"They have a really strong mentality and, in the Premier League, we like those kind of players."'

Elsewhere there is conjecture galore over another long-running transfer "saga", with most papers saying that James Milner is heading here soon. There's the usual smattering of Craig Bellamy to Spurs or Celtic talk, but the Mirror has a brief line about Stephen Ireland going to White Hart Lane. As ever, mcfc.co.uk will bring you any confirmed news of any incomings or outgoings as and when they happen.