Most of the paper talk today surrounds who may or may not be leaving the Blues this summer.

Most of the paper talk today surrounds who may or may not be leaving the Blues this summer.

The Times, Guardian, Mirror and Sun major on a possible Joe Hart transplant.

Despite the fact that the England international has started all this summer friendly games, all the above report that Sunderland have spoken to City over the possibility of taking Hart on loan.

In his ‘window watch’ in the Times Peter Lansley reports that Stadium of Light boss Steve Bruce confirmed that an approach had been made.

‘Sunderland require cover for Craig Gordon, who has a fractured wrist,” reveals Lansley. “They initially made their bid for Hart at the same time as opening talks with David James, who subsequently left Portsmouth for Bristol City.”

Elsewhere in Broadsheet land, the Telegraph’s Rory Smith reckons City are ready to part with players to secure the transfer of James Milner.

“City will attempt to break the deadlock with Aston Villa over James Milner’s proposed move to Eastlands by offering Martin O’Neill a cash-plus-player deal,” he reckons.

“As many as nine players are due to leave Eastlands before the August 31 deadline and players such as Stephen Ireland, Nedum Onuoha, Michael Johnson, Roque Santa Cruz and Craig Bellamy may be offered in exchange in an attempt to drive the deal through more than two months after the saga began.”

The Daily Star, in an exclusive by Sami Mokbel, also links Ireland to Villa.

‘Aston Villa target Stephen Ireland wants at least £3million a year to leave Manchester City,’ declares Mokbel though there are no Ireland quotes to back up the claim.

‘Martin O’Neill is a huge admirer of the Irishman and has been tipped to land the midfielder as part of a deal that would see James Milner go in the opposite direction. Champions League new boys Tottenham are also keen on Ireland who still has four years left to run on his contract.

‘But Ireland isn’t prepared to take a pay cut from his existing wages and will look for the same money if he leaves the club.

‘Starsport understands that Ireland, 23, is also reluctant to leave his home in the North-West.’