It is always good to hear the views of genuine superstars so Lionel Messi’s interview in the Express this morning immediately grabbed the attention.

The Barcelona ace tips us be a potent force in the Premier League this season.

“I thought it would take City years to win the title, but looking at the players they have I think they can do it and Carlitos’ (Tevez) goals can fire them above Chelsea and United,” he enthused.

“When you look at Carlitos, Yaya Toure, David Silva and all the others you need to start taking them seriously. They have a great squad and a great manager and are probably two world class defenders away from winning the title.”

Messi goes on to eulogise about the qualities of former teammate Toure who he expects to ‘dominate games’.

By comparison the rest of the day’s ‘news’ has a tired and familiar look to it.

The Mirror, Star, Sun and Express all have a James Milner story broadly saying that a deal to bring the Villa ace to City may be done by the end of the week.

The Independent repeats the story that Fulham are interested in taking Roque Santa Cruz to Craven Cottage and while we are in West London there is plenty of coverage in all the papers, broadsheet and tabloid, to Mark Hughes’ official unveiling as their new boss.

Finally in the Mirror, Alan Nixon reckons that we are about to snap up Israeli youngster Gai Assulin for nothing after the player cancelled his contract with Barcelona.