Three in, more to come? The papers are expecting Roberto Mancini to add to his summer captures before the transfer deadline, but The Independent sees a stumbling block.

Ian Herbert reports that City "are encountering competition from Juventus in their pursuit of the Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko", long linked with a move to the Blues.

The club made it clear this summer that incoming transfers must represent value for money, and Herbie says "City are unwilling to match Wolfsburg's demand for the full payment of a £35million release clause".

The Independent man also pours cold water on the prospect of any bid for Everton's Mikel Arteta, who has "slipped down the priority list" following the arrival of Spain midfielder David Silva.

Ian also reveals: "Mancini named Aleksandar Kolarov, Lazio's Serbian left-back, as a player he liked in an Italian radio interview last week." Don't touch that dial, Herbie!

Meanwhile, intrepid Mirror man John Cross reports from Cape Town that Robinho, due back at the club next month, has been offered to Valencia in a season-long loan.

Crossy reckons Santos, where he wintered so successfully, can't afford to sign him permanently, though they're hoping to persuade City to let him stay on loan.

As for Roberto, our Italian style guru has caused a flutter of interest, not by signing three World Cup stars but by popping down to the barbers for a much-needed trim.

The Sun, as is often the case, does this bit of whimsy best, complete with the nice touch of a byline from Shorn (aka Shaun) Custis.

Shaun writes: "City's mane man had wanted the drastic haircut for a while but needed time to mullet over. Now he and new coach David Plait are after more big-wig signings. Yet few will be a snip - and none will come from Barnet."

Shear quality ... enough to make the opposition curl up and dye.