Martin O'Neill knows a decent player when he sees one, and the Daily Star reckon the astute Aston Villa manager has his eye on a couple of City's.

Tim Gray reports that "Villa's boss accepts that he is fighting a losing battle to keep James Milner", a player who has long been linked with a switch to the Blues.

And he claims: "O'Neill is ready to do business and smash the record transfer sale at Villa, but only if City are willing to throw in Stephen Ireland and Nedum Onuoha."

Gray speculates that Nedum's chances of getting a game have been affected by the signing of Jerome Boateng while "Villa are desperate to sign a right-back".

He adds in his back-page splash that "Ireland would be a welcome addition to the Villa midfield, which is crying out for an attacking influence from central areas."

Meanwhile, several papers report Inter president Massimo Moratti, Roberto Mancini's old boss, inviting City to make a bid for 19-year-old striker Mario Balotelli.

The player, "mentored" by Mancini, says Mail reporter John Edwards, is apparently valued at a cool £30milion by Moratti, who declares: "There are no players who can't be sold."

Talking of Inter, as we often do here, new manager Rafa Benitez has emerged as a rival to long-time admirer Harry Redknapp for the services of Micah Richards, says the Times.

He's a top, top player 'Arry, there's bound to be interest. Tottenham at White Hart Lane is now the early kick-off opening fixture, of course. Interesting for all of us, not just Micah.