Well, that went well, didn't it? Luckily, there's not enough World Cup fall-out for the lengthy England inquests to quite squeeze out the choicest transfer updates.

Inevitably, the Blues figure prominently. The Mail's ever-busy Screamer column leads with a story that "City have lodged their interest in Barcelona right-back Dani Alves".

The Mail report that "the brilliant Brazilian has yet to sort out a new contract with the Spanish champions" and add that "City are in the market for the best players in the world.

"Alves fits the bill either at right-back or right midfield. Barca do not want to sell. They paid £36million to bring Alves from Sevilla just two years ago and would expect a significant profit if pushed."

And they sign off with an extra titbit: "Meanwhile, City are among a clutch of clubs monitoring Uruguay midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro, who was the first man sent off in this year's World Cup finals."

That's not why a clutch of clubs are interested, of course: "The 21-year-old ... has earned rave reviews with Ajax this season and is earmarked as a star of the future."

The Mirror also find space on post-mortem Monday to run a page lead on Martin O'Neill's plans to challenge Tottenham for Everton's midfielder Steven Pienaar (just bear with us here, OK?).

John Percy explains that the South Africa ace, whose contract talks have "stalled" at Goodison, would be a key signing in any rebuilding operation if James Milner joins City (see?).

Pienaar, of course, has also been linked to a Blues move in one or more papers during the past few weeks. If you can think of any quality player who hasn't, email and we'll give him a namecheck (we don't want anybody to feel left out).