So then, all eyes back on Robinho - will he or won't he? No, not win the World Cup, stupid ... make the return trip to City of Manchester Stadium when the summer break is over.

Brazil's finest finds his future at the centre of renewed speculation with his successful half-season loan spell at his first club Santos due to expire at the start of August.

Some observers expected Robi to press for another season's stay in Brazil or even finish up joining Barcelona, with the European champions long-time admirers of his ability.

But the Star reports breathlesssly that "Robinho has made a dramatic U-turn and could decide to return to City after the World Cup. The Brazilian star went public back home with reservations about making a return to England.

"But now Robinho has had a major re-think and is full of praise for the job City did last season - and tipping Roberto Mancini to claim a Champions League spot next season."

The crucial Robinho quote to stand up the story reads: "I honestly don't know what will happen at City. We will just see what happens over the summer, but I haven't ruled out a return."

Ah, so it's not quite cut and dried then? But wait. The People have unearthed further evidence that the club's record signing is ready to ditch the samba lifestyle and catch up on Corrie.

They explain that "Robinho is keeping his options open - by retaining his rented house near Manchester for another year. Shay Given has tipped the Brazilian striker to be one of the stars of the World Cup and reckons he will come back to City after the tournament."

The People speculate that City might use Robi "as bait" to prise either Yaya Toure or Zlatan Ibrahimovic from the Nou Camp but say he has taken out another 12-month lease on his "rented Cheshire house".

They add that he is also storing his fleet of seven cars at the luxury property, fuelling speculation that he may stay at City (Or open a luxury car showroom with Nigel de Jong-Ed?).

Elsewhere, the News of the World says Chelsea have edged ahead of the Blues in the hunt for Valencia's David Silva, while the same news team refresh the Steven Pienaar link once more.

And new Oldham boss Paul Dickov is thinking big, chuckles the Star. They quote the ex-City striker: "I might even phone Garry Cook and see what Tevez is doing next year." If you don't ask, you don't get, Dicky.