Is it the lull before the storm? As City prepare to launch our European campaign, for the first time in what seems an age you'll actually need to search the morning papers for Blues news.

But there is some good cheer for City fans who scan the side columns of the Sun, especially those who are partial to watching Shaun Wright-Phillips leave opposition defences in a bit of a tangle.

Under the snappy heading "City deal for SWP", the paper reports: "Manchester City are to re-open talks with Shaun Wright-Phillips over a new £70,000-a-week deal".

They add that Shauny, who is 29 next month and has two years left on his current agreement, will be offered a four-year contract.

There's no picture of SWP, but there is a thumbnail snap of Carlos Tevez so that you can see the skipper's new haircut - or Herr-cut, as the Sun punmeisters term it before the Europa League tie in Salzburg. Geddit?

Several papers report that Mario Balotelli will probably need longer to recover from his knee operation than expected and worst-case scenarios even have him being ruled out until well into November.

The Telegraph's Mark Ogden, known as a stickler for accuracy, writes that "Balotelli can now expect a recovery period of eight to 10 weeks" and points out that the pressure will be on Carlos Tevez to bear the goal burden.

He adds: "Balotelli may return in time for the Manchester derby in November 10. But a return for the Italian against Bimingham three days later or Fulham on November 21 appears more realistic." Doh!

For a more optimistic view, grab the Independent instead. Ian Herbert tells his readers that the surgeon's "prognosis suggests Balotelli may be fit for City's trip to Blackpool next month." We want that one.