Six months ago today the Blues ended their 44 year wait for a league title and Pablo Zabaleta believes holding onto the sought after silverware presents an even bigger task.

“Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta has acknowledged that the club are "there to be shot at" as they defend their Premier League and has explained that it is just one of the difficulties they must overcome during the season,” reports goal.com’s  John Christodoulou.

“The 27-year-old believes the club will have to work even harder this season as a bigger scalp for the rest of the league, but acknowledges that it is part of the territory.”

Elsewhere, the Telegraph carries a story claiming that AC Milan are preparing a bid for City striker Mario Balotelli.

Roberto Mancini’s decision to leave the 22-year-old out of the squad who beat Spurs on Sunday has led to much speculation.

“AC Milan are ready to offer Mario Balotelli a return to Italy in January after being made aware of Manchester City's willingness to sell the controversial 22 year-old,” writes the paper’s Mark Ogden.

“Since rejecting a 40 million pounds bid from Paris St-Germain for the player during the summer, City manager Roberto Mancini has become increasingly exasperated by Balotelli's performances and work ethic and has now accepted there is little value in persevering with the forward.

“With Mancini determined to make a renewed attempt to sign the Roma captain, Daniele De Rossi, in January, any funds raised by the sale of Balotelli could prove significant in his efforts to lure the midfielder to City.”

Of course, we will be first to let you know if there are any movements in or out of the club this coming transfer window.