There is a welcome shift back towards summer transfer speculation in today’s press reports, after the last few days brought little but doom and gloom about the weekend’s results and their effect on the title race.

The Mail kicks us off with a more positive approach with claims that Micah Richards is close to a return from injury.

Sami Mokbel claims that the defender’s return has already been planned for the March 4 trip to Aston Villa. He writes: “Richards is itching to play again but knows he cannot rush back, given the seriousness of the injury. His return will give Mancini some comfort in what has been a difficult fortnight.”

Elsewhere, we’re back on familiar turf as names are thrown around for possible City moves at the end of the season.

The Daily Express has thrown the previously linked Stevan Jovetic back into the mix, with reports from Italy claiming the Blues will “blow their rivals out of the water” for the Fiorentina hit man, who has a £26m price tag.

While the Manchester Evening News reported yesterday that Roberto Mancini had gone to Italy on a scouting trip to cast his eye over Mauro Icardi and Brazilian defender Marqinhos.

However, Goal.com counter with quotes from his agent that the young Argentinian striker is going nowhere. The website states: “’There is no story,’ the Argentina Under-20 international's spokesman told Radio Kiss Kiss. ‘In fact, we are working for a [contract] renewal with Sampdoria.’”

Remember, transfers aren’t official until they are confirmed on mcfc.co.uk!