City transfer talk: 18 August – Ibra against City move, Newcastle and Stuttgart after Weiss

Today feels like relative calm after the drama of yesterday, with the main story in the Spanish press claiming Barcelona are looking to lighten Ibrahimovic from their wage bill. Unfortunately the player himself only has eyes for Milan.

The lack of Champions League football at City is again cited as the reason Ibra doesn’t fancy our ‘project’ along with a fondness for Milanese life. The big drawback for Barca is Milan’s lack of cash. They’d rather do a deal with us and it all sounds a little to similar to the Ronaldinho and Eto’o deals. The prospect of working with Mancini and City being a little further along in our ‘project’ are the only differences.

If a deal for Ibra fails to materialise, would City go back in for Dzeko? The wages would be cheaper even if Wolfsburg do want an exhorbitant fee. Robinho would presumably need to convinced of a move to the likes of Besiktas rather than Barca.

The need for another striker comes down to how highly Mancini rates Adebayor and whether Balotelli is seen as a regular leader of the line, or a flank player. When we’re so well stocked elsewhere in the side, an over reliance on Tevez could be a folly.

Interest in Vladimir Weiss is unsurprisingly high with Stuttgart claiming to be in negotiations with City. Vlad has said he’s up for a move to Germany, though hopefully this would only be a loan deal. With better decision making, the Slovakian winger could be an improvement on Shaun Wright-Phillips.

The Chronicle report that Newcastle are interested in taking Weiss on loan. It would be good to see him have more Premier League experience, and we’d also get to keep a closer eye on his progress.

Meanwhile Goal have an exclusive in claiming West Ham are looking to sign Roque Santa Cruz for £8.5m. It does seem only a matter of time before Roque signs for someone, and it might even be on a permanent deal. The question is will he be replaced?

• Do you think City need Ibra or Dzeko?