Pablo Zabaleta

Richards could learn from Maicon so no problems there considering their age differance, I love Zab but I don't think RB is his best position.

Maicon is a great backup, aging now, but I think he's still good for PL, with his attacking delivery. Zabalayeta would be used more on the left (or in 3-5-2) I guess.

Javi Garcia for De Jong is what I don't get. Is it because De Jong wants to move? Javi Garcia is not much younger than DJ, unproven in PL, and I don't see he's better than DJ. At 27, DJ is working well in City, and bringing a so-so DM from outside to replace DJ is not logical. And also very costly: 24M for a rather unknown (only 1 cap for Spain at 25) player. (while De Jong is sold for ~ 5M ?)

Just 6M more and City would have got Javi Martinez, a much better and more potential than J.Garcia.

I'd prefer de Jong to stay, but he's in his last year of his contract, and reports indicate that City couldn't come to an agreement with him (or rather probably his agent) in regards to a contract extension.

I don't know much about Javi Garcia, but do agree with b4fun in regards to Martinez. However, we reportedly were after him. Either we weren't prepared to meet his buy-out cost (40m euros (just under £32m)), or he had his heart set only on Bayern.

On a different note, just heard that City are in for David Villa. How true that is I don't know, but it's come right out of the blue. If true, perhaps a deal that sees Dzeko leaving might be on the cards...

David Villa would be a serious bit of business.

David Villa is crocked, he would be a total waste of time and money x

We really need to look at our defensive qualities if we are to progress through our CL group.

Wish De Jong all the best. Thanks for that goal.

Richards is arguably the best RB in the league and is better defensively than Maicon. Bale had Maicon for breakfast, lunch and dinner and has had no joy against Micah.

A fantastic footballer and he shouldn't have to play second fiddle to anyone

However with 3 at the back, Richards is likely to be first choice to accompany Kompany and Lescott, with Maicon competing with Milner for the right wingback slot. Also it's possible that Richards' injury is more serious than first suspected.

Personally ManUtdDaredevil, your simplistic analysis of Maicon comparing his performance against one player (Bale), does not do justice to a great professional. No doubt his experience will be of great advantage, not only for City, but the younger players will benefit from training alongside him x

Zaba can play anywhere, he is a rich man's Sun Jihai