Wednesday's Links

- We begin with the rumor mill: On the players front, more and more speculation over the future of Joleon Lescott. I think he will end up moving. On the managerial front, not that this is going to be an issue, but there is more talk of Monaco approaching Roberto Mancini with a fat paycheck and transfer kitty... not that he doesn't already enjoy both.

- It was a busy weekend of World Cup qualifiers all over the globe, and City players did generally well. Most importantly, the skipper played a full 90 minutes for Belgium in his first game back from injury since January 26. Kompany, Sergio Aguero, and Yaya Toure should all be available for the Newcastle match.

- Continuing with international play our pal Mario Balotelli had 3 nice goals for Italy over the two matches. Here are his goals against Malta (El Shaarawy definitely dove)... and here's his strike against Brazil.

- The Daily Mail ponders a possible rift growing between City chief Txiki Begiristain and Roberto Mancini.

- City plan on launching a global network of football schools after the success of the first coaching center in Abu Dhabi.

- The Manchester Evening News weighs up the argument for Matija Nastasic being the bargain buy of the Premier League this season.

- And finally, a random, funny picture of David Silva and Juan Mata. Props to whoever made this.