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The Kaka saga has not yet run it's course apparently. This morning, I have been assiduously combing through reports to find a headline that says Chelsea or Real are in the process of ruining football, and have been looking for comments from Michel Platini or Sepp Blatter regarding the effect of too much money in the game. Maybe they are waiting for confirmation, I don't know, but that didn't stop them bleating when City tried to buy him did it? Perhaps it's okay for Real and Chelsea to talk in such figures, but not us.

The latest news seems to be that the transfer to Real has not yet gone through but all the parties are sure it's a done deal," the sports daily AS said on Wednesday, noting "pressure" from Chelsea.

Two papers, along with Radio Cadena Ser, had reported late on Tuesday that the 27-year-old playmaker had signed for Real in a 65-million-euro deal.

Vital Man City see it as a game of bluff;

"It appears both AC Milan and Real Madrid have agreed the transfer fee, but didn't Milan owner and Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi say the same back in January when City were prepared to open their cheque book for the 27-year-old?

It seems Kaka's advisors are holding out just to see if the likes of Chelsea are prepared to enter the negotiating table. You never know, if the Russian tycoon Roman Abramovich is happy to disrupt proceedings then Premier League fans might be in for a treat. Otherwise can someone tell Kaka to sort his life out, make his final decision and move on. This never ending story is beginning to cheese me off."

The poor lad must be in turmoil, for his cries of despair when he was praying that he could stay with Milan for ever seem to have fallen on deaf ears, as his "advisers" have other plans for him, and it looks as though he may have to shoulder the responsibility of even more riches. How desperate he must feel. We should all pray with him.

By contrast, a delightful piece from the USA, SportsProMedia.com (only they could come up with that name) which makes me feel all is right with the world, and City bashing is alive and well;

Manchester City’s US$18 million signing of Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry is just the start of a summer of excess.

The club, owned by the ruling family of Abu Dhabi, once again proved money is no object by splashing out for the England international despite the fact he would have been available on a free transfer in less than a year, when his contract ran out at Aston Villa. In addition, Barry has been handed a reported US$150,000 a week in wages - almost US$40 million over a five-year deal. That is a staggering amount in the world of soccer, given that Barry will be 33 by the end of his contract.

Mark Hughes, the Manchester City coach, confirmed that Barry was just the first of a number of big-money signings on the way to Manchester. “I was looking to get a number of deals done as soon as possible and we have had a great start with Gareth joining us, “ he said. “I hope we can conclude some more.“

You gotta love 'em, dontcha?

CITY SIGN PLAYER EFFICIENTLY SHOCK!

City fans were rocked today by the news that the Eastlands club have signed a half decent player, early in the transfer window, for about the right money, and with no last minute dramas.

The news that Mark Hughes “likes to move quickly once he identified his wanted men” and that Barry's move has been completed while most of football is still enjoying a post-season break - has left the long suffering Blue faithful scratching their heads in disbelief.

“I’m scratching my head in disbelief” said a City fan outside the City of Manchester Stadium,”I mean – we were all looking forward to weeks of protracted negotiations while we tried to sign an injury ravaged Penelope Cruz for 25 million. And now the club goes and signs a reasonable player, for the right price, and our medical staff have even managed to count the number of feet he has! What on earth are the club playing at? The sooner we get on with ruining football - like we’re supposed to - and put in a 50 million bid each for Beckham and Owen 10 minutes before the window closes – the sooner we can all get back to normal”.

Elano is on the move? according to reports in Gazetta dello Sport, Elano has been speaking to them. "There is an opened negotiation," He says, with Inter. It's easy enough to see that Gareth Barry's arrival puts pressure on Elano, and it is possible he may feel he has to leave, but I don't think Hughes will be eager to sell him, because although there have been rumours of a rift between the two, Hughes is engaged in squad building. A very talented player like Elano must still have a place with us, if only for penalties! (Haha) But it is hard to keep everyone happy. I wouldn't be happy to see him move on and I hope Hughes won't.

By Sir Kenneth and Clevblue.