NOT for the first time in football, we are obliged to reflect on the profound meaning of David St Hubbins’ sage observation: “It’s such a fine line between stupid and clever”.

FC Timisoara 0 Manchester City 1

Manchester City were today on the verge of signing Mario Balotelli, while another of Mancini's targets, Aston Villa's James Milner, was also expected to sign for the north west club.