Like two peas in a pod Hmm, this lookalike is a bit too good to be true. They are, in fact, one and the same. Sulaiman al-Fahim fronted the Abu Dhabi United (the name still makes me snigger) takeover of Manchester City before mysteriously disappearing out of sight. He has now re-emerged as the all-but-signed-on-the-dotted-line new oener [.

The first significant transfer of the summer - and perhaps the most surprising - has already taken place; and all before a ball has been kicked in anger during pre-season. Gareth Barry has today joined Manchester City in a £12 million deal.

The surprise isn't Barry's departure from Villa Park, but his final destination.

So say Manchester City Manchester City have drawn a line under their spending spree and will now invest in youth development, according to executive chairman Garry Cook. The club has spent nearly £200m on new players since the takeover by the Abu Dhabi United group. But Cook has warned that City will not continue to spend at [.