Manuel Pellegrini’s side play Everton at Goodison Park tomorrow and only alphabetical order keeps Chelsea ahead of them on paper.

Both City and Swansea have confirmed that there are talks over Wilfried Bony, but with the Manchester club’s financial fair play restrictions the price tag is a potential stumbling block.

League One side Oldham are mulling the signing of former Manchester City and Sheffield United player Ched Evans, who served half of a five-year sentence for raping a woman in a hotel in May 2011 before his release last year.

Evans, who maintains his innocence, was set to join the Latics on a long-term deal until 20,000 people signed an online petition urging the club not to sign him.

Manchester City statistics 2014: As we wave goodbye to 2014, here’s MM’s statistical round-up for the blue side of Manchester.

On a day where Manchester City was congratulated by the chancellor on its community credentials and Chelsea became the first Premiership football team to obtain full Living Wage status, the spotlight has now fallen on Manchester United to follow suit, fans have said.

City opened their brand new £200million state-of-the-art training complex last week, an 80-acre site connected to the Etihad Stadium which boasts a selection of world class facilities.

In a repeat of last season’s draw, Manuel Pellegrini’s men will welcome the Catalan club to The Etihad in February before travelling to the Nou Camp in March.

City are currently on fire with six consecutive wins and celebrated qualification into the Champions League last 16 on Wednesday.

Manchester City defender Gael Clichy believes that City can achieve greatness this year if they continue to play as they did in last night’s crucial Champions League group game against AS Roma.

On Monday City opened their new state-of-the-art £200million training ground in the presence of playing legends past and present.