The sight of Manchester City in the transfer market has been a rare occurrence this summer - but Blues skipper Vincent Kompany believes Carlos Tevez is just like a new signing.
After causing so many problems last term, Tevez seems to be a much more settled figure nowadays and looks like the player who became such a Blues hero after his move from Manchester United in 2009.
"Carlos is recognised by everyone as one of the best strikers in the world," said Kompany. "People talk about new signings but having Carlos at his best level, which he wasn't last season because he was away for most of it, is just like one. I still say we have improved."
And with City anxiously awaiting news on the extent of Sergio Aguero's knee injury, Kompany added: "If we were to lose Sergio, it would just go back to last season. Other players would have to step up and perform. They have always done that."
Kompany does not want to dismiss Aguero just yet, even though Mancini's body language immediately after Sunday's game suggested he expected bad news later this week.
That could force a renewed attempt to bring in additional firepower, although with UEFA's Financial Fair Play regulations to meet, City have an equal need to get rid of their unwanted high-earners, including Emmanuel Adebayor and Roque Santa Cruz.
Kolo Toure and Nigel de Jong are two others who seem surplus to requirements, although in the latter man's case, Gareth Barry's present injury problems may bar the exit door.
Source: PA
