Manchester City have apparently acted quickly following the departure of Mario Balotelli, launching a bid for Barcelona forward David Villa.
Balotelli is poised to complete his return to Italy on Wednesday, when he will undergo a medical before finalising a move to AC Milan.
Following his side's goalless draw with Queens Park Rangers, Citizens boss Roberto Mancini claimed it was unlikely that a replacement would arrive before the close of the January window on Thursday evening.
On the contrary, The Mirror reports that City have made a last-gasp attempt to sign Villa from under the nose of Premier League rivals Arsenal.
The Gunners have expressed an interest in the Spanish forward, who has spoken of his desire to leave the Camp Nou this month, but it now appears that the Etihad Stadium could be a possible destination.
