Speaking on Friday Malky Mackay admitted that his chase of Etiene Capoue was at an end. City had agreed a fee with Toulouse and terms with the player but it looks as though he will end up at White Hart Lane.
"We had a bid accepted but it looks as if he decided, as far as I am aware, to go to Tottenham. It looks like it will go that way," Mackay said.
"With the targets we want, invariably there is also competition or clubs don't want to sell."
City have added just four new players to the squad ahead of the Premier league season that kicks off next Saturday. But Mlky was keen to add that last year players were added near the end of the window (that closes on Sep 2nd this year).
"We signed five in the last week of the window last year and we have brought in around 25 players to the club over the last two years, so we are well versed in the mechanics of how this works and the patience you sometimes have to have.
"Sometimes things happen quickly, like the Steven Caulker deal, other times it can be more protracted.
"We have some plates spinning at the moment, if it will take until September 2, then that is what it will take."