January is still some way off, but the untameable beast that is transfer speculation is already yawning and stretching as it prepares to elbow its way towards the back pages.

Robinho, inevitably, is set to be dragged into the frame thanks to some well-planted comments from Barcelona's sporting director Txiki Beguiristain, as reported by The Guardian's Sid Lowe.

Barca's main man in these matters "has admitted that the European champions are interested in the Manchester City forward Robinho and would consider a move during the winter transfer window," says Sid.

No kidding. They just don't give up at the Nou Camp, as Arsenal will attest regarding the constant links with Cesc Fabregas, but it's all part of the game and the long game often works in these cases (see Ronaldo, Cristiano, and Madrid, Real).

Lowe tells it straight: "The Barcelona coach, Pep Guardiola, has made no secret of his desire to sign a left-sided attacker, telling the club that Robinho would fit perfectly. Asked about the Brazilian, Beguiristain responded: 'He is a very interesting footballer and he can play in the Champions League.

"'There are possibilities for strengthening [at Christmas]. We will be very alert to see if an interesting option comes up. In January it is the African Nations Cup [to which Barça will lose midfielders Seydou Keita and Yaya Touré]. We are going to see if some of our defenders can play in midfield. It is an option. Depending on that we could look for a forward."

"Robinho has featured just three times for Manchester City this season, twice in the league and once in the Carling Cup. The Brazilian has yet to score and has seen his place in Mark Hughes's side taken by Craig Bellamy, who has been in prolific form with four league goals already this season."

On a lighter note, the Mirror reports the latest City chant to welcome newly-fit striker Roque: "You better watch out, you better beware, good with his feet and great in the air, Santa Cruz is coming to town." That just sleighs us here at WTPS Towers ...