EPL Transfer Rumors: The Latest on Manchester City's Spending Spree

As we are all aware of Manchester City's deep desire to break into the top four at any cost, with the ultimate goal to land a Champions League spot.

City have come out the strongest in the transfer market this season, already having coughed up millions to secure services of highly rated players.

With preseason training and matchups having kicked off, City continue to swim the shallow waters in search of top rated players who could form part of an "All-Star" lineup.

A quick look at the signing already completed:

Jerome Boateng from Hamburg SV - £10.4 million
Yaya Toure from Barcelona - £24 million
David Silva from Valencia - £25 million (approximately)

Leaving the current total at a whopping £59.4 million, and according to reports, City still are in the perch for a few more.

Understandably City feel their squad is not good enough—well, they did in the past at least—therefore the need for all the latest signings.

Last season we saw many new faces at Eastlands, and this season is no different.

So who could be next on the cards for a move to Manchester?

Well, everyday we read and watch newscasts and reports with rumors making the headlines. It very difficult to uncover the truth, but after grappling for the latest news, I came across an article suggesting City's next target could be Didier Drogba.

Well, City have denied that they after the Ivorian, but his agent was keen to let people know that City are interested in a £20 million swoop for the 32-year-old.

"Today, he is at Chelsea but there might be some surprises before August 31," said his agent, Thierno Seydi.

"The only direct contact I had was with Manchetser City," he continued saying.

Looking at the attacking players—City already have with the inclusion of Silva to that list—the writing on the wall suggest City will look to offload a few players before the season kicks off in early August.

Drogba is not the only player linked with a City move. Inter Milano striker and "naughty-boy" Mario Balotelli is strongly linked with a move to England.

Balotelli was reported to be chased after by both Manchester clubs, but reports yesterday suggest only City are after his signature, as United boss Alex Ferguson revealed his squad is more than sufficient for the upcoming season and his not looking for any more new recruits, well you never know with Fergie. 

Well, nevertheless Inter are asking for around £40 million for the youngster, and City are prepared to pay just under £30 million. Negotiations are said to be continuing, but not close to any agreement just yet.

Zlatan Ibrahimovich is another striker linked with City, initially taught to be involved in a swap deal with Robinho moving to Barca, but unlikely as the Brazilian has made it clear his hoping to make his Santos deal more permanent.

City now have enough players with quality to pose a threat to the top four, but consistency and the correct management, rotation and keeping the stars happy will be vital if they want to challenge.

Looking at the big picture, it has become more of the top five for now with Spurs finishing in fourth last season.

Liverpool will always be a huge threat and a strong fight back can be expected from them.

Roberto Mancini will now have to look at preparing his men for the challenge, personally I feel he has enough resources and there's no need for any more signings. 

An interesting fact, the current transfer total for all clubs in the EPL stands at £145.9 million, with City responsible for almost 30 percent of it.