The lowdown on the Gago 'non-deal'

The Guardian's man for all things La Liga, Sid Lowe, brings us some background on the reasons why a deal for Fernando Gago did not ultimately transpire:

Manchester City failed in last-minute efforts to sign the Real Madrid midfielder Fernando Gago in a deal worth a potential €18m (£15.7m). Gago, who had asked Madrid to allow him to leave, spent much of today in a hotel awaiting developments but was forced to stay at the Santiago Bernabéu after the clubs failed at the 11th hour to reach agreement on the terms of the transfer.

City were keen to bring the Argentina international to Eastlands and Madrid were willing sellers but, with time running out to finalise the details and complete paperwork on a permanent move, City proposed a loan with an option to buy for €18m only for Madrid to refuse.

The article goes on to state that Madrid were hoping to squeeze a higher fee from ourselves by leaving negotiations until the last stages, only to (incredibly) not realise that in England the deadline closed several hours before the Spanish one.

I can't say I'm hugely disappointed this one did not go through. A loan deal may have been interesting to see how he fared over half a season or so, but from seeing Gago play he hasn't shown me enough to suggest he would be a huge asset or upgrade to those currently in the squad.