Big-spending Manchester City have been in the news this week more for their prospective departures than their prospective new arrivals.

Speculation still surrounds their moves for Aston Villa midfielder James Milner and Internazionale “bad boy” striker Mario Balotelli.

But the possible departures of players such as Stephen Ireland and Craig Bellamy have filled more column inches ahead of City’s EPL season-opener at Tottenham on Saturday lunchtime.

Bellamy and Ireland have both been omitted from City’s Europa League squad for their tie against Romanians Timisoara next Thursday.

This squad includes misfit Roque Santa Cruz and Brazilian want-away star Robinho, who is the subject of discussions with two unidentified “top” European clubs over a £20m move.

31-year-old Bellamy’s exclusion follows his melodramatic claim that he could quit football altogether if he fails to make City’s 25-man EPL squad.

Bellamy, who scored and shone in Wales’ 5-1 international friendly victory over Luxembourg on Wednesday night, said: “If I don’t get in the squad I don’t know what I’ll do.

“I might finish, full stop. Or look at every option. This game is ruthless.”

The long-troubled striker has reportedly had a series of fall-outs with City’s supremo Roberto Mancini since the Italian replaced Bellamy’s compatriot Mark Hughes in the Eastlands hot seat last December.

He has attracted attention from numerous clubs, including an approach from Glasgow giants Celtic where he had a successful loan spell in 2005.

But his response to reported interest from 2009 Bundesliga champions Wolfsburg was a discouraging “I don’t fancy Germany, it’s not somewhere I see myself playing football.”

City may fine Bellamy two weeks wages for his latest outburst, although it is understood that Bellamy is claiming that he cannot be sanctioned as he was speaking while on international duty, and not with his club.

Ireland also had a reported bust-up with Mancini during City’s pre-season. But hopes that the midfielder will form part of the £24m+ deal to take James Milner from Aston Villa to City may be dashed by the 22-year-old’s reported preference for a move to Tottenham.

Milner’s long-awaited transfer to Eastlands is expected to take place in a matter of days, with Ireland due to head for Villa Park.

Inter’s 19-year-old striker Balotelli this week told Italian newspaper Corriere Dello Sport that his transfer saga is nearing its end. He said: “I already know what will happen but I cannot tell.”

Possibly making way is Roque Santa Cruz, despite the Paraguayan’s inclusion in Mancini’s Europa League plans.

Former City boss Mark Hughes is reportedly interested in taking the 28-year-old striker on-loan to his new club Fulham.

Hughes originally brought Santa Cruz to England when he signed him for Blackburn Rovers from Bayern Munich three years ago. And he also paid Blackburn £17m+ to bring him to City.

City beat La Liga Valencia 2-0 at Eastlands last Saturday, with Joe Hart selected in goal ahead of Irish international Shay Given.

With Shay Given reportedly considering a loan move if he isn’t City first choice, another transfer saga beckons.