Manager Sir Alex Ferguson claimed before the epic final day of the season a fortnight ago that City might suffer "untold" damage were they to blow their chance to win a first title since 1968.

Cole insisted United were made of stronger stuff, having almost always bounced back from failing to retain the Premier League by regaining it the following season.

The former England striker was part of the side that famously did so in 1996, having blown it on the final day of the previous campaign in similar circumstances.

"I see that in whatever Manchester United team there is," Cole told Press Association Sport at this weekend's British Airways Football Legends Invitational Tournament in Barbados.

"No-one wants to lose, especially last day of the season. You can't wait for pre-season to come around because you want to get the season started again. I would imagine that next season the boys will come back much stronger, determined to try to win the Premier League again."

Kompany is rumoured to emerged from it all as a top transfer target for a number of major European clubs, but the centre-back has moved quickly to reassure fans that he has no intention of walking away from the project at the Etihad Stadium.

Kompany is convinced City's passionate supporters won't have to wait another 44 years to follow up last season's achievements which saw them pip rivals Manchester United to top spot in the most dramatic fashion imaginable on the final day.

Kompany is also setting his sights on Champions League glory, particularly after witnessing Chelsea's recent final victory over Bayern Munich and United's European successes in the past.

He told The People: "I'm happy in Manchester. Lots of people want me to talk about moving but what interests me is Manchester City.

"The project here is not just a sporting one.

"It will bring a lot to the city and to the people.

"We can't stop with the title. We want to win the Champions League.

"Is it possible in three to four years? Maybe not, but when I see what's been achieved at the club in the last few years, nothing is impossible.

"The project is to take the club back to its former glories but people won't see this for perhaps another 10 years. I'm happy to be part of all that."

Caldwell would be sorry to see the Spaniard go but he thinks no-one in the Latics dressing room would hold it against him if he does decide to accept the job on offer at Anfield.

Martinez managed yet again to keep Wigan in the Premier League last season against the odds, playing a brand of football that has attracted the attentions of bigger and better resourced clubs.

The centre-back told the Star on Sunday: "If the opportunity comes to go to Liverpool, you take it. We all understand that. I'm sure he would take it.

"Roberto Martinez has a great future ahead of him.

"When you beat Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal in the space of a couple of weeks it gets you recognition and hype and he deserves it.

"Nothing fazes him. He stays very calm. Having worked with a lot of Scottish and British managers, you see the tea cups being thrown and stuff.

"But he's from Spain and it's a different culture and mentality and he remains very calm.

"He has what it takes to manage a club such as Liverpool.

"If that big job comes now then he has to go and show he is good enough.

"Having worked with him and knowing his tactical awareness and the thought he puts into training, then who knows what he could go on and achieve at a big club like Liverpool with their resources? Only time will tell. We all live in the real world and you need an opportunity in life."

Albion have held talks with former Chelsea manager Claudio Ranieri and ex-Manchester United and Chelsea midfielder Ray Wilkins as they seek a replacement for new England boss Roy Hodgson.

But it is understood Hughton remains the preferred option of Baggies chairman Jeremy Peace and is the overwhelming favourite with bookmakers.

Birmingham are unlikely to make life easy for West Brom and have the option of refusing them permission to speak to Hughton, who is operating on a one-year rolling contract.

But their hand is likely to be weakened by the uncertain financial situation at the club.

Birmingham are currently operating under a transfer embargo after failing to produce their annual accounts.

The club's owner, Carson Yeung, is also awaiting trial in Hong Kong on money laundering charges.

In contrast, Albion run a sound financial ship and Hughton would inherit a squad which finished 10th in the Barclays Premier League last season.

Hitzfeld has made it clear he will only consider players, for selection to his 2014 World Cup qualifying squads, that are seeing action on a regular basis in their domestic leagues.

Djourou is way down the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium, and the centre-back's lack of game time will cost him if things don't change next season according to the former Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich boss.

He told RTS Sport: "For Djourou, the question arises of a transfer.

"If he wants to be selected, he must have some game time in the club.

The player himself however seems in no rush to leave the Gunners, having only signed a new contract with north Londoners back in February to keep him at the club until 2015.

He came on as a late substitute in his country's friendly with Germany on Saturday night, which ended in a surprise 5-3 victory for the Swiss although their visitors were missing several key players.

The Germans did include one of Djourou's rivals for a centre-back spot in Pet Mertesacker, who was making his long awaited comeback from injury and new Gunners striker Lukas Podolski.