Manchester City may still choose to hold onto Robinho, it has been revealed.
The Guardian says there is also a feeling that, if February begins with no deal struck, Robinho's mind may suddenly become concentrated on playing at optimal levels again.
Considering that a World Cup is looming it will not behove the Brazil forward to spend the spring as a passenger.
Furthermore, while City's marquee signing has undeniably been playing badly, manager Roberto Mancini is not entirely convinced that he is quite as unhappy in Manchester as some of his advisers have suggested.