That's not the way I remember it.
Funny, that's exactly how I remember it and Ponky has substantiated that point.
We wanted him, he wanted to come but the barcodes didn't want to play ball so he put in a transfer request to force the move through.
It may be that they wanted him to do that to save themselves a few quid by not having to pay him off. However, what it does demonstrate is he is prepared to put in a transfer request to get the career move he wants.
Another point to consider is that the wages City are likely to offer will mean any sum he may be due from us if we sell him without him putting in a transfer request will very quickly be recouped by what the pay him every week.
I'm not saying any of this will come to pass - he did want to join us once before when MON was manager - but he may well see City in the same light he saw Villa when he was with the barcodes. More money, more ambition, more likely to win things in the next couple of years.