‘Beast’ relishing Aguero link-up

MANCHESTER City's Alvaro Negredo is looking forward to developing his strike partnership with Sergio Aguero.

Last Sunday's 4–1 win in the Manchester derby was the first time the Spain international, a £20million summer arrival from Sevilla, has started up front with the Argentinian.

But having settled well into life in the Premier League, Negredo is looking to build on his burgeoning relationship with Aguero.

"I really enjoyed playing with him, he's very talented," said the 28–year–old, who hopes to start at Aston Villa tomorrow.

"The way he controls the ball, the things he can do with it . . . he has amazing technique. I hope to continue to play with him in this team."

City’s victory over their near–neighbours and defending champions was an important boost after the goalless draw at Stoke the previous week, but Negredo stressed they did not consider it a statement of intent.

"I'm not sure it sends out a message but we don't really worry about what other teams are thinking," he said.

"It was a very beautiful day for this club, we were very happy and it will give us a lot of confidence going forward into the next Premier League games.”