Manchester City have paid compensation to Bolton to secure the services of Dietmar Hamann even though he never kicked a ball for Wanderers. The bizarre situation came to light when the former Germany midfielder was unveiled at City’s Carrington training ground by manager Stuart Pearce.

It is the latest twist in a drama which unfolded in the space of 90 minutes yesterday when initially it was stated Hamann was leaving Liverpool for Bolton.

Then the Trotters revealed his stay at the Reebok Stadium would be one of the shortest in history. Instead of joining Sam Allardyce’s men as initially agreed, the 32-year-old said he would be joining City instead.