Harry Kane was Manchester City's desired main dish during the transfer window but instead they were served an early helping of dessert in the shape of Jack Grealish.
However, Pep Guardiola has been told the secret sauce that will tend to his craving until January.
Kevin De Bruyne has been eyed as City's secret weapon that can solve his side's transfer window woes -namely failing to bring a striker to the Etihad Stadium this summer.
The 30-year-old creative midfielder has previously enjoyed operating as a false nine, especially during last season's run to the Champions League final.
Guardiola pursued England and Tottenham favourite Kane over the summer before the saga reached a frustrating conclusion. The 28-year-old striker had been reportedly pushing for a move to City but Spurs chairman Daniel Levy wouldn't budge.
So, without Kane at his disposal, Guardiola has been slipped a handkerchief underneath the dinner table with the blueprints of how he can use De Bruyne as the gravy for his roast dinner. And gravy makes anything taste nice.
Dom Farrell, the City is Ours editor, spoke to social producer Jai Mcintosh, to explore De Bruyne's immediate future under Guardiola and how the Belgian could transform into the team's attacking spearhead, live on The City is Ours show via the Manchester Evening News' Man City Facebook page.
Farrell kickstarted the debate by suggesting a handful of beneficiaries to Guardiola, should De Bruyne slot in as a temporary false nine, alluding to the Belgian's injury record and the side's midfield competition.
"There have been quite a few injuries with him lately," Farrell began. "He's 30 now, so maybe it is a time where you take him out of the traffic in midfield, where he has picked up these knocks.
"Maybe he's got to that point in his career where he is played slightly further forward as the wrecking ball in the final third to have his shots and crosses to cause damage."
Mcintosh disagreed, claiming he would prefer to see De Bruyne progressively work deeper into a six role but added the player's flexibility to even be considered in either role acknowledges his vast skills
"I like the idea of seeing De Bruyne work his way back into a deep six," he said.
"But, him being able to play as a forward too is a testament to his ability and he could just hover 25 yards out and be a killer threat - one of the best in the Premier League. Either way, he is going to be on fire."
Would you play De Bruyne as a six or in a false nine this season? And, if De Bruyne was a sauce, which would he be?
Follow The City is Ours team - Jake , Jai and Dom - on Twitter to get involved in the discussion and give us your thoughts in the comments section below.
