I suppose if Burnley paid compensation it indicates Man City had offered a contract. Just not sure why he'd have been coming for a medical if it was a loan and he hadn't signed his contract. All a little confusing.
1. The budget is heavily skewed towards the first team.
2. They aren't signing any players "just to make up the numbers". Any signing is because they see something in them that makes them think they have a chance.
It kind of does. The season ticket points of 230 just equates to 23 games at 10 points each. The Birmingham year is higher because it includes extra points for evening games which they give to standard ticket holders.