Roberto Mancini has given the strongest indication yet that Manchester City will make an approach for Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi.
Roberto Mancini has given the strongest indication yet that Manchester City will make an approach for Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi.
De Rossi is out of contract in June 2012 and can begin negotiating a free transfer in the summer to another club from as early as January. Roma have been in discussions with De Rossi for some time over a new deal and whilst Walter Sabatini claims there are now only small differences between the parties, the player has still yet to sign.
Manchester City are subsequently top of the list of clubs linked with the 28-year-old, in no small part thanks to Mancini’s comments through the season.
Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport today, the City manager has reiterated his willingness to work with the Italy international and indicated the desire to make a move for him.
“De Rossi is a champion and he would be the perfect man to improve City. If we pick up the right signals, it is worth trying to sign him.”
In the interview, Mancini also offered a surprisingly positive assessment of Carlos Tevez ahead of his anticipated winter exit from the City of Manchester stadium.
“Tevez is a champion that may allow Milan to take the leap. He is a striker who makes a difference. Milan, however, know what the conditions are – you do not just give away a striker like Tevez.”
There have been unsettling reports in England with regards Mancini’s difficulty in renegotiating his own contract with City.
“For now we are just talking. It depends on the results, but I’m happy at City. I confess one thing, I’m glad to hear City fans at the stadium chant my name to the tune of ‘Volare’.”