• Premier League

Mancini targets 'perfect' De Rossi

ESPN staff
August 24, 2011
Daniele de Rossi is a key figure for Italy © Getty Images
Enlarge

Manchester City's summer spending is unlikely to stop with the imminent arrival of Samir Nasri, with manager Roberto Mancini confirming his interest in Daniele de Rossi.

City have made waves once again with their recruitment drive, with Sergio Aguero the most high profile. Arsenal star Nasri looks all set to follow suit, but Mancini still feels he is light in midfield.

England star Gareth Barry has claimed Mancini wants to bring in a replacement for Patrick Vieira, who retired this year, and Italy star De Rossi is in his sights.

"It is something the manager has said, he's mentioned that Patrick has left and nobody has really come in," Barry said. "So he wants a new one to come in and we probably all realise that if he wants one he's probably going to get one! We'll be expecting someone else to come in before the end of the window."

City have been linked with De Rossi and Mancini has confirmed his interest in the Roma star.

"I need something else in midfield because we have limited options," he said. "I have Barry, De Jong, Milner and Toure - but if you consider the number of games in the league, the Champions League and the FA Cup that is not enough.

"Daniele de Rossi would be absolutely perfect for this team and I rate him as one of the best midfielders in the world.

"But I also have the suspicion that he will stay in Rome his entire career, just like Francesco Totti has done."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices