Mancini has plans for Vieira

Roberto Mancini appears to be confident that he will have Patrick Vieira in his squad.

Roberto Mancini appears to be confident that he will have Patrick Vieira in his Internazionale squad next season.

Vieira is likely to be the next big name to quit Juventus, following the club's relegation to Serie B for their role in the Italian match-fixing scandal.

Juve have already lost Fabio Cannavaro, Gianluca Zambrotta, Lilian Thuram and Emerson, and Vieira is close to joining the exodus.

Inter have long been touted as favourites to sign the France international, but reports have suggested Barcelona will make a last-ditch bid to reunite the midfielder with Zambrotta and Thuram.

But Inter coach Mancini seems intent on luring Vieira to Giuseppe Meazza on a four-year contract and is already making plans for the former Arsenal captain.

Mancini will bring in the 30-year-old to replace Juan Sebastian Veron and has outlined the role he has lined up for the midfield powerhouse.

"It's true that they (Veron and Vieira) are not so similar players, but they are both central midfielders," commented Mancini.

"Should Vieira really arrive, something will change in comparison to last season.

"I could say we would be a little less technical and a little more thoughtful.

"Anyway, in the middle we could also line up Pizarro as a playmaker, with Vieira and Cambiasso on the wings."