Manchester City manager Sven Goran Eriksson has confirmed his interest in Roma star Mancini.
City boss wants Roman gem
Manchester City manager Sven Goran Eriksson has confirmed his interest in Roma star Mancini.
The Brazilian forward, who has previously been targeted by Liverpool, is now high on City's wanted list and Eriksson has compared him to Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo.
"I want Mancini here immediately as he is the ideal man to strengthen my squad," Eriksson told Il Romanista.
Talent
"He could become my Cristiano Ronaldo.
"Money isn't a problem for us, but it depends on whether Roma want to sell him.
"I know that contract talks have hit a brick wall, but we will have to talk to his agent Gilmar Veloz."
Mancini is contracted to Roma until 2009 - but the 28-year-old is unlikely to pen a new deal at the Stadio Olimpico.
Boost
Meanwhile, Eriksson has been boosted with the return from injury of starlet Daniel Sturridge.
The 18-year-old has been sidelined since the summer with a hip injury.
"Danny has been back in training for the last two days now, and from what I've seen there's no doubt that he's a very good football player," said Eriksson.
"He's not ready to play in games just yet, but maybe in a couple of weeks time or within a month he could be ready for a reserve match.
"I had heard that he is a big talent, and just looking at him in training I can see that he could well be an important footballer.
"I have said to him, 'I've finally seen you play!' I have been here half a year and had not seen him play yet, so to see him has been a positive surprise. He's got a good left foot and he's a strong guy as well."
