Manchester City have been given the clearest indication yet that they can move in on Italian international Daniele de Rossi. Roma were adamant that they would not be selling the player but they have now softened their stance, indicating that they would be prepared to sell the player for the right offer.

Sporting director Walter Sabatini explained: ‘If Daniele came to us saying that he wanted to leave, or is a club offered an amount we can’t refuse, it should be considered. That is not to say we would give in to Daniel, but at least we would talk about it.  Roma cannot be detached from the reality that the movement of players may be necessary for survival’

Mancini is a big fan and made a bid last summer which failed as  Rossi wanted to stay in Rome for family reasons. It is now a different situation and Mancini is prepared to go back in for the player. Any potential move for De Rossi could also pave the way for Nigel De Jong to move to Inter Milan even though the player has insisted he is happy at the Eastlands.

Inter midfielder Sneijder has already spoken of the clubs attempt to acquire his dutch team mate. ‘De Jong is bravissimo,’ said Sneijder. ‘I’ve known him for seven years, we have grown together and I can assure you that he is crazy – in a good way – for football. If a match is at half-eight in the evening, he wakes up at eight in the morning and spends the whole day thinking only about how to win and give his best. On the pitch he always plays with heart and if he came to (Inter) Milan it would be a pleasure for me.’