Roberto Mancini has declared that midfielder Daniele De Rossi would be 'absolutely perfect' for Manchester City.
Manager describes Roma midfielder as 'perfect' for City
Roberto Mancini has declared that midfielder Daniele De Rossi would be 'absolutely perfect' for Manchester City.
De Rossi is under contract with Roma for one more year but the Italian club announced earlier this week they were hopeful of agreeing an extension in the next few days.
Mancini admits there is a good chance the 28-year-old will remain at the Stadio Olimpico but has made no secret of his admiration for the player, saying he would still like to sign another midfielder despite the imminent arrival of Samir Nasri.
"I need something else in midfield because we have limited options," said Mancini in
The Sun.
"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."
Barry welcomes Nasri deal
Gareth Barry, meanwhile, has hailed Nasri as a 'fantastic player' whose arrival at Manchester City will help them win trophies.
Nasri is set to complete a move to the Etihad Stadium from Arsenal on Wednesday after a deal was agreed between the clubs and Barry is excited about the quality he will bring to the squad.
Mancini already has a wealth of options available to him but Barry knows they still have to improve if they are to build on last season's FA Cup success and challenge for silverware on a more regular basis.
"It's great. If you are going to win trophies you need fantastic players and he is another of them," Barry said of Nasri.
"Anyone of that quality who comes into our squad is going to help us."
Barry added: "I've not known anything like it before - maybe you could talk about the England squad, where it's full of great players and you find it tough to get your place.
"It's going to be one of those seasons at club level now.
"We just hope we can go far in all competitions.
"We might have to be patient sometimes if you're asked to miss out on certain games. We all realise we're not going to be able to play every game."
