While denying that Barca sports director Txiki Begiristain was in Italy for talks over the Brazilian, Soriano did admit: "I am not saying that we are not interested in Mancini. But I can say we have not spoken with the player nor Roma."

Il Romanista says while Begiristain wasn't in Rome yesterday, Italian super agent, Enzo Bronzetti, who represents Barca, certainly was.

Indeed, Mancini's agent, Gilmar Veloz, has already struck personal terms with Barca over a four-year contract worth £3 million-a-year.