Italian reports had Roberto Mancini installed as new Manchester City manager before yesterday's kickoff against Sunderland.

The Sunday Mirror says yesterday the Italian rumour mill was cranked up in some style and football's worst-kept secret leaked out.

As Mark Hughes was issuing his final instructions to his team at Eastlands a highly-respected Italian newspaper website announced that the former Inter Milan boss had agreed a deal to succeed Hughes.

According to La Rebubblica, Mancini would be paid £3.5 million-a-year for his three and a half year contract.