Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is determined to land Sampdoria striker Antonio Cassano.

Il Giornale says even the closest confidants of Cassano no longer deny that he will be leaving Samp at the end of the season.

Samp are demanding €25 million from City for the firebrand, with €5 million due to go to Cassano's former club Real Madrid.

Cassano has held a new round of talks with Samp chief Beppe Marotta about his situation, but those close to him maintain he has never asked for a transfer.