Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is desperate not to lose his Ivory Coast players to the African Nations Cup.

Yaya Toure, brother Kolo and fringe player Abdul Razak are expected to be in Ivory Coast's squad for the tournament in South Africa between January 19 and February 10.

Manchester City boss Mancini said: "I hope they don't go to the competition.

"We have talked about it but it's difficult and we need to talk more to their manager. Abdul's not played a lot of games, but in January he could be important if we don't have some other players."