Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini says he would love to sign AS Roma midfielder Daniele de Rossi.

Ahead of today's clash with third-placed Newcastle, Mancini admitted he would love to sign De Rossi, but fears he will stay in Italy.

He said: "If one day De Rossi were to put himself on the market, Manchester City would try to sign him, as would Real Madrid, Chelsea and all the top clubs.

"He is one of the few players who can be put in the best teams in the world, a complete midfielder with class and experience.

"But it's difficult to lure a Roman footballer and a Roma fan away because a Roman is tied to his origins and to his style of life."