Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini admits the asking price for Athletic Bilbao midfielder Javi Martinez is proving too steep.

The Spaniard, also a rumoured target for Bayern Munich, is thought to have a £31million release clause in his contract.

Mancini, speaking at a press conference to preview the Liverpool fixture, said: "It is difficult, his cost is too big. It is too high for me.

"I repeat, we have another week, I think we will do something in this week but for me it is more important to think about Liverpool."