Manchester City are closing in on a deal for AS Roma star Daniele de Rossi. The Sun says the midfielder, 28, has been a long-term target of City boss Roberto Mancini, who has made no secret of his desire to capture the Italian international.

De Rossi, who has spent his whole career at Roma, is out of contract in the summer and could move for a knock-down fee.

Mancini confirmed his interest in the defensive midfielder and said: "De Rossi is a champion and would be the perfect man for City."

Mancini needs cover while Yaya Toure is on international duty with the Ivory Coast.