Manchester City want to win the race for Udinese star Alexis Sanchez to send a clear message to Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich.
The Mail on Sunday says City will make a second bid of £38million for Chile superstar Sanchez - sending a message to Abramovich they remain the biggest spending power in the Barclays Premier League.
As Chelsea start a new era at Stamford Bridge under 33-year-old manager Andre Villas-Boas, City hope to beat Barcelona to the signing of Udinese's Sanchez.
City have spent more money than any other club in five of the last six transfer windows but were usurped in January by Chelsea, who splashed out £75m on Fernando Torres and David Luiz.
Now, despite having eight unwanted players on the wage bill, City owner Sheik Mansour has sanctioned a second bid for Sanchez, 22, having had a £32m offer turned down.
