Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini tipped his former club Inter Milan into the fact that Kenyan striker McDonald Mariga was unable to obtain a work permit to come to England.

City were keen to bring the 22-year old Parma attacker to Eastlands but after he failed to get the required paperwork, Mancini told Inter and the Milan-based club quickly wrapped up a deal for him whilst thanking Mancini's contribution.

"Manchester City were very interested in Mariga but they had problems and we know it thanks to Roberto Mancini," said first team coach Gabriele Oriali.

"He called us because the Home Office denied the transfer of the player.

"Then we threw ourselves at once to close the deal with the player as soon as possible.

"We are all very happy, the rating is part of all: the club, the chairman and the coach."