Manchester City are launching a bid for Roma attacking midfielder Julio Baptista.

Il Tempo says City have already asked Roma to name their price for Baptista and know it will take less than £8 million to land the Brazil international.

Baptista, who had a spell on-loan at Arsenal two years ago, is close pals with Robinho and could move to Eastlands as the winger's 'minder' after the departure of Elano.