Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has been told he cannot buy in the remaining days of the winter market.

The National says sources within the club state the board has informed the manager that sufficient resources have already been invested in transfers for the current Premier League lead to be sustained until the end of the season.

In place of another substantial outlay in fees and long-term contracts, City's hierarchy have told Mancini that he will only be permitted to bring in a loan signing for the second half of the league season and the attempt on the Europa League.

Mancini is expected to use that opportunity to recruit a central midfielder.