Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini faces frustration in his bid for AS Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi.

The Daily Express says having splashed £31m in August to sign Javi Garcia and Jack Rodwell, City's board may not be keen to shell out another big fee and huge wages for a player in the same position who does not fit the club's age profile.

De Rossi, 29, chose to stay at Roma despite overtures during the summer but has since fallen out with new coach Zdenek Zeman to revive Mancini's hopes.