Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini wants to join the battle for Santos superstar Neymar. The Mail on Sunday says Mancini wants the club to fight Real Madrid for the signing of £50million Brazilian superstar Neymar.

Mancini has been telling City's hierarchy for the past 12 months that Neymar is the best young player in the world and, if the club are serious about competing with the likes of Madrid and Barcelona, they must use their financial muscle to attract elite players like him.

Mancini's confidante at the club, coach Attilio Lombardo, has been to South America scouting the best young talent on the continent and reported back that Neymar, 19, can have a similar impact at City as a teenage Wayne Rooney had at United.

The Neymar situation will be a gauge to see whether Mancini's advice carries more weight since the departure of chief executive Garry Cook.