Napoli are prepared to part with Ezequiel Lavezzi for Manchester City rebel Carlos Tevez.

The People says City boss Roberto Mancini has identified the 26-year-old Argentinian striker - nicknamed El Poncho - as a prime target, with Tevez as bait.

Mancini hopes to conclude the deal in January, even though Napoli could pip City to second spot in their Champions League group A.

That would present the Italians with a ­major dilemma over whether to sell one of their leading stars while still in with a chance of European glory.

But Napoli are hugely keen on ­snapping up City outcast Tevez - especially with no money changing hands.