AS Roma star Daniele De Rossi is a step closer to signing for Manchester City.

The midfielder is in the final six months of his contract at the Serie A outfit and talks about a new one have collapsed.

Roma general manager, Franco Baldini, said: "Now he can sign with anyone and everyone - including Roma".

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has made De Rossi one of his top transfer targets and is desperate to make him his next big-name signing.

The Blues are willing to hand the Italian international a bumper £160,000-a-week deal in the hope of luring him to the Etihad Stadium in the summer, says the Daily Star.