Manchester City are ready to back Roberto Mancini in next month's transfer market.
The Mail on Sunday says Mancini is likely to get the top class midfielder he has asked for in the new year.
Italy's Daniele de Rossi and Corinthians' Paulinho, in action today against Chelsea in the Club World Cup final, are under consideration, with Yaya Toure missing much of January playing for Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations.