Manchester City fitness coach Ivan Carminati wouldn't be surprised if AS Roma midfielder Daniele de Rossi arrived in January. De Rossi was a guest of City at their 0-0 draw against Chelsea on Sunday.

Carminati told TMW: "It's a question that is beyond my skills ... Everyone thinks that (Roberto) Mancini is interested in the great players, and it's true.

"City is a club that is only looking at the top and De Rossi is one of these guys.

"It's not up to me to say if he is the one and only goal, but it is clear that the coach and the club are pointing only to these great players."