Manchester City transfer rumours: Mancini set to strengthen striking department

Roberto Mancini has made Villarreal striker Giuseppe Rossi his top transfer target according to the Daily Star. With Manchester City likely to miss out on Alexis Sanchez and the probable departure of Carlos Tevez, Giuseppe Rossi is now at the top of Mancini's radar and City are poised to a move.

The former Manchester United star did have his heart set on a move to Barcelona but the two clubs could not come to an agreement and Barcelona instead have opted for Sanchez. That leaves Rossi available for Manchester City to pursue. The Daily Star report that a figure of around £25m will be enough to prize the Italian striker away from Spain with Rossi himself keen on a return to England.

Mancini, according to reports, sees Giuseppe Rossi as the ideal player for his fluid attacking formation. With the impending departure of Carlos Tevez, Manchester City need to find a player that can guarantee goals - something Rossi has had no problems doing since his move to Spain. Rossi has netted 51 goals in 127 appearances since his move from Manchester United with 18 of those coming this season.

Reports are also circulating that Roberto Mancini is eyeing up a move for Porto star, Hulk. The sun reports that Porto forward is far from happy with the departure of coach Andre Villas-Boas, and the forward will now seek his own move to England. The Brazilian international has netted 23 goals in 26 appearances this season and has become a fixture in the Brazilian national side. Hulk has issued a 'come and get me 'plea to Manchester City claiming that if the right offer comes along he would be happy to move to England.

Another attacking talent that Manchester City are said to be interested in is Manchester United target Wesley Sneijder. The Dutch international has been on Manchester United's radar all summer but it is likely that Manchester City will try and hijack any deal for the midfielder. Mancini is a long term admirer of Sneijder and Manchester City feel that will their considerable wealth they can out price Manchester United and force Inter Milan's hand to sell the player.

Finally, The Mirror claims that Manchester City will make a last ditch attempt to persuade Alexis Sanchez that his future is at Eastlands. Reports in the newspaper claim that Udinese and Barcelona have yet to agree a fee. Manchester City are set to offer one last big money bid for Sanchez and would offer the winger a five year contract with wages well over £90,000 per week.