Champions City set sights on £30m Roma hard man De Rossi after Aguero injury

Manchester City are ready to ramp up their bid to sign Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi with Sergio Aguero set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Aguero was sent for a scan on knee after going down injured during City's opening day 
 3-2 win at home over newly-promoted Southampton.

Top target: City want to sign Daniele De Rossi

The Argentine striker was pictured wearing a protective brace on his leg and could be out for several weeks.

But to ease the blow, boss Roberto Mancini remains hopeful of prising Italy international De Rossi, with reports in Italy claiming the 29-year-old hard man is set to move to the Etihad Stadium for around £30million.

Roma boss Zdenek Zeman insists he is confident that De Rossi, who only signed a new contract at the Stadio Olimpico in February, will stay at the Serie A club.

'I am convinced that De Rossi stays with us,' said Zemen, speaking to Sky Sports.

Untouchable: Roma fans unfurl a banner that reads 'De Rossi is untouchable' as boss Zdenek Zemen insists he will not leave

'He is very important for us and the club has not asked me anything about him. I think he will remain.
'Has Mancini have ever called me? Several times, even when I was at Pescara last year. The last time I heard from him was three weeks ago.'

Man of the moment: De Rossi scored for Italy last week in their 2-1 defeat to England

 

Mancini has been largely frustrated by City's relatively quiet summer spending spree, with the Italian only adding £12million Jack Rodwell to his squad.
He was frustrated by the club's failure to sign Robin van Persie from Arsenal, watching the Dutchman join rivals Man United instead, but hopes he can finally lure long-term target De Rossi before the transfer window slams shut.