Eriksson Keen to Make Mancini His 'cristiano Ronaldo'

Sven-Goran Eriksson has confirmed his interest in Roma's Amantino Mancini, according to reports in an Italian newspaper.

The Brazilian winger has made more than 100 appearances for the Giallorossi since signing from Venezia in 2003 and the Manchester City manager feels Mancini, who has won 12 caps with Brazil, could prove a valuable addition to the ranks at Eastlands.

"He is the ideal man to strengthen my squad," Eriksson is quoted as saying in Il Romanista. "He could become my Cristiano Ronaldo. Money isn't a problem for us, but it depends on whether Roma want to sell him. I know that contract talks have hit a brick wall, but we will have to talk to his agent."

Eriksson has been seeking to increase his side's firepower in the transfer window and has already completed the signing of the Mexican forward Nery Castillo on loan from Shakhtar Donetsk. City will also be boosted by the imminent return of the Bulgarian striker Valeri Bojinov, a £5.75m signing from Fiorentina, who is nearing fitness after injuring cruciate ligaments in August.

Eriksson said last week that he was hoping to sign "one more after Castillo - maybe two" during this month's window.