Source: Daily_Mail
Man City step up Ansaldi bid as Rubin admit Mancini is knocking on door
Manchester City have not given up hope of signing Rubin Kazan left-back Cristian Ansaldi.[LNB]Good Cristian: Rubin defender Ansaldi (right) holds off Barcelona striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic [LNB]The Russian champions' sporting director Mukhsin Mukhamadiev has confirmed that Roberto Mancini wants to snare the Argentina left-back, as first revealed by Sportsmail.[LNB]Reports earlier this month in Russia that the clubs had agreed a £4.5million fee proved to be premature, but Rubin have now acknowledged for the first time that City are pushing hard for a deal.[LNB]'It's not just a rumour,' admitted Mukhamadiev. 'The English really do have their eyes on Ansaldi, but they are not alone. Today there are several major European clubs interested in his services.[LNB]'But it is not in Rubin's plans to sell Ansaldi. He has a contract with the club and we are counting on him for the new season.'[LNB]Ansaldi was voted the best player in his position in the Russian League last season as Rubin wrapped up their second title in a row.[LNB]The 23-year-old, who moved to Tatarstan from Newell's Old Boys in 2008, was handed his Argentina debut by Diego Maradona in November.[LNB] Man City handed Carling Cup boost as Adebayor heads back to EastlandsGary Neville faces FA probe after Manchester United veteran's one-fingered gesture at City's Carlos TevezArgentina defender Ansaldi next on Mancini's Man City transfer wish-listWest Ham set to lose out to Galatasaray in bid to land Manchester City flop JoMANCHESTER CITY FC
