Mancini eyes starlet Poli

Published: 10 Mar 2010 - 09:52:17

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CITY have added Italian starlet Andrea Poli to their list of "possibles" in this summer's transfer market. The Blues ran the rule over the 20-year-old Sampdoria midfielder as they beat Lazio 2-1 at the weekend, a game in which under-21 international Poli shone. City's Italian scout Barry Hunter was at the match, apparently to weigh up Lazio's 22-year-old Argentine striker Mauro Zarate and his Sampdoria counterpart Giampolo Pazzini. But Hunter came away with Poli's name on his lips, after the £18m-rated player took the plaudits. He is athletic, runs all day and makes late runs into the area - he says he models himself on Steven Gerrard but has also been compared to Frank Lampard. He was also taking a close look at Pazzini, who scored the winner. The 25-year-old Italy international has already made his mark in England, becoming the first man to score a hat-trick at the new Wembley Stadium, when playing for his country's under-21 side. Shopping Lazio's Argentine star Zarate did not cover himself in glory, getting sent off for a frustrated rant at the referee. The 24-year-old also has previous in England, scoring four in 14 games during a loan spell with Birmingham in 2008 - including two against City. The Blues are likely to concentrate their summer shopping in Serie A - but it could work both ways with AC Milan showing an interest in reports that Emmanuel Adebayor may leave City at the end of the season. The Rossoneri are said to be already lining up a big-money bid for Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko, and fancy pairing him with Adebayor. There is talk that they may be willing to part with one of combative Italy midfielder Rino Gattuso, erstwhile City target Matthieu Flamini or utility defender Kakha Kaladze in a player-plus-cash deal.| Submit Comments| Comments (46)| PrintWhat's this? Emaildel.icio.usDiggredditFacebookStumbleUponNewsvineGoogle BookmarksNetscapeTechnoratiWindows LiveYahoo! MyWebMa.gnolia