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.Good Cristian: Rubin defender Ansaldi (right) holds off Barcelona striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic The Russian champions' sporting director Mukhsin Mukhamadiev has confirmed that Roberto Mancini wants to snare the Argentina left-back, as first revealed by Sportsmail.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.'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.'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.'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.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. 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

Source: Daily_Mail