Wales winger Bale has set the Premier League and Europe alight
this term with a series of thrilling displays for Spurs.
A Champions League hat-trick at the San Siro against Inter Milan
staked the 21-year-old's credentials as one of the game's brightest
talents.
And with reports in Italy suggesting Juventus have made Bale
their No1 transfer target in the summer, City boss Mancini has
added his name to the youngster's string of admirers.
He said: "Bale is the only player who is not a striker that can
make a difference.
"Without him, Tottenham loses 50 per cent of their
potential.
"Last year Bale had already proved his value but his career had
not yet taken off.
"Now you would need a lot of money to sign him. He is a very
expensive player.
"Certainly, Juve with Bale would gain a lot."
Mancini then hinted he could rival any bid for Bale — who is out
of contract at White Hart Lane in 2014 — if Spurs make him
available at the end of the season.
He added: "What is certain is that if Tottenham decide to put
him on the market, Bale would be the strongest target in the
summer."
Meanwhile Mancini has ruled out renewing his interest in Juve
goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.
He said: "The way I see it is that Buffon remains one of the
best goalkeepers in the world.
"But we have decided for some time to count on Joe Hart, who is
a young player with enormous potential.
"We believe so much in him to the point of having sacrificed a
great No1 like Shay Given.
"So I can categorically say that we will never make any offers
for Buffon."
