In demand: Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Roberto Mancini is said to be in constant contact with Zlatan
Ibrahimovic as Manchester City vie with Chelsea to sign the
Barcelona flop.
The Sweden striker has been offered to both Barclays Premier
League clubs as the Catalans seek to recoup about £35million just
12 months after they paid about £40m plus Samuel Eto'o to sign him
from Inter Milan.
Reports in Spain say Carlo Ancelotti held talks with the
28-year-old when they both stayed at the same hotel in Miami last
week, though Chelsea are understood to be more intent on signing
Fernando Torres from Liverpool.
Chelsea hold the attraction of offering Champions League
football, though Ibrahimovic's wage demands of at least £150,000 a
week are a problem at a time when the Blues are trying to bring
wages down. AC Milan's interest could founder for the same
reason.
City would have no problem meeting the salary and have the upper
hand of Mancini's good working relationship with Ibrahimovic at the
San Siro.
Catalan newspaper Sport
claims that Mancini has been calling his former player in recent
days to talk about a possible move.
Signed up: Villa joined Barcelona from
Valencia
Barcelona publicly say the former Juventus player is not for
sale, but the arrival of David Villa for £34m from Valencia gives
them a new attacking focal point and they could also do with
cashing in to raise money in their pursuit of Arsenal captain Cesc
Fabregas.
