Mancini Set To Cherry Pick Italy Again

[eaststand]

We've already had Nastasic, Balotelli and Pizzaro, now it appears that Mancini is going to go back to the Italian market for Obaing and Marquinhos.

Obaing has been scouted thoroughly and it would appear he is definitely on his wish list. However Marquinhos (18 year old CB for Brazil U18's/U21's currently playing FB) has been watched by City scouts in his last 6 games for Roma according to gazzetto, by Platt in 2 games (multiple media) and according to talksport by Mancini this week where he was there to watch both Obaing & Marquinhos in the Roma - Samp game. It appears, and with just reason, he could be a pretty important target over the summer, despite having only signed for Roma (after a 6 month loan) in January. Anyone who hasn't seen/heard of him, I'd recommend 'youtube highlight reeling' him, his approach to defending is sort of as if Kompany and NDJ had a love-child and this very unbrazilian, brazilian popped out.

[Bluemoon]

Interesting.

[eaststand]

www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/transfer-rumours/130313/barcelona-rival-man-city-and-man-united-%C2%A321m-bid-roma-starle

Increasing need for Barca to sign an out-and-out CB to partner Pique probably triggered this story, i wouldn't have thought that if they are to spend big on a CB, it would be one of Marqhinos's age although they could cause trouble with this deal re: pushing up the price tag. Barca scouts have been at the last two games he's played and alot of the Spanish media are linking Bartra, a player they rate highly, with a loan move to another La Liga club in order to get more experience and citing that as a reason why they might move for Marquinhos.

All just media talk, but from what I've seen of him he looks a player. Although my preference would be to attempt to convert Rodwell into a CB. Playing CB is a lot less physically demanding on the hamstrings, without going too indepth there are plenty of studies that show occurrence rates of hamstring injuries tend to be at their highest in midfield players because of the quick, sharp and accelerated 180 degree turns they tend to do frequently. Could be a way forward with his injury problems and i think he'd be the perfect foil, and potential successor to VK?

[trautmansdropkick]

Just look at the successes we've had with magnificent Italians like Bernardo Corradi or Mario Balotelli !!!!!

Stay well away from Italians but I do fear that, having Platt looking at players, makes me feel that we'll be signing over-priced losers.

Your comment re Rodwell makes a lot of sense - he is tall, strong and (despite his young age) has had a lot of experience.

[Bluemoon]

Don't forget about Bianchi !

[trautmansdropkick]

I'd prefer to forget about Bianchi et al