Mancini targets five signings by transfer deadline

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini is confident of wrapping up five new signings before Friday night's transfer deadline.

Mancini went into the final hours of the transfer window with Jack Rodwell as his only capture of the summer.

But he is hoping to complete a deal for Benfica's Spain international Javi Garcia, Fiorentina's Serbian centre-back Matija Nastasic, Inter Milan defender Maicon, Swansea winger Scott Sinclair and back up goalkeeper Richard Wright.

The Italian has suggested his frustration that City have struggled to add new faces after winning a first title since 1968.

But he is optimistic about pulling off five late deals.

"Maicon, Garcia, Nastajic: We have another 10, 12 hours to close on these players. We need more time. I am confident," Mancini said.

"I was frustrated as it is difficult to do everything in one week or 10 days, only this reason. Now I think we work very well in the last 10 days, two weeks.

"We need a goalkeeper with experience and Richard Wright is good for us.

"With Scott Sinclair, we are working, we are waiting. I think we have a good chance to close but we need to wait.

"I think that if we do Sinclair is the same position but like Adam (Johnson) but the difference is that Adam runs with the ball at his feet and Sinclair has the ball into space.

"Adam did very well for us, scoring goals, he played and I hope Sinclair can do like Adam or better."

Mancini also expects Netherlands international midfielder Nigel de Jong to tie up a move to AC Milan before the window closes.

The Dutchman, 27, refused the offer of a new contract in the summer and, as the former Hamburg man only has one year remaining on his current deal, City have agreed to let him join the Italian club.

Mancini added: "Nigel has only one year left on his contract and this was the reason. I am sorry because Nigel was an important player for us but if he is happy, I am happy for him.

"I am sure he will do really well in the Italian championship."

City won the title on the final day of last season with a 3-2 victory over Saturday's opponents QPR.

At one stage City were trailing 2-1 and United looked set for a 20th title.

But Mancini said: "No, never. But three or four minutes to the end and you are 2-1 down it is difficult. In the end we deserved it.

"I think we have a very good memory from last season. Tomorrow will be the same, we have a very difficult game. QPR bought more players, I think it will be a tough game."

Mancini is also optimistic about City's chances of progressing to the Champions League knock-out phase despite being drawn in the same group as Real Madrid, Ajax and Dortmund.

Last year, City failed to get out of a group containing Bayern Munich, Napoli and Villarreal even though they picked up 10 points.

Mancini is sure it will be different this time.

He said: "I am confident. You should be lucky in the draw but for a team that plays for the first or second time in Champions League, this can happen."

Mancini expects Sergio Aguero to return after the international break after a knee problem and Gareth Barry is closer to a return from a groin injury but Micah Richards is out for several more weeks with an ankle problem.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/mancini-targets-five-signings-transfer-deadline-110536890--sow.html

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