Mancini on hunt for a central defender

The two possible moves are for Younes Kaboul from Portsmouth and Simon Kjaer from Palermo. The Italian tactician is well acquainted with the qualities of the 20-year-old Dane, and will have no obstacles to bring him in Manchester. Kjaer has a £11 m get-out clause in his contract, which will be no issue for the Eastlands owners.

The other defender ready to join the Citizens is Younes Kaboul. The Frenchman made some memorable matches at Fratton Park, so a move for £8 m should not be ruled out. The versatility of the player - he could play also as defensive midfielder - could give more options to the Italian tactician. 

Mancini is in a hurry to snatch a defender, as Lescott is out until February with a calf injury, Onuoha has also been recently injured and Kolo Toure will soon join Ivory Coast for the African Nations Cup.