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Manchester City are considering a summer swoop for Olympiakos defender Vasilis Torosidis, according to his agent.

The Greece international, who was linked with moves to Liverpool and Blackburn in the January transfer window, was also wanted by Sunderland boss Steve Bruce.

But the Black Cats baulked at the 7million euros asking price for the right-back and were only prepared to table a bid of 4million euros.

Eastlands boss Roberto Mancini is unlikely to be hindered by financial constraints given the backing at his disposal and is expected to make a decision over any move after the World Cup.

Torosidis' agent, Giorgos Kazianis of the All Star Consultancy Agency, confirmed that his client would welcome the opportunity to move to the Premier League.

City had been monitoring the attack-minded full-back before Mancini's appointment and only elected not to make a move in January as the Italian tactician wanted further scouting reports.

Real interest
Kazianis told skysports.com: "The possibilities for Vasilis to play football in England for a Premier League club are good because I have had contact in the last 20 days with Manchester City.

"City called us and asked a few things about Torosidis. They showed real interest and they told us that they will keep their eye on Vasilis during the World Cup.

"They know him very well but since Roberto Mancini didn't know the player very well, they decided not to do anything in January.

"They told us that they will keep watching him until the World Cup and we will speak again in the summer. They know that the clause is 7million euros and, of course, Vasilis would love to play for such a big club."


Intention
Kazianis confirmed that Sunderland made an enquiry over Torosidis' availability but were not prepared to meet Olympiakos' valuation of the 24-year-old.

He added: "The interest of Sunderland was big. I spoke with the directors of the club and their intention was to make an offer of 4million euros to Olympiakos.

"I told them that Olympiakos doesn't want to sell the player with this money.

"The clause is 7million euros and this was the main reason that Sunderland didn't make an official offer."