Roma plan to hold a final round of transfer talks with Daniele De Rossi this week as they fight to stop the midfielder from talking to other clubs.
De Rossi, a target for both Manchester United and Manchester City, has a contract at Roma until 2012.
It means the Italian is free to speak to both clubs in January regarding a move, with the Premier League duo able to secure a pre-contract agreement with De Rossi.
He could even end up costing nothing in the summer if he does agree a move and sees out the remainder of his contract at Roma - a scenario the Serie A giants are desperate to prevent.
Talks have progressed slowly with De Rossi but Roma will not give up. The club will speak with the 28-year-old in the final days before the window opens in a bid to put an end to speculation he could leave.
De Rossi has spent his entire professional career in Rome and the club are hopeful he will agree a new five-year deal, although there are whispers that he wants a new challenge.
And with the window set to open, both Manchester clubs are keeping a close eye on the situation, with a view to a move in January if De Rossi rejects Roma's terms
Manchester City and United: The Blue Moon Has Risen, the Red Sun Refuses to Set
Next The champagne was flowing, the costumes were bright and Manchester City’s buoyant mood has continued on after their fancy dress party organised by the man himself, Mario Balotelli.
While the men in blue earn all the plaudits, outscoring the rest of the Premier League and not dropping a single point at home this term, the red side of Manchester appears a more forlorn place.
Injuries are mounting. Two of their vanguard, Nemanja Vidic and Darren Fletcher, will not be seen again this term, while the early season promise of an Anderson and Tom Cleverly midfield pairing has also been sidelined.
City’s spine—Joe Hart, Vincent Kompany, Yaya Toure, David Silva and Sergio Aguero—continues to pick itself
Sir Alex Ferguson, who has always maintained faith in his wider squad, usually due to a season comprising of a battle on four fronts, now has to rely on that width in the absence of more familiar names that swarmed over their neighbours in the second half of the Community Shield.
Yet, while Roberto Mancini’s men continue to dazzle and United’s squad clings on to their coat tails, it is worth remembering the gap is still only two points.
For all the margins there may be in terms of goal difference, confidence and strength on paper, two points is two points and Ferguson will not mind staying tucked in behind City until this season’s final stretch.
Indeed, it has always been the case that as United run the bend in the final curve of what is the Premier League marathon, they kick on, so often coming up the inside of their opponents and beat them to the tape.
The title is City’s to lose—a squad meltdown, injuries to that spine and even nerves come the last eight games—are all factors that could derail this squad of unquestionable pedigree.
And it is this that Ferguson will be mulling over.
He cannot compete in the transfer market in the financial sense, nor perhaps this term in the standard of football, but there are other ways. Ferguson knows that mentally, a title race is like going through a valley, the first half is easier heading downhill.
However, United after Christmas still have to make trips to White Hart Lane, Stamford Bridge, the Emirates and finally of course the Eastlands.
It is the last of these matches that Ferguson will plot to make his final charge, tucked in behind his title leading hosts and snatching three points in his noisy neighbours back garden.
Manchester City's Roberto Mancini to sign new three-year contract worth 15 million pounds
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini is close to agreeing terms on a new three-year contract worth 5 million pound a season, according to reports.
The Daily Mirror claims representatives of the Italian boss have entered talks with the club over the new deal, which would make Mancini the highest paid manager in the Premier League.
Mancini's current deal expires in the summer of 2013, and the new agreement would run a further two seasons until 2015. According to the report, Mancini has suitors throughout European football and City are keen to tie him down for the next few seasons.
The former Inter Milan manager has guided City to the top of the Premier League table, having suffered defeat only once in the top flight this season.
It did, however, crash out of the Champions League at the group stage after being drawn in a tricky group with Bayern Munich, Napoli and Villarreal.
Fergie hands out City warning
United boss insists money won't necessarily buy success
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson insists neighbours Manchester City will not be allowed to buy the Premier League crown this season.
Cash rich City have spent £400million in the transfer market since Sheikh Mansour took control of the club back in August 2008.
Most of the money has helped manager Roberto Mancini assemble a squad which has seen them climb to the top of the standings this season.
But Ferguson believes that, although having the financial clout can help, it does not necessarily take you all the way.
The Red Devils' boss said: "Yes, money can buy success as we saw when Chelsea suddenly became cash rich.
"And we are witnessing a similar surge by Manchester City under their wealthy owners.
"Their transfer clout has taken them to the top of the league and they are favourites to win the title.
"But, while recruiting some of the world's leading players can lift you into contention for honours, it doesn't necessarily take you all the way - as I hope we will be able to demonstrate before the end of the season as other factors come into play." Sky Sports (understands/makes up)
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Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas says he may spend the rest of his career at Barcelona - but his former side Arsenal are the only club he would leave the Nou Camp for. Sky Sports News
Manchester United are poised to test Tottenham's resolve with a £30m January move for play-maker Luka Modric. Daily Express
Meanwhile, Dutch striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, reportedly targeted by Manchester United, says he is happy at Schalke, where he has scored 15 goals in 16 matches in the Bundesliga this season. Daily Mail
The Gunners are also ready to step up their interest in Brazil's 19-year-old midfielder Casemiro as his club Sao Paulo are reportedly ready to cash in with a £10m deal. talkShit
Or Arsenal will bid £23m for AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato, the 22-year-old having fallen down the pecking order somewhat this season.caughtoffside.com
Tottenham are interested in Bolton defender Gary Cahill, but Chelsea will beat them to the signing. Daily Mirror
Meanwhile, Spurs are believed to have held talks with midfielder Giovani dos Santos and his representatives with a view to selling the Mexican in January. Daily Mail
Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish admits Darren Bent could leave Aston Villa next month, providing they get a bid too good to refuse. Daily Mirror
Chelsea target Gonzalo Higuain could be set for a summer switch to Juventus, according to reports in Italy as the Italian giants plan on opening the bidding at £24m for the Real Madrid striker. talkShit
Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill is weighing up an offer for Hamburg SV's versatile left-sided player Marcell Jansen, 26, whose contract is due to end in 18 months. FootyBunker
West Brom striker Peter Odemwingie is believed to have turned down a £160,000 a week offer to join Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala. Daily Mirror
Manchester United have emerged as the latest suitors for Real Sociedad's 20-year-old centre-back Inigo Martinez, according to reports in Spain. Insidefutbol.com
Chelsea are believed to have been told they can sign Brazil international Kaka for £22m. Daily Star
Blackburn will offer Fulham striker Andy Johnson, 30, a £2m pay deal to help them secure their Premier League status. Daily Mirror
QPR are believed to be considering a move for Stoke striker Kenwyne Jones. Daily Mail
Manchester United veteran winger Ryan Giggs is believed to be the man Welsh chiefs want to replace tragic Gary Speed as national boss. the Sun
Meanwhile Giggs is believed to be planning to discuss his Manchester United future with Sir Alex Ferguson and is keeping an open mind about playing on for another season. Sky Sports
Tottenham striker Emmanuel Adebayor has spoken out in support of John Terry - after the defender was taunted at White Hart Lane - and believes the Chelsea captain's court case will not affect his performances. Evening Standard
Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill believes striker Nicklas Bendtner can finally show why he rates himself so highly at the Stadium of Light. Daily Star
The Bishop of Blackburn has called on Blackburn fans to lay off under-fire manager Steve Kean.
(Daily Express)
Pensioner Colin Lee, 72, who plays in goal for an amateur team in Wolverhampton, has been revealed as Britain's oldest footballer. Metro
