Manchester City look to have failed in their efforts to sign Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi. The 29 year old has reportedly decided to remain with his hometown club. City manager Roberto Mancini is believed to be a big admirer of the Italian international and the English champions submitted a £30m bid for the player. However, it appears the Italians have managed to convince their star to remain with them.

Daniele De Rossi
De Rossi is expected to stay at Roma. AS Roma

Roma coach Zdenek Zeman has repeatedly stated he wants De Rossi to remain and also revealed Mancini had been in contact with several times, to enquire after the player's future.

"I am convinced that De Rossi stays with us. He is very important for us and the club has not asked me anything about him. I think he will remain. Has Mancini have ever called me? Several times, even when I was at Pescara last year. The last time I heard from him was three weeks ago," Zeman said.

Meanwhile, City have also been linked with a move for Fiorentina forward Stevan Jovetic, after the Argentinean ace Sergio Aguero has been ruled out indefinitely following a knee injury in the game against Southampton. The former Atletico Madrid player was the club's top scorer last season and City are considering Montenegrin as a replacement. However, Fiorentina manager Vincenzo Montella (who is a former Roma striker) is hopeful of his star striker remaining with the Viola. Incidentally, Jovetic was reportedly a target for European champions Chelsea, earlier this summer.

Stevan Jovetic
Jovetic has been linked to City Reuters

"I think he'd be disappointed if he left, because we are building an important team here. We're giving him a team for his characteristics. This is a side with quality and I am certain that Jovetic strongly wants to stay," Montella pointed out.

City have been quiet in this transfer period, by their normal standards. The only significant acquisition so far this summer was the singing of young English midfielder Jack Rodwell, from Everton, for a reported £15m. The club's lack of activity has not gone down well with Mancini and the former Lazio boss has voiced his frustrations, leading to reported clashes with Brian Marwood, the club's football administration officer, over the need to balance accounts (to avoid being penalised once the sport's Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations come into force) and strengthen the squad.