Inter Milan manager Roberto Mancini has confirmed his interest in signing Manchester City powerhouse midfielder Yaya Touré, who he has been an admirer of over the past few years, especially during his time with The Citzens in the Premier League.
Touré was a driving force under Mancini's guidance in his first few seasons in English football; with the Italian manager being in charge from 2009 until 2013 before being relieved of his duties as their coach.
Mancini had the following to say, to Italian newspaper II Giornale: "Yaya is one of the strongest players in the world, he still is. He has played in so many teams; he has been in leagues in Belgium, Russia, Spain and England. Italy is the one missing. This could be the right opportunity for him to come and try. We are building a team; there are players that change the look of a team, and Yaya is one of them.
Next year we could try. We need to bring three champions, and we will see that we will be ready to fight for the Scudetto."
Juventus have been the favourites to win the league title in recent seasons, and Mancini's appointment at Inter was a signal of intent, that he wants to win as much as he can in Italy with a side that have declined massively over the past few years due to selling their best players and being unable to replace them sufficiently.
Podolski and Shaqiri are just two signings in the January transfer window, which could boost the team's morale and help them on their course to get back into the UEFA Champions League.
There have been lingering rumours regarding the City midfielder's future, and he has not ruled out a move away from The Ethiad in recent months. He was involved in controversy recently, regarding a contract extension after he was not granted compassionate leave as his younger brother Ibrahim passed away last June after a short battle with cancer.
Also, he was forced to refute claims that he wanted to leave the club last summer, after City did not personally wish him a happy birthday, or give him the contract demands he wanted.
His involvement in the current African Cup of Nations tournament has been significant; as City are yet to win without him in the team. Will he stay or leave?