Mancini banking on wantaway Tevez

Tevez handed in a transfer request last December, then withdrew it following the direct intervention of Mancini and chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak.

At the time, many thought it was a short-term solution and the South American would move on this summer. Certainly, few at City would be surprised if Tevez once again indicated a desire to leave, even though they are likely to be offering the opportunity to play in the Champions League next season.

That carrot, plus the drive for trophies, which heads to Wembley on Saturday for City's first FA Cup final in 30 years, will be enough to keep Mancini at the club. However, the Blues boss is not entirely convinced Tevez feels the same way, even though he is hoping for a change of heart.

"Carlos told us back in December that he wants to go to Italy," Mancini told Gazzetta dello Sport. "But if he changes his mind, I would be happy.

"I have not received any offers and in any case my priority is to achieve our stated aims with City in order to stay here and fight for the league title next season."

Source: PA

Source: PA