Inter Milan coach Roberto Mancini has said that his history with Yaya Toure gives him the edge in the race to sign the Manchester City midfielder.
Toure has endured a trying season at the Etihad Stadium and speculation is rife that a reunion with Mancini - who brought him to England in 2010 - is on the cards this summer.
Given his profile, the 31-year-old is likely to interest a host of Europe's top clubs if he signals an intention to quit City, but the Italian says that his "rapport" with the Ivorian stands him in good stead.
"I haven't spoken to him lately. Of course everyone wants to buy the best players, so there will be other clubs interested in him, but right now he is at City," he told reporters.
"Can our rapport make the difference when choosing? It could well count and if the conditions developed so we could sign him, it could well be an advantage.
"At the moment we aren't at that stage yet."
Toure, whose City contract expires in 2017, has netted eight Premier League goals this season - 12 less than last season.
