Roberto Mancini has hinted that he will make another move for Fiorentina's Alessio Cerci in January.
The Manchester City boss seemed close to acquiring the 24-year-old this summer but a move never materialised.
The manager has now reiterated his admiration for the player, vowing to keep an eye on him.
"I have followed him since his days [on loan from Roma] at Pisa in the 2007/08 season. He had just turned 20 but immediately did extraordinary things," he told Corriere dello Sport.
"He is one of the few players who are able to win a game on their own. If I could have I would have brought him to the Premier League a year ago.
"We tried again this summer because I thought he might make an important contribution and mix well with the players City. I will continue to follow him. Maybe in the future we will work together."
Mancini had hoped to ensnare Cerci in 2010, but lost out to Fiorentina, where the winger scored seven goals in 24 league appearances last season.
Dan Saney
