Cassano 'on Mancini list'

Onward and upward for Roberto Mancini. One route to Wembley has closed but the transfer window remains open for the manager to consider strengthening for his other targets this season.

The Daily Mail's consistently reliable Screamer column leads with a report that the Blues boss is "weighing up a move for Sampdoria's £20million-rated striker Antonio Cassano".

Simon Jones writes that "City are closing in on the loan signing of Roma right back Marco Motta and his agent Beppe Bozzo is keen to discuss the possibilities of his other client Cassano also coming to City.

"Cassano is unhappy at Sampdoria, having fallen out with coach Luigi del Neri, who dropped him from the squad at the weekend. Bozzo is believed to be encouraging City's interest knowing that Roberto Mancini is a big Cassano fan - despite his reputation for causing trouble."

The Mail adds that Galatasaray will compete with West Ham for Benjani on loan, but the Guardian's Dominic Fifield says Blackburn are in talks and "are confident of securing a deal before the weekend".

The Sun, which reckons Mancini will sign Boro prospect Adam Johnson before the window slams shut at the weekend, has also been chatting to men's outfitter and former rock star Liam Gallagher.

Yep, you guessed, it's The Scarf again. Bizarre's Gordon Smart reports the seal of approval from Liam: "The scarf is cool. I want one. Mancini looks good but then all Italians are cool."