Manchester City surely don’t need Daniele De Rossi?

Manchester City have been linked with a move for Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi today once more, as the transfer rumours start extra early ahead of the January window. The Italy international has been a long-term target for Roberto Mancini, who clearly rates his countryman as a player that could have a positive impact at the Etihad Stadium. However, given the fact that City look overloaded in the centre of midfield, surely this is paper talk and does not have much substance?

There is no doubt that given the option in the summer, Mancini would have opted for De Rossi over all other transfer targets in that position. However, the passionate Rome-born battler opted to stay with his childhood club and penned a new five-year deal. With new coach Zdenek Zeman not the flavour of the month with the talismanic midfielder, rumblings of a spat between the pair have been mooted in the Italian press, with De Rossi also being speculated as unhappy at the Stadio Olimpico.

Even if this is the case, City would be best advised at giving De Rossi a miss. With Jack Rodwell and Javi Garcia purchased in the summer to complement existing engine room generals James Milner, Gareth Barry and Yaya Toure, it is safe to say the Premier League champions are covered in the centre of the park. A big-money, high wage move for 29-year-old Rossi would surely represent a tactic going against the club’s supposed new frugality in the transfer market with Financial Fair Play looming ominously, but also the case remains: do they even need him?

Netherlands international Nigel De Jong was sold in the summer due to the new players’ arrival, and even now when all players are fit, Mancini has a selection dilemma on his hands. Yes, De Rossi is experienced, talented and has the versatility to play in midfield or at centre-half, but City would surely be making a grave error and spending excess money unnecessarily by revisiting their quest to bring him to England.