[SIZE="4"]Vieira in on-loan City link[/SIZE]

Stuart Brennan

January 04, 2010

CITY have lined up a new midfielder - and the player could join them in time to face United in Wednesday's Carling Cup semi-final first leg.

Unconfirmed reports from Italy suggest that Roberto Mancini's first signing as City manager will be Patrick Vieira, on loan until the end of the season.

City, who were handed a trip to Scunthorpe in the draw for fourth round of the FA Cup, are keeping their cards close to their chest, but Vieira is keen on a move away from Inter Milan to boost his chances of being first-choice for France in next summer's World Cup.

The former Arsenal star, 33, has spent much of the season on the Inter bench, playing only four games.

Inter are still in the Champions League - they face Chelsea next month - but Vieira has only played 15 minutes in the competition.

He was taken to Inter from Juventus by Mancini in 2006 and became a key figure in their three consecutive Serie A titles. Mancini, who is also in the market for a defender, would only confirm that a signing could be imminent.

Asked if there could be any signings ahead of Wednesday's Eastlands showdown, Mancini said: "It is possible something will happen before then."

The manager has already ruled out moves for Juventus stopper Giorgio Chiellini, Inter striker Mario Balotelli, Sampdoria striker Antonio Cassano or Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso.

Said Mancini: "Chiellini is the pivot of the Juve defence so it seems difficult for them to let him go. To apply the same argument, Balotelli is a great player, can become a great champion and is still young and I don't think Inter intend to let him go."

He used the same argument about Gattuso, and ruled out Cassano as City already have five or six players who can play a similar role up front.

"We will do something because we have had many accidents, especially in defence. We will do something in those areas of the field," he added.

City may also be bolstered for Wednesday's first leg by the returns of the injured Shaun Wright-Phillips, Nedum Onuoha, Robinho, Micah Richards and Roque Santa Cruz.

maybe not too bad a thing.

I agree I prefer De Jong, but Vieira's ability and experience can be no bad thing

maybe not too bad a thing.

I agree I prefer De Jong, but Vieira's ability and experience can be no bad thing

Great player in his day but I'm not sure about him coming in. I thought the days of signing ancient players were gone.

However, Sylvinho has been a decent addition.

Talking of Sylvinho, what position did he play against Boro??? As Garrido played who is a LB and Petrov and Weiss were on the wings.

Sylinho played left back and Garrido played a bit further forward... not entirely sure where, kinda left central midfield I think.

If we can sign Viera before Wednesday to start on the scummers in the tunnel pre match I reckon we should do it, otherwise I don't see signing him being neccessary.

I think Garrido went left. Looked to me like Petrov had a freeish role supporting Benjani