Ansaldi linked again

So says the NOTW this morning, who suggest it will be him, and not Ivan Cordoba, that will be Mancini's first signing:

The Eastlands boss has quickly identified the full-back positions as problem areas for a side that has conceded more goals than any other of the teams battling for a place in Europe. The former Newell's Old Boys defender, 23, has been quickly targeted by Mancini as a left-back who can also play on the wing and he will be expected to compete with Wayne Bridge, who has struggled for form and fitness in recent months.

This could make sense, particularly if Mancini is not sold on Wayne Bridge, and we have seen him rotate both Sylvinho and Garrido in the three games he has been in charge.

Furtheromore, during his time at Inter Mancini was keen to use full-backs (notably Zanetti and Maxwell) further forward in midfield - something we saw yesterday with Sylvinho pushed into midfield .