Veron turns down move

According to a report in The Guardian today:

The 34-year-old told Italy's Corriere Dello Sport that he had turned down the chance to join City after a bid of £7m was lodged with his club, Estudiantes. "I did it for my family," said Verón. "But also because I chose to continue my career here at Estudiantes and I want to respect this contract."

The player's agent, Miguel Pires, had earlier confirmed in a Daily Star report that City had made an inquiry and followed up the approach with an offer. "I was very surprised with this position," he said. "Mancini has called the player and me as well. But I said sincerely that Verón is very happy and grateful at being back at Estudiantes and it is very complicated to leave at this moment."

An interesting one as Mancini will know the player very well, and as we have seen with Craig Bellamy, sometimes you have to defer to the manager who is better placed than pundits and fans in judging a players worth.

I can't say that I am too disappointed with the news though. As much as Veron shined during his time in Serie A, he never looked suited to the Premier League (struggling at both United and Chelsea), and the past couple of years playing in Argentina would hardly have primed him for a return.

What is interesting though is that - so far at least - it appears Mancini is looking to strengthen the midfield as a priority, with ball carrying players who possess an attacking threat clearly at the top of his list.

Whilst the likes of de Jong and Kompany look to have a place in the side, it could mean that (depending on who Mancini can land) Stephen Ireland in particular may found himself on the outside.