Roberto Mancini reveals Carlos Tevez wanted Serie A switch this season but hopeful he will remain at Manchester City

EPL : Carlos Tevez, Manchester City v Fulham

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Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has revealed that Carlos Tevez had his heart set on a move to Serie A in January.

The former Manchester United forward had handed in a transfer request at Eastlands after becoming disgruntled with life at the club, but eventually opted to remain with the side in the transfer window, and Mancini hopes that the player will stay this summer along with his fellow strikers.

He told Gazzetta dello Sport: “Carlos told us back in December that he wants to go to Italy, but if he changes his mind, I would be happy.”

Mancini also stated that City’s other high-profile strikers, Edin Dzeko and Mario Balotelli, would remain at Eastlands next year.

“Edin will score many goals next year with us, while I am certain that Mario will stay,” he said.

Reports from Italy have linked Mancini himself with a move back to Serie A as a replacement for Luigi Del Neri at Juventus this summer, but the former Inter boss has rejected such talk.

He said: “I have not received any offers and in any case my priority is to achieve our stated aims with City in order to stay here and fight for the league title next season.

“I have a good team already but we will bring in reinforcements.”

Manchester City are the favourites to land the much-coveted final Champions League place, and will take on Stoke on Saturday in the FA Cup final where they will look to end a trophy drought that has lasted 35 years.