Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini pins his hopes on

cut-price deal for Edinson Cavani

Mancini has met Cavani's agent to discuss a deal for the 23-year-old Uruguayan, who is close to signing a new contract that would include a release clause of £25m.

Mancini had hoped the player would invoke a clause in his present arrangement allowing him to quit Italy in a cut-price deal.

City are also linked with Roma's France centre half Philippe Mexes.

FRANCK RIBERY snubbed a move to Chelsea - because his wife would hate the

English weather.

Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti wants to sign the France star, 26, who is stalling on a new deal at Bayern Munich.

But with his Algerian missus Wahiba sick of the cold and wet weather in Germany, Ribery will target Spain should he decide to move on.

He said: "Chelsea are a big club but if I decide against extending my Bayern contract I will go to Spain for certain.

"I have to take many factors into account - not just what is good for me but my wife and children as well.

"Wahiba is from the south. She needs sunshine but it rains and snows in Munich.

"She is often alone when I'm not home and she has few friends."