Mancini targets Higuain in place of rebel Tevez

London: Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini is planning to launch a bid for Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain in the summer transfer window to replace Carlos Tevez, despite Tevez giving an unconditional apology following his infamous bust-up with Mancini during a Champions League encounter against Bayern Munich.

The City boss remains single-minded about selling the Argentine rebel in the summer and wants Higuain, who has scored 17 goals in 36 games for the Spanish giants, to fill his boots. Higuain is reported to be considering his future after falling behind Karim Benzema in Jose Mourinho’s plans at Santiago Bernabeu. Madrid are keen to do a deal with the Blues that would see them offer Higuain and around six million pounds in exchange for Sergio Aguero, but Mancini has made it clear Aguero is going nowhere and is convinced he can still land Higuain with a bid of around 36 million pounds. He could even offer Tevez as part of a possible swap deal and knows the Argentine will be desperate to get back in the shop window. Higuain is a top player, but we don’t want to sell Aguero for nothing. It’s impossible for us to sell him. He will stay here, but if Higuain wants to come here then we are happy,” The Daily Star quoted Mancini, as saying. Tevez will face Bolton reserves on Tuesday and Mancini said: “If Carlos is performing in two weeks he will be valuable for us for the last six or seven games. I think he wants to show he can play in a top squad. This is important for him for next season.” ANI