Vieira linked

The latest transfer rumour doing the rounds appears to link us with a move for Patrick Vieira:

CITY have lined up a new midfielder - and the player could join them in time to face United in Wednesday's Carling Cup semi-final first leg.

Unconfirmed reports from Italy suggest that Roberto Mancini's first signing as City manager will be Patrick Vieira, on loan until the end of the season.

City, who were handed a trip to Scunthorpe in the draw for fourth round of the FA Cup, are keeping their cards close to their chest, but Vieira is keen on a move away from Inter Milan to boost his chances of being first-choice for France in next summer's World Cup.

Mancini clearly knows Vieira well from his time at Inter, and you'd imagine the player would be available given his limited action under Jose Mourinho this season.

A loan move would suit Vieira, keeping him involved and in the frame for a position in the French squad ahead of the World Cup, although the obvious concern for ourselves is whether Vieira could still make an impact on the Premier League as he has far from shined in Serie A the past couple of seasons.

However, a short term loan until the end of 2009/10 would not impact on any long term planning and would add some competition to a squad hit by injuries. Also throw in the fact that Vieira has won the Premier League and Cup competitions in England and also Serie A and Coppa Italia in Italy, and the addition could be as much about adding the right mentality and a player used to winning as we embark on what is fast shaping up to be a very important six month period for the club.