Wantaway Tevez will still be a City slicker, says Mancini

MANCHESTER CITY manager Roberto Mancini has downplayed suggestions Carlos Tevez could move to Inter Milan in a swap deal involving full-back Maicon.

City’s wantaway talisman has been linked persistently with Inter but Mancini insists there has been no approach and the Argentinian will return to normal training next week.

Tevez is not available for tomorrow’s season-opening Community Shield clash against Manchester United having been granted a 21-day break following the end of his involvement in the Copa America.

Tevez, 27, has made clear his desire to leave City but his hopes of rejoining his former Brazilian club Corinthians collapsed last month.

While other players such as Craig Bellamy and Emmanuel Adebayor are unlikely to figure in Mancini’s plans, the Italian expects Tevez to continue playing a full role if a move does not materialise.

Mancini said: “He doesn’t have another team.

“Carlos is a professional player. If he doesn’t have another team in the next 10 days or two weeks I think he will play for us and play serious like last year, like always.”

When asked whether Tevez was likely to move before the transfer deadline at the end of the month, Mancini said: “I don’t know. A lot can happen in one month but if he stays I am happy.”

City’s £38m record summer signing Sergio Aguero, who was also involved in the Copa America with Argentina, will be on the bench this weekend.

The former Atletico Madrid forward has had blistered feet but is now training as normal after a 20-minute session on Thursday.

Mancini said: “Sergio is okay, he will train today. He is not 100% ready but he is fit to come on the bench.”