Mancini: No Rooney talks

Manchester City have had no contact with Wayne Rooney, according to manager Roberto Mancini.

Alex Ferguson confirmed yesterday the England striker would not sign a new contract at Old Trafford and many see Eastlands as the most likely destination.

Asked if there had been contact between City and the player, Mancini said: “No. Never.”

Mancini echoed the comments of Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho, who said last night he expected the player to stay where he is.

“Rooney is a great player but I think he’ll stay at United,” said Mancini. “He’s a good player, he’s an important player for United.”

Pressed on whether he would be keen to sign the striker, Mancini added: “He is a United player. It’s not correct to speak about that situation.

“I have respect for him, for Ferguson, for United. I want to speak only about my players.

“It’s not my problem. I’m City manager. I have a lot of problems with my players. It’s important for me to focus on tomorrow’s game.

“He is a strong player like (Fernando) Torres, like (Lionel) Messi, like Carlos Tevez, like (Mario) Balotelli. This is my opinion.”

City and Madrid are seen as two of the most likely destinations for the 24-year-old, who Ferguson yesterday revealed had told United in August he was unwilling to sign a new contract.

Rooney’s current deal runs out in the summer of 2012, so United will likely look to sell the player as soon as possible before his value starts to greatly decline with the prospect of a free transfer looming.

Should he make the move to Eastlands, he would be following in the footsteps of Tevez, who moved across the city last summer amid great acrimony and has shone for Mancini’s side.

City host Lech Poznan in the Europa League tomorrow night.