Manchester City have been in talks with Napoli with a view to signing Ezequiel Lavezzi, according to Roberto Mancini's agent.
The Argentina international has been strongly linked with a move to the Premier League this summer, with City and Liverpool among the clubs keen to acquire Lavezzi's services.
With City captain Carlos Tevez set to leave the Eastlands club this summer, the 26-year-old Lavezzi is considered by Mancini to be an ideal replacement.
Mancini's agent, Giorgio De Giorgis, spoke about City's pursuit of Lavezzi and even claimed England midfielder Gareth Barry could be a makeweight in the transfer.
He told Radio CRC: "Manchester City's interest in Lavezzi could be a reality.
"City have been negotiating for the past few months with Napoli, regardless of Tevez's situation. City has spoken to Napoli about Pocho (Lavezzi).
"But 31million euros for Lavezzi, I think it's excessive.
"However, to find a player who is ready like Pocho is, it's not easy.
"Manchester City could include a player in the deal, but I don't know what player could interest Napoli.
"The only one could be (Gareth) Barry, who is an England international and does not have a high salary."
Lavezzi is under contract with Napoli until June 2015 and has a release clause of 30million euros (£26.8million).
Napoli, like City, will play in next season's Champions League.
