Mancini has often spoken of his concern at how his side would cope without Kolo and, in particular, Yaya, who are required for the Ivory Coast's African Nations Cup campaign. Initially, the City chief expressed the hope that their departure could be delayed until after the Premier League encounter with Wigan at the DW Stadium on January 16. That now appears unlikely, with the pair now also set to miss the Carling Cup semi-final first-leg against Liverpool on January 11. "It is difficult but I think they will leave us after United," said Mancini. "We have talked with their manager three days ago and will talk again with the Ivory Coast president. "We will try but it is difficult." Instead, there is the potential for bringing in additional reinforcements. Cash is available for transfers but with UEFA's Financial Fair Play demands to be met, Mancini knows he will have to sell before he can buy. "We should sell some of our players before we do anything," he said. "After that maybe we can do something but at the moment there is nothing." Meanwhile, senior City officials met their AC Milan counterparts on Thursday afternoon in a bid to establish some common ground over the transfer of Carlos Tevez. The Serie A giants are keen for Tevez to join them but want that initial deal to be a loan, with a commitment to buy at the end of the season. However, City have made it clear they are not interested and would only be willing to do business over a straight transfer. Acting Blues chief executive John MacBeath led the City delegation and was accompanied by football administration officer Brian Marwood at the talks, which took place in London. City offered no guidance as to how the discussions had gone but it is believed the respective positions remain the same. Tevez is currently at home in Argentina and has been pictured playing golf on a number of occasions. He has not played for the Blues since falling out with Roberto Mancini over his non-appearance in the Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich in September. Tevez was subsequently fined for his conduct but then left Manchester and has not been back.
