Not for the first time this summer, Daniele De Rossi has been linked to one of the bigger Premier League clubs, although it seems that this time, Manchester City’s interest in the Italian international seems to be more than just rumors and words thrown around, with Roberto Mancini desperate to get at least one signing under his belt this summer.

De Rossi has usually been linked with Manchester United over the last couple of seasons, but being made the Roma captain and becoming the highest paid Italian player in the Serie A have made it easier for the only club he’s ever played for to retain his services despite their disappointing league finishes in recent times.

Still, whenever asked about the subject, especially this summer, De Rossi would always mention his desire and interest in playing for a Premier League club, not mentioning any names. At the moment, it looks like Manchester City, still looking for their first signing of the summer, are the closest of the Manchester club to sign him.

The price? £20-25 million, and although Roberto Mancini would love to get his hands on the defensive midfielder who also preformed well as a centre back for Italy during certain stretches in Euro 2012, the condition to sell players might still be there for De Rossi as much as it is for Robin van Persie. According to reports, Mancini isn’t too happy with the new situation, which doesn’t really allow him to spend freely.

With too many expensive strikers that might not have a place in the rotation, Mancini has been asked to offload all or some of the group consisting of Edin Dzeko, Carlos Tevez and Roque Santa Cruz, who seem to be a heavy load on the wage bill, even for a club like City, suddenly concerned about whatever might happen with the FIFA fair play new regulations.

De Rossi has been with Roma since he was 17, getting the first taste of the senior team in 2001. Since then he’s played 389 times for the club, scoring 47 goals in all competitions. He’s won two Coppa Italia trophies with Roma and has been part of 5(!!!) runner-up finishes in Serie A, the last of them in 2010. He won the Italian player of the year award in 2009 and was part of the Euro 2012 team of the tournament, reaching 78 caps for the national team since 2004.