Mancini to splash millions and other transfer gossip

New Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini is set to whip out the cheque book in the January transfer window in order to ensure Champions League football for the ambitious club next season. According to reports, the Italian has his eyes on Liverpool duo Fernando Torres and Javier Mascherano, Bayern Munch winger Franck Ribery, Atletico Madrid striker Sergio Aguero, Benfica winger Angel Di Maria, Barcelona duo Yaya Toure and Thierry Henry, and West Ham defender Matthew Upson. Elsewhere, Manchester United are planning a £35m bid for Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema; Chelsea are to offer Liverpool £60m for striker Fernando Torres; Real Madrid are chasing young Manchester United defender Jonny Evans; and Sunderland are interested in Tottenham striker Robbie Keane and are preparing a £12m bid for the Irishman.