Manchester City boss Mancini would welcome Higuain, but not in exchange for Aguero

Posted Saturday, March 03, 2012 by YAHOO Sport

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has insisted he will not entertain any move for Sergio Aguero from Real Madrid, even if it involves a potential swap deal for fellow Argentina forward Gonzalo Higuain.

Aguero has been in scintillating form for Manchester City this season, scoring 21 goals and becoming a fans' favorite in the process. This hasn't gone unnoticed in Spain though, as Real line up a move for the former Atletico Madrid man.

Reports in Spanish newspaper Marca claim that Real will use Higuain as bait to try and tempt the Eastlands outfit into selling their prized asset.

Mancini was quizzed over whether he felt Aguero was using City as a stepping stone back to Madrid earlier in the season, but he dismissed these claims by pointing to the diminutive striker's five-year deal as further proof of his commitment to the club.

Marca's article claims that Madrid have "directly and indirectly" made their interest known to 23-year-old Aguero, but Mancini has stepped in, in an attempt to put an end to the rumors.

“Higuaín is another top player, but we don’t want to sell Aguero for anything," Mancini said. "It’s impossible for us to sell him. He will stay here, but if Higuain wants to come here, then we are happy.”

City is well endowed in the striker department, with Aguero, Mario Balotelli, Edin Dzeko and now the return of Carlos Tevez providing a pretty fearsome front line.

Aguero's goals have helped City fans to get over the prolonged loss of his international compatriot Tevez, who has not featured for the club since a League Cup appearance against Birmingham City in September.

Mancini admits that Aguero was bought as Tevez's likely successor, but he is confident that the two can strike up a deadly partnership as the Premier League title race draws near to a conclusion.

“When we bought Aguero, we thought Tevez would leave the club,” the Italian confessed. “I know him and I followed him a lot last year. But Aguero, Tevez and Mario Balotelli could all play together. We would have to work very hard, but they could play together."

He added, “If Carlos is performing in two weeks, he will be valuable for us for the last six or seven games. I think he needs a minimum of another two weeks training and during those two weeks it is important he plays in two or three games for the reserves.