Sampdoria open the door for Man City to snatch Spanish starlet

Manchester City have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Pedro Obiang after Sampdoria revealed they would be willing to cash in on the Spanish starlet.

Obiang, who has been capped at under-17, under-19 and under-21 levels, joined the Serie A club from Atletico Madrid’s youth set-up in 2008, and he has become a key player for the Italian side since making his first-team debut in 2010.

City boss Roberto Mancini, who enjoyed a 15-year spell at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris during his playing days, is reportedly keen to raid his former club for Obiang, and their sporting director Pasquale Sensibile says the 20-year-old can leave if a large offer comes his way.

"Obiang is a mature guy and highly educated, in addition to his quality on the field," Sensibile is quoted as saying in Italian newspaper Tuttosport.

"I am calm and not worried by this news. He will only leave Sampdoria for a large offer or when his contract ends [in June 2015]."