Manchester City aim to fight off Roma interest and land Italian starlet

Manchester City are set to battle it out with Roma for the signing of promising goalkeeper Mattia Perin.

Perin, who is currently on loan at Pescara from fellow Serie A side Genoa, came to prominence after an impressive temporary stint at Padova last season.

He has been capped at all levels from Under-17 to Under-21 within the Italian national team set-up and sat on the bench during the senior side's 2-1 defeat to England in Bern in August.

Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport reports that Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is keen to bring his fellow countryman to the Etihad Stadium.

City are believed to have sounded Genoa out over a possible move, but Roma are expected to provide some competition for his signature.