Last Updated: Fri, 30 Mar 2012 08:43
Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has admitted his interest in Tottenham's Luka Modric but does not believe he could sign him.
Mancini is set to be handed more funds in the summer transfer window to further bolster his squad ahead of another assault on the Champions League and domestic success next term.
And, having already upset Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger this season when hailing the qualities of Robin van Persie, the Italian tactician has now spoken of his admiration for Spurs star Modric.
Mancini, speaking about the Croatian international, who Spurs managed to hold onto last summer despite him submitting a transfer request after Chelsea made several offers, told the Sun: "Luka Modric is an outstanding footballer, a great player.
"But it is by no means easy to get him because he plays for a big club, Tottenham. It is unlikely that they would let him leave."
Mancini, who has been on a trip to Bosnia this week, also spoke highly of the abilities of all players from the former Yugoslavia.
"We are lucky to have another great player from these parts in Edin Dzeko," he added. "I have worked with quite a few players from these parts - not just Croatians, but Bosnians, Serbs and Montenegrins.
"I have many friends among them and I am very proud of it. They are really something special and they mostly play with invention and creativity."
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