Mancini hypes up Bale

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini believes Gareth Bale would be 'the strongest target' on the market if he became available this summer.

Mancini also reckons Tottenham would lose '50 per cent of their potential' if the Welsh winger does depart White Hart Lane.

Bale has established himself as one of the most exciting young talents in the game with a blistering run of form over the past 12 months but his signature is now also a highly coveted prize.

The 21-year-old is held in particularly high regard in Italy following a couple of dazzling displays against Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League earlier this season and his agent recently admitted three Serie A clubs were interested.

Juventus are thought to be leading the chase and Mancini admits that landing Bale would help them improve significantly.