But the Italian is now ready to go further than that by including the former Real Madrid winger in his 25-man party for the Premier League season.
Mancini has freed up places in his squad by telling Stephen Ireland and Craig Bellamy, who are both believed to have trained with the reserves on Friday, that they will not be made part of the group for the coming campaign. Striker Roque Santa Cruz is also fancied to leave.
The club have also extended the lease on Robinho's house in Cheshire as well as bringing his Lambourghini car out of storage and arranging private day care for his child.
City see no point in sending him out on loan where an already dwindling asset is likely to decrease further in value.
They believe a productive spell in the side could push his price-tag up in the event that a suitable deal for his departure can be reached in January. |
