MANCHESTER CITY FANCY £20M 'LITTLE MONKEY'

MANCHESTER CITY are lining up a £20million bid for Argentina winger Diego Perotti.

City directors quizzed compatriots Carlos Tevez and Pablo Zabaleta about the Sevilla star, who made his international debut this month.

Boss Mark Hughes has been identifying options for the left of his midfield since it became clear Robinho's advisers are looking to move him on.

Perotti, known as 'the little monkey', has been one of the stars of Spain's La Liga this season - and Real Madrid are also watching his progress.

The 21-year-old is keen on staying at Sevilla but City believe a generous cash bid next summer could be successful.

Perotti's agent, Alvaro Torres, said: "I have received calls about Perotti. These proposals will have to be put to Sevilla some time soon.

"He is wanted in England, Italy and Spain."

Perotti's contract ties him to Sevilla until 2013.

Sevilla are ready to extend his existing deal by 12 months and even insert a clause which that means he will not be allowed to leave for less than £45m.

The club are also aware that an eye-catching performance by Perotti for Argentina at the World Cup will further increase the interest in one their star players.

Perotti made his Argentina debut a fortnight ago when he came on as a second half substitute for Lionel Messi in a friendly defeat in Spain. His father Hugo was known as 'the monkey' when he played as a striker for Boca Juniors in the 1970s and 1980s.

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