Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has been told he must sell to buy in January. The Sunday Mirror says Mancini has been told there will be no new cash for players - even if he can produce a Champions League miracle this week.

The City boss has been monitoring Atletico Madrid striker Radamel ­Falcao and has been given ­encouragement that Roma may now be ready to cash in on long-term ­target Daniele de Rossi.

But Mancini was told during ­extensive talks with the club's new sporting director Txiki Begiristain ­during the week that he will have to generate his own funds to bring in any new recruits.

A source said: "We may do the odd bit of business, but there won't be any major outlay in January.

"Recruiting new players will now be linked to moving existing members of the squad out of the club.

"And that policy is also likely to be in place during next summer's ­transfer window."