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Boss eyes Lazio ace as Robi replacement
Manchester City, 14:01, February 6, 2010 ,
Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has earmarked ex-Birmingham City loan star Mauro Zarate as the man he wants to replace Robinho.
Reports in Italy claim the ex-Inter coach has told Garry Cook to go after the 22-year-old Argentinian striker in the summer, with Robinho not likely to play for the club again.
The Brazilian joined Santos on an initial six-month loan last week after Mancini grew frustrated with his inability to follow team orders and fit into his desired style of play.
Zarate, now at Lazio, is having a fine season in Serie A after scoring a brace in last May's Coppa Italia final - which clinched him an £18million move after spending his first season in Italy on loan.
He has an Italian passport and is believed to be valued at £27million by the Roman club.