MAURO ICARDI

Who is he? Where does he play?

He is a 19 year old striker currently playing for Italian side Sampdoria. He was born in Argentina, was once on the books of Barcelona and is now banging goals in for fun on the banks of the Mediterranean sea.

He scores a few then?

Yep. He has 8 from 12 games in this year's Serie A, and Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini was in attendance for his latest strike, the third goal in a 3-1 win over Roma on Sunday. It is believed his contribution made a lasting impression on the City boss who could use one of his many pots of Qatar-originated cash to make a bid for the striker in the summer.

What's he like?

He's a striker in the mould of..... well.... let's say Dimitar Berbatov mixed with Carlos Tevez, armed with the fancy tricks and licks that allow him to link play, he also moves right across the front line with intelligence and pace, creating space for others. He also stands at 6ft 1 inch, making him an imposing frame which allows him to hold the ball up in forward positions. His finishing is very impressive, as is his threat on the counter attack.

He's only 19 though?

He is, but that hasn't stopped Napoli and Inter Milan chasing Icardi's signature, the latter seemed very close to a deal for the young striker but Sampdoria's director Rinaldo Sagramola told Gazzetta Giallorossa this week that those reports were "untrue". Napoli have also expressed an interest and are planning to meet with the Argentinean's representatives ahead of a possible summer move.

But Manchester City?

Manchester City... well... Roberto Mancini did speak typically openly and candidly about Icardi after he watched him on Sunday, "l must say I liked him" was the line that had many gossip columnists reaching for the Biro to create the link between Icardi and Manchester City as they chase a possible replacement for Mario Balotelli. Wherever and whenever moves, you can bet your house it will be for a far sight more than the 400,000 euros Barcelona flogged him, rather unbelievably, for back in 2011.

NOTE: FOR FURTHER READING, YOU CAN PERUSE THIS ARTICLE WHERE THIS GUY LIKENS HIM TO GABRIEL BATISTUTA