Manchester City interested in Gago and Flamini

(GETTY IMAGES)

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini is reportedly interested in signing midfield duo Fernando Gago and Mathieu Flamini before the transfer window closes.

The Italian hopes Real Madrid's Gago and AC Milan's Flamini can follow Patrick Vieira, who joined the Eastlands outfit for the remainder of the season from Inter Milan.

"I need players," Mancini was quoted as saying in Gazzetta dello Sport. "Perhaps Real Madrid will give me Gago, maybe Milan (will give me) Flamini..."

Flamini was strongly linked with a loan switch to Eastlands earlier in the week but the Serie A outfit claimed they had yet to receive an official offer.

The former Arsenal player has failed to earn a regular place under coach Leonardo and is keen for first-team football in the coming months to ensure a place in France's World Cup squad.

Real's Argentina international Gago has not been a regular with the Spanish giants and has been linked with a move away from the Bernabeu this month.

Mancini, who replaced Mark Hughes in December, hopes French midfielder Vieira will recover from a calf injury in time for the second leg of their Carling Cup semi-final against Manchester United next Wednesday.

"I hope that Vieira is fit for the return," Mancini added.