City: Bellamy can leave for free

Bellamy spent last season on loan at Cardiff (GETTY IMAGES)

Roberto Mancini is so keen to get Craig Bellamy off his books at Manchester City that he is willing to let the striker leave the club on a free transfer, opening the way for him to join Liverpool, who are interested but have made no formal approach as yet.

The Wales manager, Gary Speed, hopes his compatriot Bellamy, 32, will return to Liverpool.

Speed said: "It is only natural Craig is going to be linked with top clubs because he is a top player. Liverpool are a fantastic club. If it is true and it comes off, that would be great."