Roberto Mancini does not expect Gareth Bale to leave Tottenham

James Lawton chose Gareth Bale's second goal against Norwich City on 27 December 2011 (AFP)

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has confirmed there have been talks about next summer's transfer targets - but he does not expect Gareth Bale to leave Tottenham.

It has been suggested the Blues will try to lure Bale to the Etihad Stadium with a big-money bid.

But Mancini does not think Spurs would be interested.

"Gareth Bale is a fantastic player," said the City boss.

"But I don't think he will leave a big team like Tottenham."

However, Mancini has spoken to the City hierarchy about summer plans, even if, with the Premier League title battle now into its last two games, those talks are on hold.

"We talked about this some weeks ago," he said.

"But now our focus has to be on the next two games."

Having repeatedly claimed Manchester United remained favourites for the title, Mancini was sticking to that mantra ahead of his side's visit to Newcastle on Sunday.

It is City though who now sit on top of the Premier League and, barring an eight-goal swing against them, they will remain there if they win their last two matches, at the Sports Direct Arena this weekend and against QPR at home seven days later.

"We have done nothing yet," said Mancini.

"We have got two games left and Sunday will be a tough one.

"Nothing has changed. We just have to do what we did on Monday (against Manchester United)."

PA