Mancini plans Robinho showdown

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini plans a face-to-face showdown with rebel Brazilian star Robinho before the new Premier League season begins.

Robinho has been on loan with Santos since January and has insisted he wants to stay in Brazil after failing to make an impression at Eastlands since City paid Real Madrid 32.5million pounds for his services two years ago.

After Robinho has played in Brazil’s friendly against the United States in New Jersey on Tuesday, Mancini will talk to the 26-year-old.

“Robinho will stay in Brazil until the international game and then he will come back here because I need to speak with him,” said Mancini.

“I worked with him for one month, then he decided to go back to Brazil. He said he wanted to stay at home so he could prepare to play for Brazil at the World Cup.

“There was no pressure from me but now I must speak with him because it is very difficult for him to stay at Santos.”

Mancini added that he is still optimistic of enticing 19-year-old Inter Milan striker Mario Balotelli to sign for the club.

“I am still hopeful. We have time but we will not pay too high a price,” said Mancini.