Manchester City priced out of Daniele de Rossi and Fernando Gago moves

LOLLY GOSH ... City saw their move for Daniele de Rossi KO'd due to cash fears

ROBERTO MANCINI has revealed he was priced out of deadline-beating moves for midfielders Daniele de Rossi and Fernando Gago.

The Manchester City boss pulled off a surprise when he landed Owen Hargreaves on a free.

Mancini admits he wanted to get the chequebook out again at the end of last month but accepted it was time to call a halt to his big spending.

Argentine ace Gago eventually moved from Real Madrid to Roma while de Rossi stayed in the Italian capital.

Mancini said: "Gago is a player who we liked a lot. In the end we couldn't spend any more money due to the financial fair play rules.

"But De Rossi is one of the best midfielders in the world. I have always thought that.

"But he is Roman and a Roma fan so I don't believe he will ever leave them." Mancini hopes Hargreaves' experience will give City a big boost.

He has been brought in to replace retired Patrick Vieira, who made only rare appearances but was a major influence in the dressing room.

Mancini's No 2 David Platt said: "We needed a central midfield player but unfortunately in terms of players going out and bringing in transfer fees, a lot have gone out on loan.

"For a few weeks we have understood, from a business perspective, that after signing Samir Nasri, there wasn't going to be a big name coming in.

"You have to get creative. The owners and the board have been terrific in saying 'We know you need a midfield player but we have to be creative about it.'

"I think gamble is too strong a word. When you put all the things into the mix it's a calculated risk, and one we feel is well worth taking."