Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has hinted that Edin Dzeko could leave Eastlands at the end of the season.

Dzeko, who has scored 13 goals this season, has found himself sitting on the bench frequently due to the competition for a place in the starting line-up from strikers Sergio Aguero and Carlos Tevez.

Mancini, as quoted in The Independent, told Sky Italia: “We haven’t spoken about the transfer market because there are 10 games to go but in June anything can happen.”

Hinted

The 48-year-old also hinted that a move to Serie A, the Italian premier division, could suit the striker.  “For me, Dzeko is a great player but he is the type of footballer who needs to play all the time,” said Mancini.  “In Italy he could score 20 goals a season but he would cost someone €20 million and maybe more.”

Dzeko, 26, has also been linked with a move to Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund.  The Bosnian is familiar with the German league after winning it with Dortmund in 2009.

Mancini also spoke of his side’s chances of retaining their Premier League crown after leaders Manchester United were knocked out of the Champions League on Tuesday evening.

He said: “United will now concentrate all their strength to win the championship and it was hard enough for us before this game against Madrid.  It was better for us that they stayed in the Champions League.”

Cruel

The Reds were on the receiving end of a cruel 2-1 defeat at the hands of Real Madrid at Old Trafford on Tuesday – a game in which Nani was shown a controversial red card.

Mancini said he could understand Sir Alex Ferguson’s frustration after City defender Vincent Kompany was shown his marching orders for a similarly harsh red card when the two Manchester clubs met in the FA Cup last year.

Frustrated

He said: “I can see why Ferguson was frustrated.  This was a big mistake and for me Nani did not deserve a yellow card.  Even in Italy it would be nothing because Nani tried to take the  ball.”

For now Mancini will be concentrating on his side’s FA Cup quarter final against Barnsley – a competition which may represent City’s best chance of winning silverware this year.