Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini remains confident that his club can make two big-money signings in the next seven days.

Mancini is upbeat about the prospects of deals being done for both Aston Villa's James Milner and Internazionale striker Mario Balotelli, with the Citizens aiming to mount a title challenge next season.

The Italian said after a 2-0 friendly win over Valencia:"We are close with both players, but now they are going with their national teams.

"We hope that we can have these players by next Thursday. For now we have two days off and we are not going to talk about the market.

"Next week we will see. These deals could happen, but we need to wait."

The head coach of Los Che also gave his backing to City after seeing his side beaten at Eastlands.

Unai Emery added:"The investment has bought them a squad of great players and now they are definite contenders to win the title in England.

"It takes more than just investment of course, but certainly in the Premier League I would regard them as being at the same level as both Chelsea and Manchester United."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email