Roberto Mancini believes Manchester City would be the "perfect" club for Belgian starlet Eden Hazard to join.
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson went public about his interest in the Lille attacking midfielder earlier this week.
The 21-year-old is one of the hottest properties in Europe and would appear to have his pick of clubs with the likes of Tottenham, Real Madrid and Barcelona also linked with a move for the player.
And Mancini admits he has a long-standing interest in the Belgium international.
"I like Hazard a lot," the Italian told France Football. "He's a good player, he's young and he would do great things in our team.
"Given his technical qualities, City would be the perfect destination for him. I know him and have been following him for a long time. He's a player a lot of teams want."
Mancini went to see Hazard when Lille faced Valenciennes last month and he is not the only manager in Manchester to have been on a scouting assignment to see the young talent.
Ferguson told French radio station RMC Sport: "I came to watch Lille play Lyon and followed Hazard of course, along with other players.
"He is a very good player who has many qualities. He is particularly fast over the first 10 yards."
