The Brazilian is contracted to the Serie A club until 2009 but is not expected to sign a new deal with Luciano Spalletti's side.

And Eriksson is clearly a fan, seeing him as a player capable of rivalling Cristiano Ronaldo of city rivals Manchester United.

"I want Mancini here immediately as he is the ideal man to strengthen my squad," Eriksson told Il Romanista.

"He could become my Cristiano Ronaldo.

"Money isn't a problem for us, but it depends on whether Roma want to sell him.

"I know that contract talks have hit a brick wall, but we will have to talk to his agent Gilmar Veloz."