Manchester City Transfers: 10 Best Players Roberto Mancini Missed Out On

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini reportedly targeted a host of different big-name players this summer, but the club's flurry of activity at the transfer deadline involved few of these big names.

A rather low-key summer compared to previous years, the Citizens signed more squad players than massively expensive stars.

However, this didn't stop those big names from being linked with the club in the final days of the window.

Here are the 10 biggest targets that did not move to Manchester this summer.

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini was desperate to increase his options in the heart of his defense this summer, and according to reports, one of his biggest wants and desires was Liverpool defender Daniel Agger.

According to Metro, Mancini was hoping to make a push in the closing days of the transfer window, but failed.

Arsenal had a summer of contract battles, with both Robin van Persie and Theo Walcott at the forefront of most headlines surrounding the club.

The Citizens were among the group of clubs in the hunt for Walcott, according to the Telegraph, and could attempt to make another move this winter.

Roberto Mancini seems to repeatedly fall in love with strikers.

That's how the media portrays him, at least.

Goal.com linked the club with a move for Napoli striker Edinson Cavani before he eventually signed a new contract.

Birmingham City goalkeeper Jack Butland, 19, showed up on Manchester City's radar this summer.

The young England international was targeted as a potential backup option for Joe Hart at the club level—just as he is internationally—according to People.

Former Athletic Bilbao midfielder Javi Martinez was believed to be among Roberto Mancini's top targets this summer. However, the midfielder's price tag proved to be out of the Italian's budget, according to Metro.

Martinez would eventually go on to join Bayern Munich, where he is expected to be a major success for the Bavarian club.

Manchester City looked at the possibility of bringing Fiorentina star Stevan Jovetic to the club this summer, but the player appeared to be uninterested, according to Metro:

I stopped those negotiations. By the time they had made their move from England I had already decided that I would be staying in Florence

Am I happy to still be here? Absolutely and I have no regrets.

The objective here is to get back into Europe and I won't leave here until this club is competing at the levels it should be.

Robin van Persie was one of the hottest transfer targets of the summer.

Manchester City wanted him, according to BBC Sport, and it looked possible for a long time.

However, Manchester United eventually stole the show, and beat their crosstown rivals to the punch.

The Daily Express linked Athletic Bilbao and Spanish international striker Fernando Llorente to Manchester City for much of the summer.

However, much like former teammate Javi Martinez, his massive price tag turned the Citizens away.

Manchester City were not only interested in Liverpool defender Daniel Agger, but also David Luiz of Chelsea, according to Kenyan-Post.com.

The young Brazilian would have been a long-term partner for Belgian defender Vincent Kompany, and his attacking ability would have also added a new dimension to the team.

Of all the players linked with the club, Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi could have perhaps been the most influential at the Etihad Stadium.

However, according to Fox Sports, the veteran confirmed his loyalty to Roma and turned away from a move to the English Premier League.