Roma striker Luca Toni has been linked with a move to Manchester City, according to media reports in Germany.

Toni, who is currently on loan to Roma from Bayern Munich, has had a stormy relationship with coach Louis van Gaal.

With his six-month spell in Italy about to end, Bayern have summoned him back to Germany but the striker has warned he will remain there only if van Gaal leaves in the summer.

Given the success enjoyed by the Dutchman this season - both domestically and in Europe, he is unlikely to call it quits which means the stage is set for Toni to make a permanent move away from the Allianz Arena.

According to reports in German newspaper Bild, Manchester City are preparing to shower their plentiful doubloons to bring the striker over to England - where he would link up with former coach Roberto Mancini.

Manchester City are likely to be involved in every transfer rumour this season, given their owners' ambition to build a team capable of challenging for the Premier and Champions League trophies.

Whether Toni will be part of that plan remains to be seen. Watch this space.