Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has hinted that controversial striker Carlos Tevez could still have a future at the Etihad Stadium.

The Argentina international has been almost certain to leave the North West following a number of failed attempts during the January transfer window.

The Italian boss was adamant that the 28-year-old frontman would never play for the Premier League title chasers again following his fall from grace last September, where he refused to play in City's Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich.

Despite Mancini's fury, the former Manchester United forward has been welcomed back into the side and even managed to score a hat-trick during City's 6-1 win over Norwich City on Saturday.

"I don't know [if Tevez will stay]," the Daily Star quotes Mancini as saying. "What is important now is we think about the next four games.

"After that, we can see what will happen with all the players. There is no problem with the other players. No, it's in the past."

Mancini's side currently sit five points adrift of league leaders Man United.