Brazilian Amauri claims Buffon is easily worth 70 million euros (£56million) - the price City's incoming Arab owners would reportedly be ready to pay.

He also insists the goalkeeper would turn down the advances of the Premier League's newest wealthy club to remain with the Italian giants.

City's incoming owners, Abu Dhabi United Group, broke the British transfer record to sign Robinho from Real Madrid on deadline day and the chances are more big names will follow when the transfer window opens again in January.

But, after Buffon himself laughed off suggestions of a move to Manchester yesterday, Amauri also backed his colleague to stay in Serie A.

"Seventy million euros is a great sum and Gigi is worth every penny," Amauri told Italian TV station Sky Sport24.

"However, Juventus need him greatly and I think we have to keep hold of him. Buffon is fine in Turin, he doesn't need to move."

Juve paid Parma £32.6million for Buffon in 2001 and the 30-year-old is under contract at the Stadio Olimpico until 2013.