Manchester Evening News reports that Mancini is keen to bring Sturridge back to Eastlands this summer.
Sturridge left City for Chelsea three years ago, but has fallen out of favour at Stamford Bridge since Roberto Di Matteo replaced Andre Villas-Boas as manager.
Sturridge has two years left on his current contract at Chelsea and is yet to open talks over an extension with the Blues.
Mancini is a big fan of Sturridge and is prepared to pay around £20million for the striker.
Mancini said in December: “It was strange because Sturridge was developed in Manchester and someone let him go.
“If Sturridge was here today, he’d be in the first team. I’ve watched him many times and I know him well.”
