Premier League champions prepare to bolster midfield.
Manchester City look set to complete the signing of Porto midfielder Fernando this summer, having narrowly missed out on the deal in the January transfer window, reports the Daily Mirror.
City attempted to sign the 26-year-old, alongside his team mate Eliaquim Mangala in a £40 million move earlier in the year, however, it did not quite come to pass. The Premier League champions remain keen on the transfer, however, and are looking to capture Fernando for a fraction of the original price.
The Brazilian-born player looks likely to cost City just £12 million with the potential of another £4 million in add-ons over the coming seasons. Whilst they remain interested in Mangala, the player has not reciprocated the feelings and that transfer looks much less likely.
Fernando, however, could be a City player in the coming days as his transfer will not be held up by the World Cup. Capped by Brazil at Under-20 level, he applied to switch allegiance to Portugal after gaining citizenship. Fifa did not allow the switch,though, after his appearance in a Brazil shirt and the talented midfielder remains without a full international cap.
The Porto player would add competition to a central midfield area already packed full of talent, including Yaya Toure, Fernandinho, Javi Garcia and Jack Rodwell. His arrival could spell the end at City for one or both of Garcia and Rodwell who already find first team opportunities limited.
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