Playmaker will not come cheap though.
Shakhtar Donetsk forward Fernandinho says that he is desperate to join big-spending Premier League outfit Manchester City for next season, according to reports in the Sun.
The Brazil international feels that swapping the lower profile Ukrainian top flight for the English Premier League will enhance his chances of making the Brazil squad for next summer’s World Cup finals, which are being hosted in his homeland.
Fernandinho, 28, has enjoyed yet another eye-catching campaign for Mircea Lucescu’s high-flying outfit, who made it all the way to the knockout stages of this season’s Uefa Champions League.
And it was those displays in Europe’s premier club competition in particular that have persuaded City manager Roberto Mancini to make a move for the playmaker this summer.
However, with a contract in Donetsk until May 2016 and a reported buyout clause in that deal of £42.5m, the Italian may face some substantial hurdles in his efforts to bring Fernandinho to Eastlands when the transfer window reopens for business on 1 June.
“I believe my chances of making the World Cup squad will improve if I join City,” said Fernandinho.
“My exposure would be better, because Brazil is biased towards the Ukrainian league.
“What we do here is not recognised in my country. Playing in a division, at a club that is considered among the best in the world would help me get back in the Brazilian national team.
“There are a lot of people in England with good football knowledge. Those complement my skills, and motivate me to want to play in the Premier League.”
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