‘Bargain’ Nolito on verge of joining Man City

Manchester City are reportedly confident of completing the signing of the Spanish winger Nolito from Celta Vigo amid claims they have agreed a three-year contract with the Spain forward.

According to widespread reports on Wednesday, City boss Pep Guardiola is on the verge of making the 29-year-old his second signing at the Etihad, following the recent £20million capture of Ilkay Gundogan.

Nolito, whose real name is Manuel Agudo Durán, is currently part of the Spain squad at Euro 2016 having scored 12 goals in La Liga last season and will cost City €18m (£13.8m) after the club agreed to meet the buy-out clause in his contract.

“These days 18 million euros only buys the boot of a great player, so that price is a good price for Nolito,” said Sergio Busquets.

And that sentiment was backed by Gerard Pique, who said: “Nolito at that price is a bargain.”

Barcelona, Arsenal and West Ham had also registered an interest in signing the player, who began his career at Camp Nou before moving to Benfica and then Granada.

The Guardian claims City have already agreed personal terms with Nolito over a three-year contract with an option of a one-year extension worth around €4m a season, with the player keen to link up with Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium.