Man City close to bringing Nolito to the Ethihad

Manchester City are close to completing the signing of Spain forward Nolito from Celta Vigo, according to reports.

The 29-year-old has an €18 million (£13.8m) release clause in his contract and Celta Vigo president Carlos Mourino has already stated that he expects him to move on this summer.

Sources say City are confident of securing a deal and claim that Nolito has already agreed personal terms on a three-year contract worth around €4m a year.

The former Barcelona player, who has started all of Spain’s three group games at the 2016 European Championship, has been linked with a return to the Camp Nou.

Nolito, who turns 30 in October, left Barca for Portuguese side Benfica in 2011 before joining Celta Vigo two years later.

His international teammate Sergio Busquets said on Tuesday that Nolito would be a bargain if his club Barca signed him.

“Looking at how the market is these days, although €18m seems a lot of money, in the world of football it is only enough to buy one boot,” he said.

“As Gerard [Pique] has said, that is a good price for Nolito. He had a great season and he has a lot of football to give.”

Nolito made 34 appearances for Celta Vigo last season scoring 13 goals and has been in the starting XI for all but one of Spain’s last 10 internationals.

He would become the second signing of Pep Guardiola’s reign following the £21m signing of Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan.