Manchester City are ready to beat rivals Man United and make a £44m summer swoop for Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke, according to Daily Star.
According to various reports in the Spanish capital, City boss Manuel Pellegrini has his heart set on signing the impressive midfielder after watching his performances for at the Vicente Calderon this season.
It is widely expected that James Milner will depart the Etihad stadium this summer and Pellegrini believes that Koke will add an extra option in midfield.
The Spanish international has a £44m release clause in his contract with the Spanish champions and it is reported that City will attempt to pay cash-plus Stevan Jovetic.
Jovetic was left out of City’s Champions League squad for the knockout stages and is said to be keen on a summer exit.
Koke, who has been at Atletico for 15-years, is happy to remain with Diego Simeone’s side but City are confident they can tempt him with a lucrative contract offer.