Manchester City have been linked with a move to sign Celta Vigo winger Nolito over the past few months. Reports have now suggested that impending manager Pep Guardiola, who'll be arriving at Eastlands in July, wants the Spaniard in his side ahead of the new campaign.
What's the ongoing situation with Nolito?
Premier League rival sides Arsenal and Chelsea were previously rumoured to be interested in his services, but their interest has cooled whilst Barcelona boss Luis Enrique has made his admiration for the player public recently - sparking suggestions that the La Liga giants would be frontrunners for his signature.
At 29-years-old, Nolito is reaching the peak years of his career and this past season he has flourished in an ever-improving Celta Vigo side, who qualified for next year's UEFA Europa League with a commendable 6th-placed finish. 12 goals and seven assists in 29 appearances has certainly helped him catch the eye of potential suitors, even though the London clubs are looking to sign younger alternatives with more potential to fulfill: including Lille's Sofiane Boufal (22).
Buyout fee a fair one, given current market
Nolito, who scored in Spain's comprehensive 3-0 victory over Turkey on Friday evening, is expecting to leave this summer and his buyout clause of £14.1million pounds is a fair transfer fee that the sky Blues can easily afford.
Sporting director Txiki Begiristain and Guardiola are reportedly working hard to seal the transfer after the European Championships - where he'll get first-team assurances as part of an attacking trio alongside Sergio Agüero and talented compatriot David Silva, dependent on the formation Pep opts to play.