Manchester City are planning a £25 million swoop for Sevilla striker Luis Fabiano.

The Daily Star says the highly-rated Sevilla striker is in line to become the next samba star to grace Mark Hughes's team.

Fabiano has had a personal recommendation from City favourite and record signing Robinho.

City tried to sign Fabiano in the summer without any joy, but Sevilla are now facing up to the inevitable and are ready to sell the 28-year-old in January to the highest bidder.

Fabiano is a close friend of Robinho from the Brazilian national team where the La Liga star scored a hat-trick last week in a stunning 6-2 win over Portugal.

City's move for Fabiano has been confirmed by the player's agent Jose Fuentes.

He said: "Manchester City have asked about Fabiano, but that is not unique because they are just one of many.

"The final decision lies with Seville and I still have to speak to the club's directors."