Manchester City are in talks for Corinthians midfielder Paulinho. The Daily Mail says City sporting director Txiki Begiristain flew to Brazil amid speculation he was preparing an ambitious bid to bring Neymar from Santos but he has targeted fellow Brazilian Paulinho instead.

The 24-year-old, who is valued at around £20million, has been linked with Chelsea in recent weeks and is understood to have a get-out clause at a lower price.

City want re-enforcements with key midfielder Yaya Toure due to go to the Africa Cup of Nations and summer signing Jack Rodwell struggling to shake off persistent hamstring problems.