Manchester City are confident of landing in-form Barcelona striker Thierry Henry.

The Times says the failed £103 million bid to sign Kaká, the Brazil forward, from AC Milan in January has done little to deter City and their billionaire owner, Sheikh Mansour, from trying to land an iconic signing who can boost their profile off the pitch and prospects on it.

Former Arsenal captain Henry is the player City's owners see as capturing the imagination of fans around the world.

A move to City could present Henry, 31, whose contract expires in 2011 and would cost about £10 million, with a massive final pay day.