Manchester City are launching a £14 million bid for Heerenveen striker Afonso Alves.

Alves, who scored 35 goals in 31 games last season, is now itching for a move to the Premiership to keep his place in the Brazilian squad.

"My dream is to play in the Premier League in England. That will help me stay in the Brazil set-up," Alves told the Sunday Mirror.

"I played for Brazil at Wembley and enjoyed the experience. When I turn up for international duty all the other players arrive from the top clubs. They ask me where I play and laugh when I tell them.

"I want to be in the same bracket as them."