Romanian striker Ciprian Marica is a target for Manchester City.

The Independent says the 21-year-old had appeared set to move from the Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk - where he has failed to settle over the past two seasons - to the German champions Stuttgart but City have become aware of his availability.

Shakhtar are understood to be prepared to agree a one-year loan deal with a view to a permanent £8m transfer, double what they paid for Marica.