Manchester City are anxiously waiting for an answer over their work permit application for Ecuador striker Felipe Caicedo.

City were today petitioning the Home Office to secure a work permit for Caicedo so that they can complete a £5m deal with his club, FC Basle, says the Manchester Evening News.

The Blues, short of firepower having sent Rolando Bianchi and Georgios Samaras out on loan, have made Caicedo their No 1 target before the transfer window closes at midnight.

City are believed to have edged ahead of Everton and Atletico Madrid in the race to land Caicedo, who has scored two goals in 15 international appearances and boasts 12 goals from 46 appearances with the Swiss club.