Manchester City feel they're about to get a clear run at Udinese star Alexis Sanchez.
The Manchester Evening News says with Inter Milan and Juventus already foundering as the stakes get higher, City were today prepared to up their initial £22m offer to around £27m - a price likely to be accepted.
City will also explore the prospect of including a player in the deal with Vladimir Weiss one possibility. Barca's interest has flagged as they have stepped up their interest in Villarreal striker Giuseppe Rossi and Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas - and they announced they have a £35m ceiling on their summer spending.
Real Madrid are the only other club capable and willing to go head-to-head with City, but they seem to be more intent on landing Atletico Madrid's Sergio Aguero and Brazilian star Neymar.
