Brazilian club Santos have revealed that the loan deal for Manchester City's Robinho is getting closer by the day.

Robinho is now almost certain to leave Eastlands with Santos president Luis Alvaro Ribeiro claiming a deal will be finalised by Thursday.

"I would say that the negotiations have now advanced three percentage points from the 95 per cent," he told Arena Sporttv.

"I hope it will increase one per cent every 24 hours.

"There are a few financial and contractual details still to sort out. But we are finalising them and I think it will be this Thursday."

If a deal does go through it would be against the wishes of City boss Roberto Mancini who is keen to keep the talented attacker at the club.