Santos keen to land Robinho for 18-month stay

Brazilian club Santos have revealed they want to take Manchester City’s Robinho on an 18-month deal rather than until the end of the season.

The Brazil international is almost certain to leave Eastlands after stating he is 90% sure of a move despite the fact City boss Roberto Mancini is keen to keep him around and now Santos are confident that a deal can be done for the man who made a £32.5million move to England in September 2008.

"We are respecting Manchester's directors, they have to be respected,” said Santos communications co-ordinator Arnaldo Hase.

"We are optimistic without being too optimistic.

"The negotiations began last week, there were some mails between the Manchester directors and Santos directors.

"The Manchester directors agreed to the possibility of discussing the negotiation. Our marketing directors travelled to England on Saturday and arrived on Sunday.

"They are in London now and I think they are conducting the negotiations now.

"The first thought of the Manchester directors, it was about six months. Of course Santos would like it to be more - one year, one year and a half if possible."