Manchester City are reportedly closing in on a £14million deal for Brazil striker Afonso Alves, who has revealed his desire to play in England.The Heerenveen frontman has also been linked with Middlesbrough but was due to sign for AZ Alkmaar on Friday. However, the deal collapsed at the last minute.

Alves, who scored 35 goals in 31 games last season, is now itching for a move to the Premier League to keep his place in the Brazil squad.

"My dream is to play in the Premier League in England. That will help me stay in the Brazil set-up," Alves told the Sunday Mirror.

"I played for Brazil at Wembley and enjoyed the experience. When I turn up for international duty all the other players arrive from the top clubs. They ask me where I play and laugh when I tell them.

"I want to be in the same bracket as them."

Eriksson is also reportedly looking at Bayern Munich striker Lukas Podolski. The City boss could land the 22-year-old on a loan deal with the option of a possible permanent move in the summer, reports the Sunday Mirror.

The Guardian has Brazilian ace Fred as Eriksson's number one target - with Lyon asking around £9million for the 24-year-old.

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