Sevilla forward Luis Fabiano claims he is in "advanced" negotiations over a move to England, with Manchester City his reported destination.The Brazilian, 27, is currently the top scorer in Spain with 13 goals but he could be ready to quit Spain.

City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson has been hunting the world for a top-class striker, but deals for Diego Milito, Fred, Afonso Alves, Djibril Cisse and Lukas Podolski have failed to materialise.

The Swede dispatched his scouts to track Fabiano and have seen him in five matches over the past month - and now it appears a deal is in the offing.

Fabiano has confirmed to the Brazilian media that talks are at an 'advanced stage'.

"It would be very difficult to leave Seville," said Fabiano. "But negotiations to go to England are at an advanced stage, but this is a great opportunity.

"I am very comfortable in Seville, it is a club and city I like a lot but with this great opportunity I will do what I feel is appropriate."

Fabiano is under contract with Sevilla until 2011 and has a huge 60 million euro (£44million) buy-out clause.

However, Fabiano situation is complicated by fact that Sevilla actually only own 35 per cent of the player.

Fabiano's representatives and an investment group own the rest of him and reports suggest that a deal worth 14 million euros (£10million) would be enough to take 'The Magician' to England.

The player added: "This is a very good offer and the investment group decided to negotiate."

Spurs are also believed to be keeping close tabs on the situation with Juande Ramos a known admirer of his former charge and Tottenham could yet make a rival bid.

Sevilla are yet to make a comment, but coach Manolo Jimenez, sporting director Ramon Rodriguez Monchi and president Jose Maria Del Nido are set for a meeting to discuss the situation.

Meanwhile, Eriksson is understood to have taken Italian Filippo Mancini on trial.

Mancini is the son of Roberto and he plays for his father at Internazionale.

He made his debut for Inter in the Coppa Italia earlier this month, but he is now believed to be trying his luck in England with City.

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