Manchester City are close to signing Reggina striker Rolando Bianchi in a €13m deal, according to reports in Italy.

Bianchi, who was the fourth top-scorer in Serie A last season, has been linked with a number of clubs over the close-season, but City have emerged as the favourites to land the 24-year-old.

Reggina president Lillo Foti has confirmed that Bianchi was set to move abroad.

“The operation should be done in the next few hours,” said Foti.

“Will he go abroad? There is a good possibility.

“The boy would like to remain in Italy, to have the chance with the national team – but there are important offers and he has the ability and characteristics to assert himself, without being here.

“Juventus and Napoli both said they would satisfy our demands – that was in excess of €10million – but the two clubs have done nothing.”

Bianchi has admitted that he would be happy to move abroad.

“I could go to a foreign club,” Bianchi told Rai Sport.

“I have never discarded any opportunity, from an Italian point of view to stay in Italy does appeal – but that is difficult.

“Then there is the consideration of the other offers which are foreign.”