Man United have gone top of the table after their 4-0 drubbing of Hull. See how this has changed the Premiership betting here.

Robinho says he is confident he will join his former club Santos on loan from Manchester City “in the next few days”.

The 26-year-old has been tipped to leave Eastlands, though City manager Roberto Mancini says he wants the Brazilian to stay.

But Robinho told Brazilian television network Globo: “It’s all on the right track. It’s 90% certain to happen.

Santos press officer, Arnaldo Hase, said: “Negotiations are on course, with a six-month loan most realistic.”

Robinho said Santos wanted a year-long loan with City looking at a six month arrangement, claiming that, “in two or three days, it should all be sealed.”

Hase, meanwhile, explained that Santos were close to reaching an agreement.

“Discussions between the directors of both clubs began last week and our marketing directors are in London to initiate talks,” he told BBC Radio 5 live.

“Of course Santos would like a longer deal, but I think six months would be closer.

“All Santos supporters are waiting for news and they are very excited.

“However the president is very prudent and he doesn’t like to celebrate a goal until the ball has been struck.”

Robinho, who cost a British transfer record £32.4m when he joined City from Real Madrid in 2008, is keen to be playing regular football with a World Cup approaching.

Santos president Luis Alvaro Ribeiro has also revealed that the deal struck with City could allow the English outfit first refusal on the Brazilian club’s youngsters Paulo Henrique Ganso and Neymar.

“They want the first choice to buy the two boys,” said Ribeiro. “That does not bother us because we sell the players for the best offer.

Man United have gone top of the table after their 4-0 drubbing of Hull. See how this has changed the Premiership betting here.

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