MANCHESTER CITY SIGNS BRAZIL INTERNATIONAL FERNANDINHO FROM SHAKHTAR DONETSK.

CITY CONFIRM FERNANDINHO SIGNING.

Fernandinho was tipped for stardom after scoring the winner for Brazil in the final of the 2003 World Youth Championship. He is thought to have been on City’s radar for some time and he shone in front of an English audience when playing against Chelsea in the Champions League last season.The 28-year-old who had expressed his desire to sign for City passed a medical today after the two clubs agreed a £30million fee.

The signing is a decisive early blow for City in the transfer market after the frustrations of last summer.Former manager Roberto Mancini regularly blamed the failure to land major targets last year as one of the reasons for the team’s poor form.There has been a regime change since then with player recruitment now being driven by new director of football Txiki Begiristain.Manuel Pellegrini, whose appointment is expected to be announced soon, will be expected to work under the philosophy of the club chiefs.

Confirmation of the signing has come after Sevilla said earlier this week they had agreed a deal to sell Jesus Navas to City, although the Premier League club - still without a manager- are yet to announce a deal for the Spain winger.

SOURCES:THE SUN AND GUARDIAN.