Manchester City Bolster Attacking Options with £20m Spanish Striker

Sevilla have confirmed that they have agreed to sell star striker Alvaro Negredo to Manchester City subject to the prolific goalscorer passing a medical.

Negredo has long been linked with a move to the Premier League after scoring 26 league goals last season, making him the top scoring Spaniard in La Liga and finishing fourth in the scoring charts behind Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Radamel Falcao.

The 27 year old took part in a farewell press conference in Seville as he revealed how new City boss Manuel Pellegrini had convinced him to make the move, whilst also declaring how much he was looking forward to working once again with Jesus Navas.

"Pellegrini called me, we shared opinions and he convinced me about everything," explained Negredo. "He told me what they could offer me there. It's a challenge for me and in this life you can't stand still. Now I start another journey and I'm very excited.

"I've spoken with Jesus this morning and I am happy to be with him for another year. He's such an important player and a great guy. It's a pleasure to play with him."

The BBC believe that Manchester City have paid around £20m for the Spain international who was part of the victorious squad at Euro 2012.

Sevilla had already sold Navas to City for £14.9m, while Luis Alberto made the move to Liverpool and Antonio Luna joined Aston Villa.

However, the president of the Spanish club Jose Maria del Nido revealed who pleased he was with the deal for Negredo.

"Manchester City are buying a great player, the top-scoring Spaniard in La Liga," said Del Nido.

"This is a big deal for Sevilla, the second most important in our history after we sold (now-Barcelona full-back) Daniel Alves, and the player will sign the contract of his life.

"Everyone should be happy - it is a great deal for all three parties."