Manchester City will allow Brazil star Robinho to leave the club if he wants to go.

Talks between City and Robinho's representatives are expected today and it is believed the club will not stand in his way if he is keen on making a permanent shift to homeland club Santos.

Robinho joined the Eastlands club from Real Madrid for £32.5million two years ago but apart from a few instances of brilliance, has failed to live up to his huge price tag.

City are believed to be prepared to take a financial hit on Robinho and will let him leave but may have to help out with his £160,00-a-week wage wherever he ends up.

Turkish club Besiktas, now managed by ex-Real Madrid boss Bernd Schuster, are believed to be interested but Santos hold the key to securing his services.