Manchester City are launching a bid for Bordeaux midfield schemer Yoann Gourcuff.

The Daily Star Sunday says City will go for Frenchman Gourcuff, 23, if they fail to win the £40million battle for his fellow countryman Franck Ribery, who is also wanted by Chelsea and Real Madrid.

Gourcuff is seen as a more realistic target for City than Bayern Munich's Ribery, who is expected to favour a move to Chelsea or Real Madrid.

Gourcuff who also played for Rennes and AC Milan, would cost about £25-£30million.