Manchester City are chasing Hoffenheim midfielder Roberto Firmino. The People says City welcomed the agents of the 23-year-old Hoffenheim midfielder to the Etihad this week as preliminary talks started over a £20million transfer, firing the first shots in the race to win the playmaker's signature.

It is not known whether the approach was sanctioned by boss Manuel Pellegrini - or from those in charge of recruitment.

Firmino has been on the radar of Europe's top clubs for two years and has thrived at the small Bundesliga outfit.