A spate of reports are suggesting that Lucio, the Brazilian defender, is set to join Manchester City for a fee in the region of £7m.

Further, it has been reported that negotiations have been completed and a contact is in place, all that is needed is the player's signature, something that by all accounts is a formality.

City have recently released Glauber Berti, a fellow Brazilian, but of course retain the services of Robinho, Elano, as well as the loaned-out Jo.

It is the first sign of the improvements that Mark Hughes is making in the defence at the club.

More to follow...