Manchester City Sign Sevilla Striker Alvaro Negredo Pending Medical Tests

Manchester City have reached an agreement with Sevilla to sign striker Alvaro Negredo, according to the La Liga club's official site. Medical tests are the final hurdle.

Goal.com passed along the translated version of the statement:

"

Alvaro Negredo is a Manchester City player, short of doing the medical tests. Sevilla has organised a farewell gathering for the player at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan this evening at 18.30 BST, so that those who have been his team-mates can say goodbye before leaving for [the pre-season tour of] South America. The Sevilla president, Jose Maria del Nido, will accompany the striker at this farewell.

"

The 27-year-old Spanish international scored 25 goals in 36 league appearances for the Sevillistas last season. He previously played for Almeria, Rayo Vallecano and Real Madrid's B squad.

Now, Negredo heads to England to help bolster the Manchester City attack. As it stands, he will join Edin Dzeko and Sergio Aguero at Etihad Stadium as City attempt to recapture the Premier League title from rival Manchester United.

One of the biggest differences between the two squads last season was the attack. City finished with 20 fewer goals than United after outscoring them by four the previous campaign en route to the title.

Manager Manuel Pellegrini hopes the addition of Negredo, who will face the biggest challenge of his career so far, can help offset that gap.    

Negredo is an intriguing attacking talent. What he lacks in pace he makes up for in size and finishing ability. His ability to win balls in the era, especially off set pieces, should become an asset for City immediately.

Unlike players who arrive to the EPL from smaller leagues, Negredo should make a smooth transition after his success in Spain's top division. He finished fourth in goals behind the dominant trio of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Radamel Falcao.

Exactly what role he'll play within the squad remains uncertain given the club's numerous attacking options. It should become more clear once the transfer activity dies down and the new campaign arrives, forcing Pellegrini to make some choices.

Regardless of his role, Negredo should be able to make an instant impact for Manchester City.