Skysports.com understands that Lucho Gonzalez is very
high on Sven Goran Eriksson's wanted list at Manchester
City.
However, Porto are asking for 20million (£13.5million) for their
skipper and are unlikely to drop their price.
Valencia and Villarreal have both made offers, with Los Che
understood to be willing to pay £12million - but Porto do not look
like budging.
The 26-year-old Argentine international, currently playing in the
Copa America, joined Porto two years ago but he now seems ready to
move to one of Europe's premier competitions.
Valencia are leading the chase, but City are ready to join in,
whilst a number of other English clubs including Tottenham, Aston
Villa and West Ham are closely monitoring the situation.
Whilst remaining hot on Gonzalez's trail, Valencia insist they will
not be forced into making a new offer.
"It is necessary to remain calm, we have many good players - there
is no need to rush the negotiations," said Valencia sporting
director Miguel Angel Ruiz.
City boss Eriksson looks as if he could bring in up to ten players
before the season starts, but so far the club have only agreed a
deal for Reggina front-man Rolando Bianchi.
Eriksson still has extensive links in Portugal following his spell
as Benfica boss and it is believed that he is using his contacts to
try and set up a deal for Gonzalez.