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City opened talks with Wolfsburg last week on a £35m deal for former Chelsea winger De Bruyne, 23.

And City are also confident of signing Brazilian midfielder Firmino, 23, for £18m as they reshape their squad after this season’s disappointments.

City officials have been to Germany to set up the summer signings. Their interest in Belgian star De Bruyne was first reported in the Daily Star Sunday.

It is understood City skipper Vincent Kompany, De Bruyne’s international team-mate, has recommended the Blues to his friend.

And he has also confirmed to his club that City’s glowing scouting reports on De Bruyne are an accurate assessment of his talent.

Firmino, meanwhile, has been identified by Txiki Begiristain, City’s sporting director and transfer fixer, as a player to make a big impact in the Premier League.

And although his playing style is more attacking, Firmino is a potential replacement for Yaya Toure.

Firmino, who made his debut for Brazil last year, has also been assessed by Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea.

City’s shake-up will also see a number of departures from the club, but defender Aleksandar Kolarov is in no rush to find the exit door.

The Serbian left-back, 29, is an £8m target for Serie A sides Inter Milan and Roma, but will not make any quick decisions.

Manuel Pellegrini’s City are in the market for a player in Kolarov’s position, with Monaco’s Layvin Kurzawa, 22, the most likely arrival.

City winger Scott Sinclair, meanwhile, has discussed a £3m move to Aston Villa. Sinclair, 26, is currently on loan at Villa Park.