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Jack Rodwell can leave Manchester City following Fernando’s £12million arrival, with Everton and West Brom leading the race for him.

City confirmed Fernando’s capture from Porto on Thursday and will now look to offload fellow midfielder Rodwell, who has managed just seven league starts since his £12million move from Everton two years ago.

Rodwell, 23, does not feature prominently in Manuel Pellegrini’s first-team plans and Fernando’s signing will push him even further down the midfield pecking order.

Everton boss Roberto Martinez tried to sign him on loan in January, when City first moved for Fernando, and remains interested in the England international, who has been dogged by injury.

Gareth Barry was a big success last season at Goodison on loan from City and Martinez feels Rodwell could have a similar impact back at the club where he made his name.

West Brom’s new manager Alan Irvine knows Rodwell from their time together at Everton and hopes this will persuade him to come to The Hawthorns.

(Image: Getty)

Fernando, 26, will meet his new City team-mates when he reports for pre-season training in a fortnight and wants to help them retain the Premier League title.

“I’m so happy to finally be joining Manchester City,” said the Brazilian-born Portuguese. “I know there was talk of me possibly signing last January, so I’m delighted the deal has now been done and that I’m a City player.

“I’m looking forward to meeting my new team-mates and helping City to defend the title. It’s a very exciting time to be part of this football club and I cannot wait to play in the Premier League.

“City fans can be assured I will give my all every time I play and I’m looking forward to many happy years in Manchester.

“I have enjoyed my stay with Porto and I thank the club and the fans for their support during my time in Portugal. Now I am ready for a new chapter in my career.”