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Manchester City are set to win the race for £20million-rated Brazilian ace Roberto Firmino.

Deposed champions City are increasingly confident of beating their Premier League rivals to land the highly-rated Hoffenheim playmaker.

Manchester United and Arsenal have also had Firmino watched this season, while Liverpool and Chelsea were also keen before he signed a new contract a year ago.

That deal tied Firmino, now 23, to Hoffenheim until 2017, but the Germans are ready to cash in on him at the end of this season.

City have stolen a march on their rivals for his signature after holding talks with Firmino's club and agents.

And, with the Mancunian Blues planning a major overhaul of what is - on average - one of the top flight's oldest squads, Firmino is understood to be keen to become a part of their new-look team.

Firmino's reputation has been on the rise in the last couple of seasons and he has forced his way into the Brazil squad during this campaign.

With a ratio of a goal roughly every three games for Hoffenheim, City have identified Firmino as a player who could help ease the burden on star striker Sergio Aguero.