City linked with surprise move for Willian

Brazilian could be available in Anzhi "fire sale"

ESPN Brazil have claimed that City offered £35m for Anzhi star Willian (24) days ago, but may now lower their bid given the Russian club's recent problems.

During a tumultuous 48 hours Anzhi have sacked coach Rene Meulensteen after just 16 days in charge, slashed their annual budget and made a number of their top players available for sale.

Willian would be reunited with his former Shakhtar team mate Fernandinho should the move materialise, but a deal looks unlikely with the wealth of attacking options that City already possess.

Any deal would presumably be reliant on Samir Nasri leaving the club, with Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco potential suitors.