City close in on double deal

Sagna and Fernando transfers imminent

City are expected to conclude their first transfer deals of the summer this week, with Arsenal fullback Bacary Sagna and Porto midfielder Fernando poised to sign.

Sagna, 31, is available on a free transfer after his Arsenal contract expired and will provide valuable back-up to Pablo Zabaleta. Zabaleta, the club's first choice right back, was forced to play 48 games last season as Micah Richards struggled with injuries and form, and Ricards is likely to leave the club this summer. West Ham are amongst the clubs rumoured to be interested in the Yorkshire born defender.

City tried in vain to sign Brazilian Fernando in the January transfer window, but Porto refused to sell the midfielder. He signed a new contract with the Portuguese club, but on the proviso that he would be allowed to leave in the summer. Fernando's arrival casts doubts over the futures of Jack Rodwell and Javi Garcia.

The Blues are expected to make one further signing this summer, with a centre-half a priority. Fernando's team mate Eliaquim Mangala has been linked but is thought to be stalling on a deal. City have lined up Roma defender Mehdi Benatia as an alternative.