English newspaper The Daily Mirror report that Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has upped his scouting of Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Willian.
Discover the 30 nominees for the 2012 Samba Gold trophy
It was briefly reported last month that the English champions were watching both Willian, 24, and his Brazilian colleague in Donetsk, Fernandinho.
Now, the Mirror report that City scout Gary Worthington travelled to watch the former Corinthians midfielder in action as City look to add more creativity to their side after a second consecutive disappointing exit from the Champions League in two years.
With Shakhtar having comfortably qualified for the second-round of the competition, at the likely expense of reigning champions Chelsea, it is unlikely, though, that a deal will be completed in January.
The paper also reports that obtaining a work permit for the player could be difficult, with Willian having featured only twice for the Brazil National Team.
The Shakhtar player has scored four times in five Champions League appearances for his side this season and features amongst the nominees for the Samba Gold trophy 2012 – to be awarded to the best Brazilian player in Europe this year at the end of December.
