Shakhtar Donetsk head coach Mircea Lucescu has put a dent in Manchester City’s pursuit of midfielder Fernandinho – claiming the Brazilian will cost much more than the £23m last year’s Premier League champions are willing to spend.
Fernandinho, 27, has become one of the best midfielders in Europe over the past few years and has caught the eye of a number of top clubs with his performances for the Ukrainian giants in the Uefa Champions League.
However, Lucescu reckons it will cost at least £42m to get the midfielder and even went as far to say that it would be a step down for him to join City from Shakhtar.
Lucescu told Pro TV: "If City want to [sign Fernandinho], the clause is £42.3m.
"If our players receive offers from teams higher than Shakhtar, we do everything possible to help them. Currently, I think Manchester City are not at our level."
Fernandinho, who has a contract with Shakhtar until 2016, is seen as one of the top summer priorities by Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini as he plots to win back the Premier League title next season.
City are set for a busy summer all round, with a number of first team players expected to leave the club and with a number of high profile signings planned.
The club have been heavily linked with Marco Reus, of Borussia Dortmund, and Edison Cavani, of Napoli, in recent weeks but are also said to be looking at Tottenham star Gareth Bale.
Source: Daily Mail
