Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan claims Manchester City are close to agreeing a deal with Udinese for him.

Gyan recently revealed he is keen on a move to England and admitted he was a boyhood Manchester United fan.

But the champions' local rivals are said to be exploring the possibility of a £6million deal as Sven-Goran Eriksson looks to bolster his attacking options.

Gyan is quoted in The Sun as saying: "I'm aware that Manchester City have nearly completed negotiations with my club, so hopefully I will be playing in England next season."

Portsmouth, who signed Gyan's compatriot Sulley Muntari from Udinese in the summer, have also been linked with a bid for the forward.

Gyan joined Udinese in 2003 from Liberty Professionals and the president of his former club Alhaji Sly Tetteh claims he will be leaving the Italian side.

The pacy frontman, who turned 22 on Thursday, has scored three goals in 11 appearances for Udinese this season.