Robinho nearer City exit

Brazilian nearing City exit but Mancini insists he can make a successful return

Last updated: 26th January 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Robinho nearer City exit

Robinho: Nearing exit

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Manchester City misfit Robinho is a step nearer the Eastlands exit door, with Santos believing a loan deal is now '98 per cent concluded'.

Santos president Luis Alvaro Ribeiro made the claim on Tuesday about bringing their former player back to the club.

Ribeiro believes a deal will be done on Thursday, although fellow Brazilian outfit Sao Paulo have also joined the chase for the former Real Madrid man.

The Santos president told Arena Sportv: "I would say that the negotiations have now advanced three percentage points from the 95 per cent.

"I hope it will increase one per cent every 24 hours.

Finalising

"There are a few financial and contractual details still to sort out. But we are finalising them and I think it will be this Thursday."

But City boss Roberto Mancini has again reiterated his praise for the £32.5million British record signing - and left the door firmly open for a return.

The former Inter Milan boss drew comparisons with another Brazilian striker he managed - Adriano.

He said: "I remember another situation with a top player who didn't play for their club.

"He went somewhere else for six months and played then came back and did well again.

"It is important for any player to be happy. If it is not possible, it is normal that you can change clubs for six months.

"But Robinho is a good player who has played well in every game."