Sevilla pave way for Negredo exit

Sevilla are preparing to announce Alvaro Negredo's departure for Manchester City after calling a "farewell" press conference for this evening.

Spain international striker Negredo, who scored 25 Primera Division goals last season, is set to join the Barclays Premier League runners-up for a reported 23million euro fee.

Sevilla president Jose Maria del Nido this morning confirmed the Andalusian outfit were "about to close on the sale of the player" and this evening saw a further announcement published on the club's official website, sevillafc.es.

It read: "It's official: Alvaro Negredo is the new player of Manchester City, pending medical examinations, so Sevilla FC have organised a farewell ceremony at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan at 1830 BST this evening.

"Sevilla president Jose Maria del Nido will accompany the striker as he bids farewell."

Should the deal go through, Negredo will follow £15million winger Jesus Navas from Seville to Manchester, with Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho representing City boss Manuel Pellegrini's other summer signing to date.

Del Nido earlier told his club's website: "We are about to close on the sale of the player and, if everything goes normally and everything is signed, he will soon say goodbye to the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.

"Manchester City are buying a great player, the top-scoring Spaniard in La Liga. This is a big deal for Sevilla, the second most important in our history after we sold (now-Barcelona full-back) Daniel Alves, and the player will sign the contract of his life.

"Everyone should be happy; it is a great deal for all three parties."