City closing on Brazilian targets

City are just days away from finalising the terms of their move for Jo, the CSKA Moscow forward, but it is the news that the club have been given permission to talk to his compatriot, one of the most recognisable players in world football, that will really excite fans.

"We're almost there (with Jo). It might be in the next seven days, sooner if possible," Cook told Radio Five Live.

He added: "What's great to me is that a year ago we were looking at a very different player profile, so we are very excited by it.

"We want to set targets for ourselves individually, play better and get better. Mark does too and wants to work with that type of player."

As for Ronaldinho, Cook added: "It's a tenuous stage and I don't want to give too much away, but Barcelona gave us clearance to talk to him.

"We had some people in Brazil last weekend, who we've been talking to but we have a long, long list of things we need to get done because of the type of player he is - the world's greatest player.

"We're nowhere near completion but the most important thing is that he wants to get back and play football. He wants to show the world he is the greatest player. At the moment, though, we're just ticking off the boxes.

"I think the Manchester City fans, who are the most important part of this, would like to see Ronaldinho kicking off next season here."