Man City land Kevin De Bruyne in English record £57m transfer

Manchester City are expected to complete the signing of Belgium attacking midfielder Kevin De Bruyne from Wolfsburg for a Premier League record transfer fee in euro terms.

 

The early-season pace-setters are thought to have agreed to pay up to £57m for the 24-year-old former Chelsea player – the equivalent of €78m and slightly more than the €75m Manchester United spent on Angel Di Maria a year ago, although that fee equated to £60m due to a weaker pound.

 

De Bruyne’s imminent arrival continues a summer of lavish spending for City, who have already smashed their transfer record on £49m England winger Raheem Sterling as well as signing £32m defender Nicolas Otamendi,£10m youngster Patrick Roberts and £8m midfielder Fabian Delph.

 

Chelsea’s hopes of persuading Everton to part with John Stones look to have foundered after the Toffees rejected the 21-year-old England defender’s transfer request. The champions are believed to have failed with three offers for Stones, the latest for £37m, but Everton have held firm. The transfer window closes on Tuesday evening.

 

Tottenham have found West Brom similarly intractable in talks over England Under-21 striker Saido Berahino, who the Baggies yesterday informed would not be sold. Chairman Jeremy Peace said the Spurs bids, believed to have reached £22m, had been too low and also based on payments in instalments and add-ons.

Fees paid by English clubs in € and £