Having already signed Bernardo Silva from AS Monaco this summer, Manchester City have significantly increased competition for places in the centre of the park.

And with Citizens believed to be in the market for a couple of more signings in the final third of the pitch, Brazilian midfielder Fernando is aware that his already limited playing time at the Etihad could be given another severe blow in the next season.

The 29-year-old is therefore widely expected to leave Manchester this summer as he hopes to earn first-team football elsewhere.

Fernando made 27 appearances last season but failed to secure a first-team status under Pep Guardiola and will be allowed to leave during the summer transfer window. And the Turkish media outlet Milliyet is now suggesting that Galatasaray are closing in on the signing of Brazilian midfielder.  

Galatasaray are believed to have already agreed personal terms with the player and are close to finalising a three-year deal that will see Fernando earn just under £2 million per season.

The Turkish heavyweights are yet to reach an agreement over the transfer fee with Manchester City, but the Premier league club are unlikely to stand in their player’s way.

Fernando was not included in Manchester City’s squad for the club’s preseason’s trip to the United States which only intensified rumours about his imminent departure from the Etihad.

Manchester City are opening their preseason with a derby match against Manchester United in the International Champions Cup and are currently standing at the 2.40 betting odds to claim a win against their city rivals.