Manchester City agree deal for Silva

Silva had also been linked with Chelsea (GETTY IMAGES)

Manchester City have reached agreement with Valencia to sign Spain forward David Silva.

The 24-year-old, who is currently at the World Cup with his national squad, has agreed a five-year deal at Eastlands.

Silva will undergo a medical and the transfer will be formally completed once his involvement in South Africa is over.

Speaking from Spain's World Cup base, Silva told the club's website, www.mcfc.co.uk: "Firstly I would like to thank Valencia as a club and all of their loyal fans, and my team-mates there and staff.

"I have enjoyed six years at Valencia, they discovered me as a footballer and they will always be a special club for me.

"The time is right for me to seek a new challenge, and I am thrilled about playing in England with Manchester City.

"I believe the Premier League is one of the best competitions in the world and I want to bring success to City and win trophies for them.

"There has been a lot of speculation about me in the British and Spanish media, and I need to fully concentrate on playing for Spain in the World Cup.

"That is why my advisors have been dealing with City for me, so that I can have my attentions only on South Africa and playing well for my national team."

The fleet-footed Silva is comfortable on either wing and can play as a supporting striker.

A fee is yet to be confirmed for the player, who came through the youth ranks at Valencia after joining the club at the age of 14.

Silva has surprisingly not featured much at the current World Cup, playing only in their opening loss to Switzerland.

City boss Roberto Mancini said: "I think that David Silva is one of the best midfielders in Europe, and I hope he will be a very important player for Manchester City.

"I am so pleased he is coming to us, I think he can make a big, big impact for Manchester City.

"In signing David, we are showing the world that we are bringing the best players here and that we hope to compete to win the Premier League.

"When players see what is happening at Manchester City and the ambition they are attracted to what we are building and want to be a part of it."

City are again expected to be highly active in the transfer market this summer and a deal for Barcelona midfielder Yaya Toure is also thought to be close.

That would unite the Ivory Coast international with his brother Kolo, the City captain.