Manchester City look to have made their first major signing of the summer transfer window after they agreed a fee with Everton for Jack Rodwell.
The midfielder is set to undergo a medical with the Premier League champions later today with the deal to be confirmed.
The fee remains undisclosed, although it's believed to be in the region of £15m.
Roberto Mancini, speaking to ITV Sport before City's Community Shield clash with Chelsea, said: "Jack is a young player - he will be an important midfielder for the England national team for the future, and for us I hope.
"We needed to put in (midfield) a player with good attitude, who wants to win, and I think he will be a top player for sure."
The Toffees released this statement on their official website earlier today: "Everton have agreed an undisclosed fee with Manchester City for the transfer of Jack Rodwell.
"The midfielder is set to undergo a medical with the Premier League champions on Sunday."
Speculation has surrounded the England international's future for the past few seasons, with City's great rivals Manchester United the club he has been most consistently linked with.
But City have swooped in for the 21-year-old a week before the new season begins.
The arrival of the Everton youth player will appease Mancini who earlier this week bemoaned the lack of transfer activity at the Etihad.
For Everton, it will have been difficult to part with one of their best players, particularly to City. Manager David Moyes was furious with City's conduct during the £24m transfer of Joleon Lescott in 2009. Moyes criticised City for the manner in which they conducted themselves over the transfer saga, describing their behaviour as "disgusting" at the time.
Rodwell, who has made 85 appearances for Everton after making his debut in 2007, also has two England caps, making his senior debut in England's 1-0 friendly win over Spain.
Rodwell has been selected for Roy Hodgson's England squad for the friendly against Italy on Wednesday.
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