PSG coup as Alves picks Paris over Manchester

Paris St-germain are to sign Dani Alves from under the noses of Manchester City.

The Brazilian full-back is in Paris and has completed a medical ahead of an expected two-year deal being announced tomorrow in what is something of a coup.

The development is a blow to City, who need to recruit new fullbacks having let Pablo Zabaleta, Bacary Sagna and Gael Clichy leave after their contracts expired.

City had been in pole position to sign Alves after the 34-year-old took up the option in his contract to terminate his deal with Juventus, making him available on a free transfer. He played for City manager Pep Guardiola at Barcelona and the pair held talks.

However, PSG have moved quickly to hijack the deal as they begin an ambitious recruitment drive this summer with a budget of £200 million, plus whatever they generate in the transfer market, to make a push to win the Champions League and regain the French title.

Despite PSG’S interest, City had remained confident Alves would sign for them but there has been a decisive shift to the French club in the past 48 hours. The fact PSG have a number of Brazilians – such as captain Thiago Silva – has helped swing the move in their favour.

City have so far struggled to agree a deal with Monaco for their left-back Benjamin Mendy, having had an initial offer rejected as the French champions hold out for £40 million.

The 2014 Premier League champions, who fly out on their pre-season tour next Monday, have not given up hope of signing the French international. City also remain the favourites to acquire Kyle Walker and are in talks with Tottenham Hotspur for the rightback. Another possible target is Southampton’s Ryan Bertrand.