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Shakhtar star Fernandinho told not to 'step down' with Manchester City move
MANCHESTER CITY have been dealt a blow in their mid to sign Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Fernandinho this summer.
Fernandinho has been heavily linked with a switch to Manchester City, who are hopeful of landing the Brazilian for around £20 million.
However, Roberto Mancini's move for the 27-year-old has hit an early obstacle, with Fernandinho's coach Mircea Lucescu quoting a valuation of double City's and claiming a move to the Etihad would represent a 'step down' for his player.
"If City want to [sign Fernandinho], the clause is €50m [£42.3m]," Lucescu told Romanian TV station Pro TV.
"If our players receive offers from teams higher than Shakhtar, we do everything possible to help them. Currently, I think Manchester City are not at our level.
"In the second half, everything changed on the pitch. I would like to mention the character of two players in this regard - Fernandinho and Srna.
Fernandinho helped Shakhtar lift the Ukrainian Premier League title at the weekend, having exited the Champions League to Borussia Dortmund in the Round of 16.
Meanwhile, Mancini is plotting a bid for Argentine defender Diego Novaretti - who plays in Mexico with Deportivo Toluca - who is available on a free transfer.