Manchester City move closer to signing former Chelsea midfielder Kevin De Bruyne

Manchester City have stepped up their efforts in signing Wolfsburg midfielder Kevin De Bruyne this summer, according to the Daily Mail.

The 24-year-old joined the German club from Chelsea in January 2014 and has been in fine form. During the 2014/15 season, he scored 16 goals and registered 27 assists in all competitions.

De Bruyne was a transfer target for City's local rivals Manchester United in January and The Mirror has reported that Louis van Gaal's side are still interested in signing the former Blues midfielder.

However, City are set to beat United in landing the Belgium international in the summer transfer window. His agent will meet Wolfsburg to discuss De Bruyne's future as City are keen on securing his services.

The Bundesliga outfit Klaus Allofs remains confident De Bruyne will stay in Germany. However, the Wolfsburg star will inform his current employers to listen to offers when he will sit for talks over a new deal.

The ex-Chelsea man's agent Patrick de Koster admitted that his client could leave Wolfsburg, but it will take a ridiculous offer for any potential suitors to tempt De Bruyne to leave.

"Kevin definitely stay with Wolfsburg? I await their proposal. Let the club prove that he is incredibly important and that they themselves are ambitious. They can call if they have a top offer prepared. It could turn out to be a ridiculous proposal," De Koster explained.

After struggling at Chelsea, De Bruyne earlier admitted that he is open to returning to the Premier League, which had alerted both City and United. However, it looks like Manuel Pellegrini's side have taken the lead for the Belgian's signature.

"If I leave, I have no preference where I go. In my head, it is 95 % I won't go to Russia or Italy. It is not my style of play," De Bruyne said.

"But England, Spain, France or the Bundesliga, yes. They are the best leagues. They are some very good teams. That appeals to me," the midfielder stressed.

"We will discuss my future, the club and me, once the season is finished," he said and added, "I have not caused any problems. I am going to take my time."