Manchester City set to beat Manchester United in race for Roberto Firmino

Manchester City have emerged favourites to sign Hoffenheim midfielder Roberto Firmino in the summer, according to the Daily Mirror.

The Brazilian had generated a lot of interest from the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal, but the Cityzens have surged ahead in the race after talking to his representatives over the past few days.

City are planning a major overhaul in the summer and have earmarked the player as a replacement for Yaya Toure, who is all but set to make his way out of the club in the summer.

Firmino, 23, has the potential to be a major asset for the Cityzens next season, having already made his way into the Brazil first team. His addition will alleviate the pressure on their strikers, notably Sergio Aguero, whose form has dipped over the course of the season.

Manuel Pellegrini is also looking to make major changes across the length of the field and bring them back to the level of Chelsea in the race for the title. The Blues secured the league title with three games left in the season and Jose Mourinho has already set his wheels in motion to strengthen in the summer.

United are also looking to invest heavily, having already secured the services of Memphis Depay and are looking to get things done quickly so as to prepare themselves better for next season.

City have scored 90 goals in all competitions this season, a massive downgrade from when they scored 100 goals in the Premier League itself last season. Firmino, who averages a goal every three games, will be a great addition to the squad in a bid to increase their threat through the middle.

Pellegrini's side are currently second in the league, level on points with Arsenal, who have a game in hand. However, the manager's future is still in doubt after failing to live up to expectations in the league this season, having won the title last year.