Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur linked with a summer move for Spanish international Nolito

Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur are the latest clubs linked with a move for Celta Vigo forward Nolito. Tele5 reported in a preview of the Spain's 1-0 victory over the Czech Republic that the former Barcelona winger was inching close to a move to the Etihad Stadium to reunite with Pep Guardiola – although they added that a Spurs scout was in attendance at the Euro 2016 game as Mauricio Pochettino is also keen on luring the player to White Hart Lane.

Mundo Deportivo later confirmed that City do have interest in the player, but negotiations are not at an advanced stage.

Nolito was one of the most sought-after players of the January transfer window after being linked with a move to both Barcelona and Arsenal. Luis Enrique wanted the 29-year-old Spaniard to serve him as back-up for Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar, having already coached him both at the Catalans' second team and at Celta.

Barcelona publicly admitted interest in the player but failed to complete his signing as, due to their financial situation, could not afford to pay his €18m (£14.3, $20.3m) release clause – and Celta turned down their proposal to procure him on loan with an option to make the move permanent at the end of the season.

Recent reports claimed that Barcelona may renew their efforts to secure Nolito during the coming summer transfer window - with Gerard Pique urging the club to trigger his release clause.

The player, who previously has admitted his desire to return to the Nou Camp, was more coy when asked about that possibility recently with the Spanish camp.

He said to Sport: "I'm quiet and only thinking about the European Championship. I don't usually see what is said about me and thus can concentrate on achievements.

"I neither like nor dislike [the idea of a move to Barça]. Since childhood I dreamt of playing with the Spanish team in the European Championship. Now I am enjoying this moment, nothing else.

But new reports in Spain claims that Nolito may move to the Premier League instead.

Firstly, popular Tele5 reporter Manu Carreno, claimed that the Spanish international is close to joining Manchester City, pointing out Guardiola was the manager who handed Nolito his first-team debut at the Nou Camp.

Then Carreno added that Spurs may also battle for his services as an scout from the North London club was at Spain's Euro opener against the Czech Republic to see him in action, with Nolito starting alongside Alvaro Morata and David Silva in attack.

Mundo Deportivo now claims sources close to the negotiation have confirmed that City sporting director Txiki Begiristain is trying to close the deal and, despite the negotiations are still in an initial phase, everything points to his move to the Etihad Stadium.

The Spanish publication claims that City are yet to negotiate with Celta but point out the only way to secure his services is by paying his €18m release clause in full as they will not negotiate below that price.

Nolito is understood to be likely to make the move to the Etihad Stadium, where he would be offered a three-year deal with an option to extend it one further season.

Should the reports be true Nolito could become Guardiola's second signing of the summer after the Premier League side already confirmed the arrival of Ilkay Gundogan from Borussia Dortmund.