Manchester United and Manchester City enter bidding war for Roberto Firmino

Manchester United and Manchester city are set to enter a bidding war for Hoffenheim midfielder Roberto Firmino, according to German publication Bild.

The Red Devils have been heavily linked with the player with his agent confirming that he is on his way to England in the summer, but is yet to make any revelations over the club. The report states that the Bundesliga club will entertain a bid in the range of €30m (£21.7m, $33.85m) and whatever excess they can get with the two clubs embroiled in a transfer war for the Brazil international.

Liverpool are also believed to be interested but are unlikely to contend with the Manchester powerhouses that can blow the Reds out of the water with their financial superiority. The player is currently on international duty with Brazil, where he has managed to nail down a starting spot, ahead of competition from a lot of capable candidates.

Firmino has elevated himself to among the best attacking midfielders in the Bundesliga and has seen his value rise across Europe, with a lot of top clubs vying for his signature. Firmino has 21 assists in his last two seasons in the league, five less than the leader Kevin de Bruyne and is believed to be ready for a move to the Premier League.

Both teams have been heavily linked with a move for the player and would be going neck in neck for his signature. United have already completed the signing of Memphis Depay and are looking to add more players across the pitch in a bid to launch a sustainable title challenge next season.

The Citizens are also desperate to get their title back and with Financial Fair Play rules being relaxed are looking likely to spend heavily in the market. Arsenal and Chelsea have an embarrassment of riches in this department and have decided to stave away from the competition.