Man City lead Man Utd and FC Barcelona in race to sign Alexis Sanchez - report

Manchester City are reportedly hopeful that they can beat Barcelona, Chelsea and Manchester United to the £27million signing of Alexis Sanchez this week

The four clubs are all battling to sign the Udinese winger and although it is believed the Chile international is keen on moving to Spanish champions Barca, a move to England is looking more likely.

Barca are struggling to raise funds and last week failed with a cash-plus-player deal which would have seen Bojan Krkic join the Italians.

But according The People, Man City are leading the race to sign the 22-year-old after making a £27m bid for Sanchez - and promising that they will pay the fee in one lump sum.

Barca and Premier League champions Man Utd are both reportedly proposing to pay the fee over a three or four year period.

According to Sunday's report, Udinese could make a decision on Sanchez as early as Monday when the club's president meets with the player's agents in Italy.

Man Utd chief executive David Gill has already held talks with Udinese officials this week in Barcelona, where the Italians had already spoken to Barca about a possible deal for the Chilean.

According to reports on Wednesday, Gill was also seen speaking with Sanchez’s representatives as he looks to land one of manager Sir Alex Ferguson's top transfer targets