Robinho, who arrived at Eastlands for a British record transfer fee of £32.5 million in 2008, has widely failed to deliver and is desperate for regular first team football in a bid to cement his place in the Brazilian World Cup squad.
While Citizens boss Roberto Mancini has urged the former Real Madrid man to stick it out at City, it is believed Robinho is adamant that a loan move remains the best option in fulfilling his international aspirations.
Benfica have also emerged as potential suitors, but would undoubtedly struggle to meet his hefty wage demands.
Despite the almost inevitable departure of Robinho it appears Mancini is more concerned with the defensive options at his disposal and the Italian is rumoured to be interested in signing AS Roma full-back Marco Motta on a loan deal.
Elsewhere, Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp is allegedly poised to make one final attempt to lure Palermo's Danish defender Simon Kjaer to White Hart Lane.
Spurs are also rumoured to have entered the race to sign AC Milan striker Klass-Jan Huntelaar.
The Dutchman only arrived in Milan in the summer, but has failed to make an impression at the San Siro and like Robinho is desperate to secure a World Cup place.
Tottenham supposedly face competition for his signature from a host of other Premier League teams, including Everton and Arsenal and any move would almost certainly be dependent on the departure of Roman Pavlyuchenko.
West Ham are also looking to bolster their strike force and have been linked with a move for out-of-favour Stoke striker James Beattie.
The Hammers are also said to be interested in Lens forward Toifilou Maoulida who has strongly hinted that he may be on the verge of joining the Premier League. It is unclear whether Upton Park will in fact be his destination though, as Wigan and Stoke are also said to be in the race to sign the Frenchman.
- Gareth Burton
Source: DSG
Source: DSG