Robinho has given the clearest indication yet that he intends to return to City in the summer.

The Brazil ace recently paid the rental on a £2m converted barn in Mobberley until January.

His current loan spell with Santos expires in July in time for Robinho to return to pre-season training with the Blues.

But since returning to his homeland in January, the £32.5m British record signing has increasingly appeared to distance himself from a return to Manchester.

This week he was reported to have said that current City boss Roberto Mancini "lacked quality" after putting him on as a substitute at Everton and then taking him off less than an hour later.

City released the player on a six-month deal - under which Santos pay his wages - in the hope that a spectacular World Cup would either reinvigorate him or at least raise his value ahead of a summer sale.

But Robinho himself has instructed's City's player welfare department to sort out the details of his house rental for another year - and he has not sold the £170,000 Lamborghini car he bought after joining City in 2008.

Ideally, City would like Robinho to return in top form - and have the added incentive of Champions League football and a couple of big-name new teammates.

Reports this week have linked them with Real Madrid's Argentine striker Gonzalo Higuain but Blues sources insist that no moves will be made until the club's position next season is determined.

Chelsea's Joe Cole would also be on City's radar, especially if they reach the Champions League and with Cole out of contract they could face a fight with neighbours United for the England man's signature.

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