Blues target set for Cesena

Nagatomo: City target

Birmingham target Yuto Nagatomo is on the verge of joining Serie A newcomers Cesena on-loan, according to reports.

The 23-year-old is an established Japan international and has made quite an impression at the World Cup finals in South Africa, where he helped the 'Blue Samurai' reach the last-16 of the tournament for the first time on foreign soil.

The Premier League outfit are not the only club chasing Nagatomo as Roma, Real Mallorca and Borussia Dortmund have all expressed an interest, although the Italians look to be favourites to sign the versatile defender.

Cesena manager Massimo Ficcadenti believes that a deal will be finalised within the next few days telling Nikkan Sports newspaper: "My plan is to have the club acquire Nagatomo. We do not have an official deal yet, but I have heard the transfer will be decided within days."

The defender is likely to secure a loan deal with the Serie A side with the option of a permanent move from his current club, FC Tokyo, where he has spent his career so far.

Nagatomo can play across the backline, but has been predominantly used as left-back. He has been capped 30 times for the national side since making his debut in May 2008.