While exact details of the transfer fee and length of Navas' contract remain unclear, the 27-year-old right forward is set to become Manuel Pellegrini's first signing at Manchester City, as the Chilean manager looks to reboot the 2011/12 Premier League champions.

Navas, who is sixth on the list of players with the most appearances for Sevilla (395 matches), will join only his second professional club after 10 seasons with the southern Spanish outfit.

In an official release on Monday, Sevilla paid tribute to the diminutive winger, hailing his dribbling ability with 'impossible rhythm changes', while also reminiscing about the crucial role Navas played in the club's UEFA Cup titles of 2006 and 2007, as well as scoring a goal in the 2010 Copa del Rey triumph.

"At 27, he leaves after almost a lifetime, leaving a trail of successes and as a legendary footballer...in short, a unique player," the club said.

Navas' transfer will raise some eyebrows as the Spain international has struggled with chronic homesickness throughout his career, which has seen him knock back opportunities with the Spanish national team, as well as away trips with Sevilla in European competitions.

But having helped Spain with the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and Euro 2012 in Ukraine and Poland, Navas has seemingly turned a corner in recent years.

Navas will join Manchester City after completing his duties with Spain at this month's Confederations Cup in Brazil, where he should add to his 23 international caps.

And he admits he is keen to grow as a player in the Premier League.

He told Sevilla's official website: "I am very happy with the decision. I want to thank the fans and the club all you have given me.

 

"It was my choice. I want to grow there and they have invested a lot in me and I want to keep blossoming there.

"It was a decision I made and wanted to keep. It is difficult because I have had many enjoyable years here, but I had decided I wanted to go there. It's a very good move for me and I did not hesitate at all."