City are set to pay a £35 million fee for the Brazilian, which would make him the most expensive goalkeeper in history in pound sterling although the £33m Juventus paid Parma for Gianluigi Buffon in 2001 is a higher fee in euros.

Ederson will sign a six-year contract with the deal set to be completed on July 1 when the transfer window officially opens.

"It's been in the newspapers and the media for a while. When I knew it was real, that they were really interested in me, I was very happy because it's good to see your work recognised," he told City's official website.

"I like everything [about City], everything in general. Manchester City is a great club, the league they have here in England, they have amazing fans and they play splendid football. I have always had the dream to play in English football and now I'm going to make it true.

"It's a club that has been developing a lot lately. Now with Pep Guardiola they are growing more and more. They are putting in place a young team for the future. Those were important factors in making my decision.

"Manchester City has an amazing squad. I think they managed to have a good season. Next season, we will have to be focused to achieve the goal of winning trophies."

The 23-year-old is set to compete with Claudio Bravo for the No. 1 spot after the Chile international struggled in his first season following a move from Barcelona last August.

England goalkeeper Joe Hart is also due back at City, following a season-long loan at Torino, although he is expected to leave the club permanently this summer.

Willy Caballero, who finished the season as first choice at the club, will be released this summer when his contract expires.

Ederson will now link up with the Brazil national team squad for friendlies with Argentina and Australia although he is yet to be capped by the Selecao.

He became Benfica's No. 1 in 2015 after an injury to Julio Cesar and last season made 34 starts as they won the Portuguese double, with the cup final triumph over Vitoria Guimares his last appearance for the club.

He admitted that he was looking forward to the opportunity of working with City boss Guardiola.

"He is going to be very important. He demands a lot of the players, gets the best of them and I don't think it's going to be different with me," Ederson added.

"I hope I can meet his expectations. He had an influence on my decision to come here. Guardiola's teams have always been successful and I don't think Manchester City is going to be different.

"I want to win the Premier League and the Champions League. Those are my two main goals in this shirt."