Felipe Caicedo's career is back on the up and he's aiming to keep it that way by making his mark in the Copa America as Ecuador mount their challenge in Argentina.

His move to Eastlands broke the transfer record for an Ecuadorian but the influx of strike power at City meant Caicedo has needed to follow his fortune with loan moves away from the club.

An unsuccessful spell at Sporting was followed by a more fruitful period with Malaga, where his goals and strong forward play helped them escape relegation from La Liga.

But it was at promoted Levante last season that the 22-year-old striker came into his own, and his 13th goal of the season in a 1-1 draw with champions Barcelona virtually clinched safety.

The cry 'Vamos Felipao' became the soundtrack to Levante's great escape

There is now widespread speculation that the Spanish side will trigger his buy-out clause from City with a view to trading him on, with Russian clubs said to be keen to sign him.

He wasn't able to find the net in Ecuador's final warm-up game at the weekend in Quito, where a second-half goal from striker Marco Fabian decided in favour of a young Mexican line-up.

But Caicedo, who won his first international cap at the age of 16 while on Basel's books, will still be seen as a danger man when Ecuador tackle Paraguay in their opening game.