Eriksson to grab Ljungberg

Manchester City are close to landing Arsenal's Freddie Ljungberg in a £6 million deal.

They held talks with the midfielder and his agent on Tuesday night.

City boss Sven Goran Eriksson originally rejected the idea of going for Ljungberg, 30, believing Arsenal wanted to keep him.

But the player was this week told by Arsene Wenger his first-team chances would be limited and he could talk to other clubs.

Eriksson is a huge fan of Ljungberg, having named him the best Swede still playing.

Fiorentina have also spoken to the star, who has two years left on his contract, and offered Arsenal £5.5m.

Eriksson discussed how much money he had to spend with new City owner Thaksin Shinawatra on Tuesday — and a £50m pot is available.

He is already on the verge of capturing Reggina striker Rolando Bianchi for £8.8m.

And he is trailing the hottest hitman at the Copa America, Mexico’s Nery Castillo.

Chelsea are also interested in Castillo, 23, who was top scorer at Greek side Olympiakos last season.

Manchester United tried to sign Castillo as a 16-year-old.

Off the field, Eriksson has commissioned a £250,000 upgrade of City’s Carrington training ground.

Source: TheSun.co.uk