Loading...Spending spree for Eriksson, Man City set to add two more signing
Manchester City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson is preparing to take a major foray into the transfer market this week, with as many as three new signings expected before Saturday's friendly clash with Valencia.
Eriksson has been linked with scores of players since succeeding Stuart Pearce in the Blues hotseat last month but has so far been limited to just four purchases, topped by the £8.8million arrival of Rolando Bianchi from Reggina.
But the relative peace is set to be shattered as Eriksson reinforces his squad ahead of his first season as a Premier League manager.
Speculation in Italy is mounting that a £6million bid for Bulgarian striker Valeri Bojinov has been accepted by Fiorentina, while Real Sociedad's Javi Garrido is also a confirmed target.
In addition, Eriksson is ready to pay £4million for Croatia defender Vedran Corluka.
The 21-year-old was part of the Croatian side which defeated England in the Euro 2008 qualifiers last October and while the Dinamo Zagreb star would not qualify for a work permit under the current criteria, City are almost certain to win any appeal.
Corluka's arrival would signal the end of Eriksson's much-publicised pursuit of Giorgio Chellini, whose widely-anticipated move to Eastlands now appears to have broken down.
The transfer would also effectively mark the end of both Danny and Matthew Mills' time at City, with Georgios Samaras also heading for the exit door once the signing of Bojinov is concluded.
Samaras' name will be forever linked with Pearce's ill-advised transfer dealings.
At a time when City had nothing like the fortunes new owner Thaksin Shinawatra has invested over the past few weeks, Pearce spent £6million on Samaras.
His 'uncut diamond' showed brief glimpses of talent but all too often he looked out of his depth in the Premier League and Bojinov would be expected to better the Greek's return of eight goals in 51 games.
Bojinov's promise has been known for some time. Having made his Serie A debut with Lecce at just 16, he moved to Fiorentina for £10million two years ago but quickly lost his place and spent last season on loan at Juventus.
However, Juve coach Claudio Ranieri opted not to renew Bojinov's contract and with the 21-year-old vowing he would never play for Fiorentina again, the prospect of life in England obviously appeals.
Bojinov would also double the Bulgarian contingent at City, with Martin Petrov, who snubbed a move to Tottenham in order to join the Eriksson revolution, due to make his debut at Shrewsbury tonight.
Meanwhile, City have confirmed their Premier League trip to Blackburn has been put back 24 hours to Sunday, September 2 due to their opponents' UEFA Cup commitments.
Source: Soccernet.com
