Eriksson aiming to trim City squad

John Nisbet
Tuesday 28 August 2007 19:00 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Sven Goran Eriksson has warned his fringe players to leave the club now or face being left out in the cold for the rest of the season. The Manchester City manager insists that he is still working in the transfer market to bring in new players before the window closes at the weekend.

But ahead of the Carling Cup tie at Bristol City tonight Eriksson has made it very clear he wants several players to go. He confirmed: "A few players are in negotiations with other clubs with our permission." Darius Vassell, Georgios Samaras and Bernardo Corradi are the three most likely to leave.

Eriksson said: "There are a lot of rumours not just of Darius Vassell going but some of the others. There are others who will leave, we will see over the next few days. We have a few players, three or four, who are in discussions with other clubs. I am sure something will happen. It is only fair, it is not good to have too many players who are not playing football."

Corradi is believed to be in negotiations with Siena over a return to Italy, while Vassell has rejected moves to Besiktas and Derby, but it is possible the Premier League's bottom club could make another approach.

Eriksson also wants to find new clubs for Danny Mills and Paul Dickov.

The former England manager added: "I have spoken to some of the players here who still have contracts but are not in the team. You have to be fair and tell them that they will not play much football if they stay here. It is professional and correct to tell them now."

Eriksson, who has already spent around £40million, has been linked with Portugal international Nuno Gomes, but would only say: "We are working hard on transfers, something will happen but Friday is very close. I will not comment on names that have been suggested, we will see on Friday."

Eriksson plans to give the club's academy youngsters their chance, and right-sided defender Shaleum Logan will make his senior debut at Aston Gate after impressing in pre-season.

Eriksson says: "The young players here are the future of this club, particularly Michael Johnson. Logan will also come in and play at Bristol, he can play right-back or right-midfield.

"I have been very surprised by the amount of very good young players here, lads like Micah Richards I knew a little about, but Johnson, Stephen Ireland, Logan, they are all impressive."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in