Manchester City manager Sven Goran Eriksson is to be handed
more than £150million with explicit instructions from owner Thaksin
Shinawatra to make his club the best in Europe. The bulk of the
spending will take place next summer and the club believe that no
player will be considered out of their price range. That could even
lead to spectacular bids for the likes of Barcelona's South
American pair Leo Messi and Ronaldinho, or Brazilian playmaker
Kaka, of AC Milan, although nailing down such big names is another
matter.
The first big target of the January transfer window will be Peter
Crouch, a deal that would depend on whether or not his club,
Liverpool, qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League.
Eriksson is a huge admirer of the 6ft 7in striker, having given him
his first England cap. He sees Crouch as the perfect replacement
for Italy forward Rolando Bianchi, an £8million flop since his
arrival from Reggina during the summer and certain to return to his
homeland. Bianchi, 24, has not been able to live up to the promise
of his openingday performance when he scored in the 2-0 victory at
West Ham and he has struggled to command a first-team place.
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is aware that Crouch's aerial
ability could be a key factor if his team make further progress in
Europe. If they do not, he could well be surplus to requirements at
Anfield. Eriksson will use his wealth of experience and knowledge
of the world football scene in an attempt to make the City of
Manchester Stadium dressing-room the most powerful in the Premier
League.
The Swede intends to provide the kind of challenge to neighbours
Manchester United that City fans have scarcely been able to dream
about. The initial January flurry, with at least three highpriced
players coming in, will be to ensure European qualification next
season. "There is no doubt Mr Thaksin means business," said a
source close to the club. "He wants the best for the team and its
supporters and he is prepared to throw in fortunes to get
it."
