Bianchi to join Man City for £8.8million

dustychelsea SG

Rolando Bianchi is poised to become Sven-Goran Eriksson's first signing as Manchester City boss after Reggina confirmed they have reached a 'preliminary agreement' for the sale of the Italian striker to the Premier League club.

The 24-year-old was the fourth top-scorer in Serie A last season with 18 goals and has been courted by several clubs across Europe.

But City appear to be in pole position after Reggina admitted a deal was close.

Reggina president Pasquale Foti said: 'We have reached a preliminary agreement with Manchester City for the permanent transfer of Rolando Bianchi to the English club in a 13million euros (£8.8million) transfer deal.

'The deal will be completed on Wednesday.'

Bianchi played a key role as Reggina retained their Serie A status last season - the Calabrian team finished 14th, just one point clear of the drop zone.

The man who was death SG

good signing....formed a good partnership with saudati last season..... Very Happy

a-Lost-9uY SG

Sven sure got lobangs in ISA Laughing

not surprising

dragg SG

he is moving very fast.

good for city. i bet he already has everything mapped out before taking over as manager.

Very Happy

dragg SG

Scoring debut for Man City new boy Bianchi

Manchester City new boy Rolando Bianchi marked his debut with a goal as the Blues beat Swedish side Orgryte 4-1 in a friendly tonight.

The Italian, signed from Reggina for a reported £8.8million, opened the scoring from close range after a one-two with striker partner Emile Mpenza.

Orgryte equalised through Boyd Mwila on 37 minutes but Bernardo Corradi restored City's lead in the second half after a shot from youngster Shaleum Logan hit the post.

Greek striker Georgios Samaras headed in a third from a Darius Vassell cross before Logan rounded off the scoring in the 64th minute.
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