Eriksson: Isaksson stays

Goalkeeping duo set to stay at Eastlands despite speculation

Last updated: 23rd November 2007

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Sven-Goran Eriksson says keepers Andreas Isaksson and Joe Hart are staying at Manchester City.

Sweden international Isaksson has been linked with a cut-price move to Galatasaray, while speculation has suggested that Liverpool are preparing a bid for Hart, the current England Under-21 keeper.

However, Eriksson, who also has Kasper Schmeichel out on loan at Cardiff, says neither player will be leaving when the transfer window opens in January.

Isaksson will start the Premier League match against Reading on Saturday, ousting Hart despite his clean sheet in the draw at Portsmouth a fortnight ago.

The Swede has struggled with injuries since his £2m move from Rennes in the summer of 2006 and Turkish media reports claim he will move to Istanbul for £1.3m.

Christmas

Eriksson said that figure is well below City's valuation and added: "The sales usually start after Christmas, not before.

"Andreas is worth much more than £1.3million. I understand Andreas wants first-team football. He is looking at Euro 2008 next summer and of course, he is afraid to miss it.

"He has been a regular for Sweden for years now and has done very well.

"My problem is that I have three very good goalkeepers, who all want to play, although I can say that at 3pm on Saturday, Andreas will be very happy."

Hart has emerged as one of the best young 'keepers in the country and it is little wonder the former Shrewsbury star is being linked with a move to Anfield.

Yet Eriksson has warned Rafael Benitez he would have to delve deep into the pockets of co-owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks if he were to stand any chance at all of signing the 20-year-old.

"The money would have to be extremely high to buy Joe Hart," he said.

"He is one of the most talented goalkeepers in this country and he will stay here."