City close on more signings

Need for a keeper after Isaksson blow

By Mark Buckingham   Last updated: 4th August 2007

City close on more signings

Eriksson: More signings

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Sven Goran Eriksson plans talks with a new signing on Sunday, and is also chasing a goalkeeper after Andreas Isaksson was ruled out for a month.

Eriksson has made eight signings since taking over as Manchester City boss and could bring in No.9 before the weekend is over.

Palermo midfielder Mark Bresciano has been strongly linked with a move to City and Eriksson intimated the Australian will be his next signing.

Speaking after his side's friendly defeat to Valencia, the City manager revealed he is passing up a trip to Sunday's Community Shield to finalise another recruit.

"Maybe not an Italian, but possibly someone who has played in the Italian

league," replied Eriksson when asked if he is signing an Italian.

"I am not going to Wembley tomorrow because I have to say hello to a new

player.

New face

"Hopefully, by the time we start training on Monday afternoon, we will have

another new face."

Eriksson may soon be into double figures for signings after Swedish keeper Isaksson suffered a hairline fracture of the thumb.

"Unfortunately we had two goalkeepers get injured within two days, Joe Hart should be back training on Tuesday or Wednesday, a maximum of a week," said Eriksson.

"Isaksson is worse though, the medical staff say he will be away for four weeks.

"It's not the best way to start the Premier League, and starting with two very young goalkeepers. We will look at it on Monday, unfortunately it's more or less a must that we bring another keeper in."