City close on Real star

Sven set to land Sociedad ace

By Graeme Bailey & Francisco Acedo   Last updated: 2nd August 2007

garrido javi real sociedad manchester city

Garrido: Set for City

He is a good player, but Manchester City has the interest in him and it is the decision of the player to go to England

Chris Coleman
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Manchester City are set to complete the signing of Real Sociedad defender Javi Garrido, skysports.com understands.

The 22-year-old is a left sided defender or midfielder and has come through the youth ranks at Anoeta, but he is now set to quit the club.

Garrido has another year left on his current contract, but City have struck a deal believed to be worth £2million.

The likes of Ajax and Athletic Bilbao had shown an interest, but he now seems set for a move to City - who are ready to hand him a four-year contract.

Deal confirmed

Real boss Chris Coleman has confirmed that Garrido is set to seal a move to Eastlands.

"He is a good player, but Manchester City has an interest in him and it is the decision of the player to go to England," he confirmed.

"I have explained to him that I do not want to sell him, but the financial situation is what it is.

"We do not want to lose him but it is his decision. Both clubs have an understanding over money.

"In the end the deal for Garrido, whatever the price, will help us in other areas and we have to be clever."