City in Amelia talks

Eriksson presses on for Livorno keeper

By Nadia Carminati   Last updated: 20th August 2007

City in Amelia talks

Amelia: Wanted by City

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Livorno have confirmed negotiations are underway with Manchester City for goalkeeper Marco Amelia.

Sven Goran Eriksson is in the market for a new keeper after losing his experienced No.1 Andreas Isaksson to injury.

In the Swede's absence, Kasper Schmeichel has kept three clean sheets for City and has earned the praise of Eriksson.

"Finding a keeper that is better than the ones I have is not easy," said Eriksson after Sunday's 1-0 win over Manchester United.

"Kasper is very good in training. He is quick and you don't find many keepers better than him on the line.

"He takes everything and he almost destroys the confidence of our strikers in shooting practice."

Lazio too late

Amelia has been mooted as a City target in recent weeks, with Eriksson hinting he could sign more players from Serie A.

Lazio have expressed an interest in Amelia, but Livorno president Aldo Spinelli confirmed City are favourites to sign the keeper.

Spinelli told the Italian media: "The negotiations with the English club are open. By the 22nd August, Eriksson's scouts will arrive.

"There is nothing defined yet, but certianly Lazio moved for Amelia too late, and he is worth more than the 7.5million euros (£5million) offered by Lazio."