Sven set for striker move

Anelka linked with City return

By Peter O'Rourke   Last updated: 22nd August 2007

Sven set for striker move

Eriksson: Targets striker

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Manchester City boss Sven Goran Eriksson is ready to switch his attentions from signing a new goalkeeper to a new striker.

Eriksson is keen to bolster his attacking options after losing Valeri Bojinov to a long-term injury.

Bojinov will be out of action for at least five months and probably longer after suffering cruciate knee ligament damage in last Sunday's win over Manchester United.

The injury has forced Eriksson to reconsider his transfer targets and he is now lining up a replacement for Bojinov as well as a couple of new midfielders.

Blow

"Work is going on in the office," Eriksson told the club's official website.

"We didn't want to have to do it but we have to look carefully at the situation because when you have a player who needs this kind of operation and rehabilitation, you can never be sure how long it takes to come back.

"To lose one player for such a long time is a big blow.

"But it is not only a striker, we need one or two midfielders as well to be covered properly."

Reports emanating from France suggest Eriksson is considering a shock move to bring back Nicolas Anelka to Eastlands.

Anelka, who spent three years at City before leaving for Fenerbahce in January 2005, has been linked with a move away from Bolton all summer.

Anelka's future at Bolton remains in doubt with the player admitting he could move on before the close of the transfer window later this month.

Portsmouth, West Ham and Manchester United have all been credited with an interest in Anelka, but now City could enter the chase for the French international.

Meanwhile, Eriksson has admitted he has put his move for a new goalkeeper on hold for the time being.

Eriksson is searching for a new goalkeeper after losing first-choice Andreas Isaksson to injury.

No move
City have been strongly linked with Livorno's Marco Amelia, but Eriksson insists no deal is imminent.

"I would say the goalkeeping situation is on ice at the moment," added Eriksson.