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Metrostars react to Macca link

New York/New Jersey MetroStars general manager Nick Sakiewicz has attempted to play down reports linking Manchester City midfielder Steve McManaman with a move to MLS.

Rumours have been rife in the past week that The MetroStars are plotting a stunning swoop for a Premiership-based star and former Real Madrid man McManaman has emerged as a likely target.

The 32-year-old schemer has failed to make a great impact with City and has shown in the past that he is prepared to accept a new culture and lifestyle when making a Bosman move to Madrid.

"There are any number of great players we would love to have," Sakiewicz told Soccer America. "But I can't say we're further down the road with McManaman than any other player whose name has been mentioned."

US sources suggest New York/New Jersey can use some of their spending allocation banked by the sale of Tim Howard to Manchester United and Clint Mathis to Hannover to fund an ambitious move for McManaman.

The experienced ex-England international will be able to learn all about MLS if speaking to City team-mate Claudio Reyna, but any move may only be possible if Kevin Keegan agrees to release the player on a free transfer.