Bianchi close to City
Afp, Rome
Reggina striker Rolando Bianchi is close to becoming Sven Goran Eriksson's first signing for English Premiership club Manchester City, Reggina president Lillo Foti said on Tuesday. "The deal is in the final phase. We have not signed on anything yet, but we have reached an agreement," Foti said. The fee for the 24-year-old Serie A forward is said to be in the region of 8.5 million pounds (17 million dollars). Bianchi, 24, is regarded as one of the best young forwards in Italy. He joined Reggina from Serie A rivals Cagliari in 2005 and his 18 goals helped the Calabrian side survive relegation last season. According to Italian media reports, newly-promoted Serie A clubs Juventus and Napoli were also chasing Bianchi. Former England manager Eriksson was installed as Manchester City's new coach last week.
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