Eriksson didn't confirm it was the Australia international he was interested in but did appear to give the game away when he was asked whether he was trying to sign an Italian.

"Maybe not an Italian, but possibly someone who has played in the Italian league," he smiled.

"Hopefully, by the time we start training on Monday afternoon, we will have another new face."

Eriksson was in bullish mood despite City's 1-0 pre-season defeat to Valencia.

"I would be a liar if I said I didn't wish for a bit more time," he said.

"But I liked what I saw and I am much more positive than I was this morning. We will be better next week for sure."

Sportal