Eriksson starts City building with Bianchi

Sven-Göran Eriksson is to make Reggina Calcio striker Rolando Bianchi his first signing as manager of Manchester City FC after his appointment last Friday.

Fee agreed
The 24-year-old Italian underwent a medical at the City of Manchester Stadium today after Reggina president Pasquale Foti was quoted as saying a €13m fee had been agreed. Bianchi will be a useful addition to a squad that scored only 29 Premier League goals last season as he was the fourth most prolific striker in Serie A, registering 18 times in 37 matches.

'Great opportunity'
Former Under-21 international Bianchi, who previously played for Atalanta BC and Cagliari Calcio, said: "Eriksson called me and he explained he wanted me at all costs. He told me to join City because there are always 50,000 spectators at least and their ambition is to play in Europe. It is very exciting for me as playing in Europe is also my dream. I think it is a great opportunity and I did not think twice about accepting." Meanwhile, 27-year-old left-back Michael Ball, who joined in January from PSV Eindhoven on a short-term deal, has ended speculation about his City future by signing a new contract running until 2009.