Football: Man City swoop for Kanchelskis

Manchester City manager Joe Royle has swooped to land Rangers winger Andrei Kanchelskis on loan.

The Ukrainian, who played last night for the Scottish champions in a friendly at Dumbarton, has moved to Maine Road with a view to a permanent deal.

Royle signed Kanchelskis for £5m when he was manager of Everton in 1995 - from City's arch rivals Manchester United.

The Blues boss said: "Andrei gave me two fantastic seasons at Everton and if he reproduces the kind of form he showed there I will be delighted.

"He will give us the balance on the right that we have been lacking.

"I am really pleased that we have managed to land him. He is what I call a real impact player."

Royle believes Kanchelskis is the man to lead the Blues clear of the relegation zone.

If the switch proves successful both clubs have agreed that the deal will become permanent in the summer.

Kanchelskis is set to make his debut at Maine Road next Wednesday in the crucial Premiership clash against Liverpool.