City 'closer' to striker signing

Manchester City boss Stuart Pearce is closing in on a striking reinforcement.

The Blues have been badly let down in the forward department this term, with their four-pronged strikeforce of Georgios Samaras, Bernardo Corradi, Darius Vassell and Paul Dickov all struggling to make any meaningful impact in the scoring stakes.

Between them, the quartet have mustered just seven Premiership goals this term and Pearce knows the situation must change if City are to push for a UEFA Cup spot over the remaining weeks of the campaign.

Pearce has been heavily linked with out-of-favour Tottenham front-man Mido, as well as Chesterfield starlet Caleb Folan.

And, while the former England skipper refused to name his targets, he expressed confidence at least one new face would be arriving at Eastlands before the transfer window slams shut on Wednesday night.

“We are very hopeful of getting a striker and we are certainly a lot closer than we were this time last week,” he said.

“We are looking for something permanent and at this moment in time, we are looking for more than one.”

Although Pearce has been operating under severe financial restrictions, chairman John Wardle appears to have found some money to back his manager, who feels the closer it gets to deadline day, the more chance he will have of making the purchase he wants.

“The closer we get to the window, the more we feel teams will loosen up,” he said.

“Clubs have to start thinking about whether they are going to be stuck with certain players or whether they need to bring some money in.

“Once you get an offer which is tight to the window shutting, you know that will be the last one. In some ways, it makes things a touch easier. Historically, you get more action on the last two days than the first two. We are hoping that will be the case.”

Pearce confirmed former England international Michael Ball would remain with City until the middle of next week before a decision is made over whether to offer him a permanent contract.

Certainly, there will be no new players on board in time to face Southampton in Sunday’s FA Cup fourth-round tie.

The Saints have spent most of January fending off interest in their highly-rated full-back Gareth Bale.

Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester United have all expressed a firm interest in the teenage Welsh defender, although Pearce feels the £10million valuation is a bit steep despite the youngster’s obvious promise.

“You are paying £4million in terms of player value and £6million for potential,” said Pearce.

“You have to pay a lot of money for potential these days, in my opinion, too much.

“Gareth has clearly caught the eye. We have watched him, as have most Premiership clubs. He has the potential to go on and become a very good player.

“What you are doing is buying someone who, if he fulfils his potential, will look like a bargain in five years’ time.”