Man City: Petrov deal close

Manchester City are closing in on Bulgaria midfielder Martin Petrov, according to reports in Spain.

New manager Sven-Goran Eriksson wants to strengthen that department following the departure of Joey Barton to Newcastle.

City are prepared to pay Atletico Madrid £6m for Petrov, aged 27, and it is understood he is heading to Manchester for a medical.

Atletico are apparently willing to sell in order to finance moves for players.

Petrov arrived at the club in 2005 from Wolfsburg but after a fine debut season his progress was hampered by injury.

City have already shown their ambition in the transfer market this summer by spending £8.8m to bring striker Rolando Bianchi from Reggina.