No spending spree for Blues

Last updated : 13 May 2004 By Ben Collins
The former England manager will therefore be looking to bolster his squad with free transfers and he believes that, despite his side's league position this season, the club still present an attractive proposition.

He told the Evening News: "Manchester City sells itself with the training ground, the new stadium and the fans, and players talk.

"If there is anyone out there on a Bosman and the top four clubs don't want him and we are in there, I would fancy my chances of getting the player.

"Players want to be part of a successful club. This season they will see us just above the relegation zone, but players who have got ambition will believe they can come here and make us better. We have got good players here as well.

"I have already started looking to next season," added Keegan. "In the next week I hope to sign two players. They will either be very small fees or Bosmans but players who we believe can take the club forward."

"Our scout Graham Carr is with us this week discussing matters. We are restricted because we have been told we have no money."

The Blues chief will also be hoping his new signings knit together better than last summer's arrivals, and be looking to bring on his top youth stars.

He said: "The question is whether we can get the players to Manchester City and whether we can get them to blend in straight away, which hasn't happened this year.

"I have two players in mind and I am still working to get two of the younger players, Stephen Elliott and Stephen Jordan under contract for next year.

"We have a lot of work to do on getting the balance right."