Taye Taiwo

Manchester City manager, Sven Goran Eriksson, is expected to make a £7million bid for the Olympique Marseille ace defender, Taye Ismaila Taiwo, if he fails to land Italy star, Giorgio Chiellini from Juventus.

According to the News of the World’s reports, the Manchester City boss has targeted Nigeria international left-back, Taiwo, after having a £7million bid for Chiellini turned down.

Eriksson will test Marseille’s resolve to keep hold of Taiwo, 22, who is considered one of France’s best left-backs at the moment.

Manchester City boss had thrown an offer of £12 million to another Nigerian in the Premiership, Yakubu Aiyegbeni to join him in the club.

Eriksson will have £30 million to spend before the start of the new season, and will offer Middlesbrough £12 million for Yakubu.

Yakubu, also a target for Harry Redknapp at former club, Portsmouth, is understood to be keen on the move to City, with talks expected in the next few days.

Yakubu Aiyegbeni

Italian giants, Juve have slapped a £10million price-tag on 20-year-old Chiellini and Eriksson will wait to see if he can land Taiwo before making another bid for Chiellini. A top Juventus source said: “Eriksson clearly wants Chiellini, but the club would only sell if the price is right. Manager Claudio Ranieri does not want to lose the player but if City decide to meet the club’s demands, then Chiellini will be sold.”

Italy Under-21 captain, Chiellini, has already got six full intenational caps for the World Champions and has also attracted strong interest from Liverpool.