Sven Goran Eriksson led Manchester City made their first signing of the Shinawatra era in the form of Reggina striker Rolando Bianchi. The fee is supposed to be around 8.8 million pounds. Bianchi scored 18 goals in the Serie A last season helping his side to avoid relegation by the skin of their teeth. He was the fourth highest goalscorer in the league.

Bianchi started his career at Caligari. Then he moved to Atalanta and Reggina before movin to England. He will wear the number 10 shirt for the Eastlands outfit. Bianchi, an under21 international with Italy, hopes that the move will bolster his chances of making it to the national squad. Manchester City are expected to sign several other players before the closure of the transfer window.