Manchester City Plot Adriano Swap Deal

Manchester City moneyman Thaksin Shinawatra is mulling over the possibility of bringing Adriano to the City stadium.

According to the BBC, the ex-Thai prime minister told reporters in Hong Kong, "We're looking to see whether we'll do a swap deal or not.

"Adriano was a top player, but he lost form when his father died, and he put on weight. Now he's returning to form."

The club financier added that coach Sven Goran Eriksson would do well to remove some of the deadwood from the squad in preparation for such moves.

"Dietmar Hamman is getting old," he began as he discussed midfield alterations.

"We're looking at a new midfielder who we think will play very well with Elano. We're going to play in a classic style.

"I never talk to Sven about amounts.

"We'll probably have to sell some of our players and loan some of our players, and we will buy some new players or even loan some new players in this window.

"We're looking for one striker, one midfielder, and maybe a winger."

Adriano has been linked with a move to England before, with West Ham United apparently showing an interest in the summer.