Bojinov joins Man City as Eriksson's spree continues

Sven Goran Eriksson's transfer market spree continued Friday when Bulgaria striker Valeri Bojinov signed for Manchester City from Fiorentina.

Bojinov signed a four-year deal and becomes Eriksson's fourth signing in 24 hours following Thursday's captures of Javi Garrido, Vedran Corluka and Brazil midfielder Elano. He is Eriksson's eighth signing since taking over as City boss just over a month ago.

The youngest foreign player ever to appear in Serie A, Bojinov's career has stalled over the past two seasons.

After an unhappy spell at Fiorentina, the 21-year-old spent last season on loan at Juventus but failed to make enough of an impression to persuade new manager Claudio Ranieri to offer him a new contract.

His arrival at Eastlands draws a line under City's transfer activity for this week at least and is also set to trigger a mass exodus of players, with Darius Vassell and Georgios Samaras among those likely to leave for pastures new.

In total, Eriksson has spent around 30 million pounds since succeeding Stuart Pearce as manager, with City fans set to get their first glimpse of their new-look side in tomorrow's friendly with Valencia.

And, while club owner Thaksin Shinawatra has bankrolled Eriksson's amazing splurge, the former Thai prime minister is realistic about the improvement he can expect over the next 12 months.

"This season, I feel we should be able to finish in the top 10," he told the Manchester Evening News.

"The second season we should be aiming for the top six and qualifying for Europe. I accept the first year is a learning curve but we should start to be successful by the third. That is what I would expect.

"I am pleased with what Sven has done. He has set about reshaping the side and has handled both the existing players and the new ones very well. He has given everyone their chance.

"Sven has proved to be quite a draw when it comes to signing players. His name and reputation have proved to be valuable.

"There is more money to spend if he feels he needs it but we will not be held to ransom by other clubs."

Bolton sign Norwegian Braaten

Norwegian winger Daniel Braaten has signed a three-year deal with English Premiership club Bolton Wanderers from Rosenborg for an undisclosed fee.

Braaten, 25, has Champions League experience and Bolton boss Sammy Lee believes the Norwegian will bring an extra dimension to the team.

"Daniel is another quality signing. I am delighted he has chosen Bolton ahead of other clubs," Lee said. "He is a powerful winger who can play on both flanks."

Real Madrid wants Van der Vaart

Real Madrid are interested in signing Dutch international midfielder Rafael van der Vaart from German side Hamburg, Spanish sports daily AS reported on Friday.

The 24-year-old, who signed with Hamburg from Dutch giants Ajax in 2005, is the prototype offensive and creative player which Real Madrid's new German coach Bernd Schuster wants to bring to the club, the paper said.

Van der Vaart, whose mother is Spanish, told German daily Bild in June that he would like to stay on at Hamburg "unless Real calls me".

Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon has promised several new signings after the reigning Spanish champions were beaten 3-0 by Bundesliga outfit Hanover in a friendly on Tuesday.

Calderon indicated to Spanish sports dailies As and Marca that Real would likely sign Chelsea winger Arjen Robben despite the high cost involved and that AC Milan playmaker Kaka could join the team if he demanded to leave AC Milan.

Chelsea are reportedly asking for 35 million euros for Robben while AC Milan have refused to consider letting Kaka go despite Real reportedly being willing to pay 90 million euros for the Brazilian who is under contract with the Italian side until June 2011.

Real Madrid are also reportedly chasing Marseille's French international Samir Nasri, Feyenoord defender Royston Drenthe and FC Porto winger Ricardo Quaresma.

The club have already signed goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek, defenders Pepe and Christoph Metzelder and striker Javier Saviola during the pre-season.