After Rafa Benitez’s much hyped public spat with his club’s new owners over January transfer dealings, City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson has reported no such indifference with Dr Thaksin Shinawatra over his January wish list.

Sven confirmed to us: “In this moment Dr Thaksin has a very long list, but I’ve told him it will be shorter and shorter.

“He knows what we are thinking about and what we are talking about. That was done last week and he didn’t seem to be too shocked – so that was good.”

However many names on that list get to pull on a blue shirt remain to be seen with the various obstacles that can prevent deals being done, we only need to look at Steve Bruce’s recent image rights row to prove that, but come January Eriksson will hope for a swift resolution to business.

“It’s always difficult, if it depends on me, yes. Everything should be ready on December 31, but there are a lot of negotiations and a lot of other clubs interested in good players.

“I don’t know how quickly it’s going to be done, if it is going to be done, but the owner knows about whom the coaches are talking about today.”

And with Dr Thaksin fully aware that third in the table City will be looking for quality come transfer window time, Sven concluded: “He’s been informed about everything we are thinking about maybe doing.

“It’s both names and positions, he has a combination of that, and if we are taking in players it will be players who can give something to this team.

“If we do something there will be very good football players coming here.”