Sven-Goran Eriksson

SVEN-Goran Eriksson has admitted that the Blues' hopes of European qualification would be boosted by the arrival of a new face - or two.

And the City chief indicated that was also the belief of owner and chairman Thaksin Shinawatra, the man who must find the money to buy big.

Fans have been urged not to panic after sources close to Eriksson indicated that he had identified the man he wants.

"We are not just working hard on the pitch but off it too," said the upbeat Swede. "Don't give up. There are still ten days to go in the transfer window. If we want to raise the quality in the team, we need to freshen it up during the window.

"We are working hard to make things better. I think we have a good opportunity to do it and I know that the owner would like to do it as well."

It is understood that Eriksson has moved into a position where a bid for a top-line hitman is imminent though no names have been mentioned. It is not thought that there has been any contact between the Blues and Real Madrid for Julio Baptista, the Brazilian who spent part of last season with Arsenal.

Eriksson's desire for fresh blood was heightened by a lacklustre attack against West Ham as the Blues lost ground to their Euro-seeking rivals.

"That is enough West Ham for one season," he said. "It was a so-so performance. We stood and watched for the first ten minutes and they were the better side so we can't complain at the draw.

"We defended well but we didn't pass well, lost the ball too often and didn't create enough chances.

"The players will get two days off now and it will do them some good. There is some tiredness. Many of the players have never experienced so many games in such a short space of time."