City had been rumoured to be lining up a loan swoop for La Galaxy's Beckham as well as a move for Owen, currently at Newcastle.

"I didn't even know that there was any possibility of Beckham being available on loan, but no, no, no," Eriksson insisted of a rumoured loan deal to take the former England captain to Eastlands during the US off-season in the winter. "I haven't thought about it and won't think about it."

Such a move to bring the former Manchester United midfield star would be a real coup for new City owner Thaksin Shinawatra, and with City eyeing a new striker, a deal for Owen was also mooted.

"As for Michael Owen - he's available?" questioned the Swede.

"I didn't know that. Michael Owen will always score goals for you... but I don't want to read that I'm interested in signing him either."