Manchester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has confirmed Iraq international Nashat Akram as a January transfer target.

The 24-year-old midfielder, who was part of the Asian Cup winning side last year, has impressed the Swede while training with the club this week.

Eriksson said: "He's a very good football player, he will need to get used to the style of English football but he's a very elegant player and in the Asian Cup he was one of the very best in the tournament.

"He reminds me a bit of Michael Johnson in that he can do a little bit of everything in both attack and defence."

Akram currently plays for Al-Ain in the United Arab Emirates, but club chairman Mohammad Khalfan Al Rumaithi has confirmed he is willing to release the 2004 Olympic semi-finalist.

Eriksson is optimistic that a deal can be completed, and said he looks forward to getting the most from him in the years to come.

The former England manager said: "I think he will come. We need to fix the work permits but I don't think that will be a problem.

"I think he is one for the future. I'm not sure if he's ready to play this season but I've seen him train and he's good. He's a technically correct player."

Eriksson also refuted claims in the Italian media that he was eager to sign Roma's Brazilian winger Mancini, saying: "I don't know where that has come from, it must have come from Roma. I have never spoken about that player with anyone."

Eurosport