Manchester City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson is believed to have told owner Thaksin Shinawatra he needs to sign at least two more players to revive the Blues' flagging top four hopes.

Although City remain locked with Liverpool, Everton and Aston Villa on 39 points as the battle for fourth spot intensifies, they have won just two of their last nine games.

Saturday's narrow defeat at Everton highlighted an ongoing problem in attack.

So far this term, Eriksson's side have scored just 29 times, a markedly inferior return compared to all their major rivals and while City's defence has been solid - with the notable exception of the six goal thrashing at Chelsea - it is difficult to see them remaining in the battle for a Champions League place unless they can find a more reliable marksman.

Eriksson accepts there is a problem and although he has already brought in Mexico international Nery Castillo on loan from Shakhtar Donetsk, new forwards were likely to have been high on the former England boss' agenda as he assessed the present situation with Shinawatra.

"I spoke to him and we will see what happens," Eriksson told the Manchester Evening News.

"We are working on things and hopefully they will happen but it must do so soon because January will soon be over."

While Brazil star Elano has been one of City's top performers so far, his presence in Eriksson's preferred starting line-up means the Swede has tended to rely on a lone striker this term.

Darius Vassell filled the role at Goodison Park, while Rolando Bianchi and Emile Mpenza have also been tried without any great success.

And, as Elano's form has dipped and Michael Johnson is currently sidelined with an abdominal problem, City's other scoring outlets have started to dry up as well.

"We have to create more chances," reflected Eriksson.

"It is a little bit of a problem that has been hanging around us all season."

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