England: News Thursday June 1, 2000, 2:13 AM London Time Iceman snubs Blues for Royle family By John Richardson EXCLUSIVE: Eidur Gudjohnsen is ready to deliver an amazing rebuff to Chelsea and join Joe Royle's newly-promoted Manchester City.

Chelsea manager Gianluca Vialli wanted Bolton's Icelandic star as part of a new-look attacking armoury for next season.

The Londoners had been in talks with Bolton during the past weeks and agreed a package, with staged payments, which could have been worth #5million to the club, who lost to Ipswich in the First Division play-offs.

But it is understood that City are ready to jump in ahead of Chelsea and other interested clubs, including Aston Villa, Newcastle and Sunderland, to sign the 21-year-old striker who has emerged as one of the hottest talents outside the Premiership.

A move to City would be ideal for Gudjohnsen, who once lined up alongside Ronaldo in his teenage days with PSV Eindhoven. While a move to Stamford Bridge would mean him being a squad player, City can virtually guarantee Gudjohnsen a regular Premiership starting place.

Bolton are resigned to losing their young star, who was signed by former boss Colin Todd following a short trial period. Gudjohnsen's career was then in the balance following a serious ankle injury which had stalled his progress in Holland.

Bolton snapped him up without paying a fee and now stand to make a huge profit on a striker who impressed last season, attracting a number of enquiries.

Derby were the first to place a bid but, once Bolton's promotion fate was sealed, it was Chelsea who came in with a concerted move.

-- Anonymous, June 01, 2000

Answers

ARSE!!!

-- Anonymous, June 01, 2000

No, Softie, Man City by all accounts ..... ;O}

And if this is the latest transfer thread, it appears as if YBR may have also missed out on the young defender Fernando Meira as my sources tell me he's off to Udinese. Unsure of the fee at this point - you'll remember last we heard we were waiting to see whether he could be released on a freebie.

-- Anonymous, June 01, 2000

While the cat's away ........ !!!

-- Anonymous, June 01, 2000

5m? Where did ManCity get that kind of money? Anyhow, YBR could possibly bring in more South Americans with 5m.

-- Anonymous, June 01, 2000

BAh! So how much do you think Man City will sell him for if they get relegated next season? ;-)

-- Anonymous, June 01, 2000