Doubts grow over Bernstein's future

The last 10 days of the January transfer window are likely to prove crucial for the future of David Bernstein, the Manchester City chairman.

A power struggle is developing at Maine Road between Bernstein and John Wardle, one of his fellow directors. Transfer policy is the key issue, particularly in the wake of last week's failure to complete the signing of Robbie Fowler from Leeds United.

Kevin Keegan, City's manager, has become increasingly close to Wardle, who owns the JD Sports company. Despite keeping a low profile at the club, Wardle is seen as the key financial figure in the Maine Road boardroom.

Keegan and Bernstein have disagreed before over transfers. The collapse of the Fowler move – after the City chairman queried the terms of the deal following concerns over the player's fitness – has highlighted the difference between Bernstein's more cautious approach and that of Wardle, who favours signing big-name players, even if they cost more in wages.

Bernstein and Keegan fell out in the autumn over the size of the transfer budget, with questions asked about whether the club actually needed a new striker. Their disagreement sparked rumours that Keegan was about to walk out and Wardle acted as peacemaker – an irony given that Bernstein had originally been introduced to bring together the feuding factions at Maine Road during the Francis Lee era.

Bernstein is regarded as vulnerable. He has a minimal stake in the club and survives largely because of his diplomatic powers.

The first test of the chairman's position could be the proposed signing of David Sommeil from Bordeaux. City have reopened talks with the French club about their £5m-rated central defender, who could be at Maine Road today. With the Fowler deal off, Keegan is hoping that funds will be diverted towards other players, including Sommeil.

Bordeaux are under pressure to settle now rather than wait for Sommeil to run down his contract, which has just 18 months to go. City are expected to offer Bordeaux improved instalments for Sommeil. They might also offer Lucien Mettomo, who was left out of the squad for the defeat at Newcastle on Saturday, in exchange.