Wanchope and Weah head for Man City

Manchester City signalled the extent of their Premiership ambitions today by launching an audacious double-swoop for George Weah and Paulo Wanchope.

Manchester City signalled the extent of their Premiership ambitions today by launching an audacious double-swoop for George Weah and Paulo Wanchope.

City expect Weah to agree a move by the end of the day having had his contract at AC Milan terminated five days ago.

And Wanchope is heading north to discuss personal terms after West Ham accepted City's offer of over £4million for the Costa Rican.

City's chief operating officer Chris Bird said: "We expect George to agree personal terms today and be a City player by the end of the day.

"It is a bold and exciting move, and we knew we had to act quickly because there were a number of other clubs interested.

"He arrives on a free transfer, and I know there will be speculation as to his personal terms.

"We are, of course, not prepared to discuss his package. But this is proof of the old saying that if you are not in you cannot win."

Weah will arrive later in the week to set the seal on his second spell in England, having failed to reach an agreement with Fulham.

The 33-year-old former world footballer of the year helped Chelsea reach the FA Cup final last season but Stamford Bridge manager Gianluca Vialli decided against taking up the option of signing the player on a permanent basis because of the Liberian's age.

Royle's only other summer signing to date is Alfie Haaland, who he bought from Leeds for £2.5million.

City boss Joe Royle has agreed a two-year deal with Weah, who will arrive in Manchester for a medical later today.

Royle said: "We will want a work permit but we don't see any problems for a former player of the world.

"He's a goalscorer - he proved that in Premiership last season.

"Chelsea speak highly of his fitness. He's going to be an exciting player for Manchester City if we can complete all the formalities."

Meanwhile Royle hopes to complete his move for Wanchope by tomorrow.

"We have agreed a deal for an undisclosed fee. I hope to speak to Paulo in the next 24 hours.

"He can be a mercurial genius at times. He's an exciting talent and our fans will love him."

Royle also revealed that City still hope to sign want-away Aston Villa defender Ugo Ehiogu after their first bid of £6million was turned down.

"We are still hoping to sign Ugo Ehiogu. But these signings are not about survival in the Premiership. We expect to go on and progress as a club."