Manchester City boss Sven Goran Eriksson admits he wanted to sign Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka when he became available at Bolton Wanderers.

Eriksson said: "Anelka has always been very high on the list because he is a great player.

"He is complete as a player - pace, strength, technique and scoring goals.

"It was a thought to bring him back and then Chelsea came in. I is difficult to compete when Chelsea come in.

"For the player at this moment, if he has to choose between Chelsea and City, he will choose Chelsea.

"But in a couple of years, maybe not! It's not disappointing for me personally, you just have to be realistic."