Manchester City are swooping for Benfica striker Nuno Gomes.

The Mirror says the 31-year-old hitman, an idol in his homeland, has been cleared to sign for Premier League leaders City by the club's president who has personally given Sven Goran Eriksson first choice on the player.

Gomes has been one of the darlings of Benfica for years but can leave and Eriksson sees him as the perfect cheap and short-term replacement for the injured Valeri Bojinov.

Eriksson hopes to complete the deal today, with Portuguese sources claiming the move can be quickly agreed because of his friendship with his former employers.