Manchester City boss Sven Goran Eriksson is ready to shelve plans for Heerenveen striker Afonso Alves due to work permit complications.

Eriksson is keen on the £9m-rated Heerenveen goal machine who wants to move in the next window, but City have checked his international caps and they may not be up to requirements.

City coach Tord Grip said: "The deal is at a standstill."