Steve Coppell has laughed off suggestions City are poised to sign Manchester United striker Michael Owen on loan.

The City boss clinched the signing of England number one David James last week, and that - claimed one national newspaper - has given the club a great chance of signing Owen too.

The striker yesterday proved his fitness in a pre-season friendly in Ireland, scoring for the Red Devils.

However, boss Steve put a halt to those rumours when quizzed this morning. "It's fantasy island stuff," he told the BBC.

He added on Player: "I try to ignore reports like this but of course people will ask me the questions."

The manager continued with sarcasm and a big grin: "We've tried for Rooney, Ronaldo and Messi but they haven't returned our calls yet.

"We discussions with Michael Owen about travelling down in his helicopter but it's not come to anything."

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