New Manchester City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson says is not planning to make Michael Owen his first signing, and claims he didn't even know about Owen's clause in his contract. Yeah ... has he been off the planet?

Nor does David Beckham have a place in his plans ... although he was stunned when he was told Becks could be available on loan in the winter ... which could make him have a rethink.

Eriksson was confirmed as City's new manager on Friday, and was quickly linked with a move for Owen, who has a £9million buy-out clause in his contract.

I'm still not sure where the story originally came from. Sven was linked with a move for Owen as soon as City put him top of their hit list to become manager, probably because the Swede last year rated the Newcastle striker as one of the best players in the world.