Sven-Goran Eriksson has told Italian striker Rolando Bianchi that he can leave if he is not happy with the lack of playing time at Man City. Reggina and Parma have been linked with a move for the striker.

Bianchi has spoken of his desire to return to Serie A, and Eriksson thinks it might be better for all parties, even if City have just lost another attacking player for six weeks in the form of the injured Nery Castillo.

"I can understand [Bianchi] because he's not playing much," said Sven on Friday.

"He's 24, he came here with big promise, he was a star from the Under-21s and his dream is to wear the No.9 shirt of Italy. I can understand he feels that might not happen if he's not playing."