Struggling Manchester City said yesterday they are confident of linking their midfield maestro Georgi Kinkladze with his Georgian compatriot Mikhail Kavelashvili.

Kinkladze, a £2million summer signing from Dinamo Tbilisi, has proved a massive hit with the Maine Road fans and has recommended striker Kavelashvili to manager Alan Ball.

Kavelashvili, currently with Russian champions Spartak Vladikavkaz, has been training with City this week and chairman Francis Lee is now looking to secure his services.