According to reports in the national press aswell as the web, City seem likely to sign Chelsea skipper Dennis Wise in a deal worth £4 Million.

Taylor was rumoured to have a approached a big name signing but Dennis Wise's name was not even considered after it was thought that he would be joining Watford after Vialli took over.

It now seems like those stories were well off the mark and that Taylor has spent his time with the England squad working on a £1 Million bid for Wise. Although Chelsea have yet to agree to the deal it is thought that any immediate problems can be worked out.

The move will come as no surprise to Chelsea fans who have know of Wise's desire to leave the bridge for sometime now, although their reaction to exactly where he may be going is not yet known.

Chelsea's fans, who have a lot of respect for Wise, were hoping that he might stay on at Stamford Bridge when just a few days ago it was thought that he wanted to fight it out for his place after Chelsea confirmed that they would be signing Emmanuel Petit form Barcelona for around £6.5 Million.

It now looks likely though that this will not happen and that Dennis will be playing in a different kind of blue next season.

City's fans meanwhile are just waking upto the news and reaction so far has been scarce. One man who may be partculy interested in the deal is our very own Muzzy Izzet. He had a run in with Wise last season, that's where the picture comes from on the right.

Although no one denies that Dennis Wise is one of the most influential players in Chelsea's team and that he is defiantly a big name signing, will this go anyway to prove that Taylor isn't interested in buying has-beens? Dennis Wise is 34. You decide.

Fact File :

Born: Kensington, London, 16.12.66.
Height: 169cms (5'6.5")
Weight: 68kgs (10st10lbs)
Previous clubs: Southampton, Wimbledon.
Signed: July 1990 for 1,600,000 pounds, a club record at the time.
Chelsea debut: Derby County (h) 25.8.90. Won 2-1.
Chelsea honours: FA Cup 1997, League Cup 1998, ECWC 1998, Super Cup 1998 (captain in all)
Player of the Year 1998.