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Last Updated: Friday, 29 August, 2003, 12:17 GMT 13:17 UK
Man City sign Reyna
Claudio Reyna
Reyna was injured for most of last season
Manchester City have completed the £2.5m signing of Sunderland midfielder Claudio Reyna.

The 30-year-old USA captain has joined the club on a three-year deal after successfully completing a medical on Friday.

"Claudio will be a great signing for us," said Keegan, who also announced that he hoped to make one more signing before the transfer window slams shut on 31 August.

"He is the American captain and will bring a lot of experience to our team.

"We have a few young lads at the club, but this is a player who was voted in the all-star World Cup team last year.

"He performed outstandingly well on the biggest stage of all, so he doesn't lack anything in terms of experience and he is flexible player enough to play in a number of different positions.

"We are looking to bring one more player in. We have identified the man we want and we are hopeful of doing the deal."

Reyna appeared set to join Fulham earlier this week when both clubs agreed a fee of £2.5m for the player.

As far as I was concerned Claudio was a Fulham player
Fulham manager Chris Coleman on Reyna's U-turn

But City matched the bid and the Wearsiders opened talks with City officials on Thursday, with the move going through on Friday.

Fulham manager Chris Coleman was fuming over Reyna's last-minute change of heart - especially since the player had agreed to join the London club and had even been photographed wearing a Fulham jersey.

An angry Coleman revealed: "Claudio was with us yesterday [Thursday], having his photo taken in a Fulham jersey.

"I was even discussing with him what training schedule we would have for him and he was going to take part on Saturday in some capacity.

"As far as I was concerned he was a Fulham player. Then two hours later I take a phone call saying there was a snag in the deal.

"Four hours later he was a Manchester City player. I am bitterly disappointed by the whole incident."

The former Rangers favourite joined Sunderland for £4m in December 2001 but only played a handful of games last season as the club slipped out of the Premiership with just 19 points.

Reyna, who impressed for America in the 2002 World Cup, damaged knee ligaments in October's draw at Bolton and did not play for the Wearsiders again.

He is unlikely to feature in Sunday's Premiership encounter with Arsenal.






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