BALL PENS NEW CITY DEAL

Manchester City have confirmed defender Michael Ball has signed a new two-year deal with the Blues.

The former Everton and Rangers left-back impressed after joining on a short-term deal from Dutch club PSV Eindhoven in January.

Ball, who made 14 appearances and scored the equalising goal in the 3-1 win at Preston in the FA Cup fifth round in February, has previous experience of playing under Eriksson - he won his solitary England cap under the Swede against Spain in 2001.

And Eriksson told the club's website: "Michael's experienced, having played in Scotland and Holland as well as England, and it's good that he is staying with us as he's going to be very useful.

"We had to build on what was good here, and there was a lot that was really good, so I'm happy that he's signed and he is happy as well."

Taken from =footBall365=