City content with Samaras signing

'Overall package'
The 20-year-old passed a medical in Manchester last night and will link up with the squad ahead of tomorrow's English Premiership match against Newcastle United FC. Pearce told City's website: "It's the overall package that you get with him. He's 20 years old and we feel we have someone at the right end of their career, someone who will mature and get better and better. He's a good footballer, he has a solid background and I think I played against his father in the Greek national side!"

Transfer request
Samaras, who scored 25 goals in 88 Eredivisie games for Heerenveen, added: "It has been a tough month for me, but I was pleased that City were interested and now I'm really happy to be here." There was some disappointing news for City fans, though, as inspirational midfielder Joey Barton, 23, handed in a transfer request - rejected by the club - following contract negotiations. City say talks are ongoing and hope to reach a positive conclusion.

Reinforcement
Finally, a second arrival at the City of Manchester stadium is England Under-21 defender Matthew Mills, who joins on a three-and-a-half year deal from Southampton FC. No transfer fee has been disclosed for the 19-year-old's services.