Thaksin denies plan to sell squad

Manchester City owner Thaksin Shinawatra has denied a newspaper's claim that he has put the club's entire first team squad up for sale.

Thaksin told City's website: "There is absolutely no truth to this story or any of the allegations.

"I appreciate the progress and performance of the whole squad, managed by Sven-Goran Eriksson, this season."

On Thursday Thaksin dined with Eriksson and City players in Bangkok, where they face a Thai All Star team on Saturday.

Thaksin added that the claim that deputy chairman John Wardle had apologised to players for selling the club was "without any foundation".

A Manchester City spokesman said the club was considering legal action over the claims.

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Thaksin has already indicated to former England manager Eriksson that his services will not be required next season.

City finished ninth in the Premier League this season, but lost their final match of the campaign 8-1 to Middlesbrough.

They will play in the Uefa Cup next season after winning a place through the fair play league.

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