after his club Manchester City yesterday signed one top-class striker and agreed a fee for another.

Former World Player of the Year George Weah signed a two-year contract with City while manager Joe Royle also announced he had a agreed price with West Ham -- reportedly 4 million ($6.01 million) -- to buy Costa Rican star Paulo Wanchope.

Goater's 29 goals last season helped City win promotion to the Premier League, but the Bermudian looks sure to miss the start of the season because of a knee injury.

And winning back his place when he returns from the sidelines will be all the more difficult for the presence of global star Weah.

The Liberian striker, allowed a free transfer by Italy's AC Milan, had agreed terms on Monday before a medical yesterday.

Weah, 33, was loaned to Chelsea last season but was not offered a permanent position there.

"He's a great man, you can feel the presence about him,'' said Royle, who moved quickly when he heard Weah was a free agent. "He's tri-lingual, a politician but most of all a goalscorer.

"It's all gone through very quickly and the man's excited about playing for Man City.

"It's a big statement as to how the club feels and which way we are going,'' the manager added.

Weah said he had a lot of options but City were the club who had wanted him the most.

Royle said City had agreed a fee with West Ham for Wanchope and it was now a question of agreeing personal terms.

Wanchope burst onto the English scene in outstanding style with Derby County but enjoyed only moderate success with the Hammers. The deal is expected to be completed today.

Royle added: "I hope to speak to Paulo in the next 24 hours. He can be a mercurial genius at times. He's an exciting talent and our fans will love him.''