Shaun Goater is being touted as a shock transfer target for First Division side Portsmouth.

Goater, who came on in vain during Manchester City's 1-0 loss to Aston Villa in the English Premiership last night, is one of half a dozen strikers at Maine Road.

He has yet to start a game for City this season having broken his toe in pre-season, but has figured on the bench in the last three matches.

The 32-year-old is currently behind ?13-million man Nicolas Anelka and Darren Huckerby in the pecking order at City, with manager Kevin Keegan also having Matias Vuoso, Jon Macken and Paulo Wanchope at his disposal.

Vuoso (20) has not made the first team yet as the Argentine is still settling into the English way of things, while Macken is on the comeback trail from injury and Wanchope is recovering from a knee operation and is not expected to figure until at least the New Year.

Goater has made it clear he sees his future at City, but if Portsmouth, or any other club for that matter, make an offer which meets the City board's valuation then they may decide to cash in.

Reports yesterday linked Portsmouth, who are managed by Harry Redknapp, a regular visitor to these shores, with both the Bermudian and unsettled Spurs midfielder Tim Sherwood.

A spokesman for Pompey, who currently top of the league standings after five games, said yesterday: "There is nothing to say about either player at the moment."

The comment itself is interesting though, as it is not an outright denial and is bound to lead to further speculation, especially with the newly introduced English transfer window closing on Saturday.

Premiership new boys West Bromwich Albion were also linked with Goater yesterday, although their interest is only thought to be lukewarm. They are trying to prise former Baggies' hero Lee Hughes away from Coventry, but may look elsewhere if that bid fails.

Goater replaced Huckerby for the final nine minutes of last night's match at Villa Park.

However, at that stage City were already a goal down to a Darius Vassell strike.

Goater did have a chance to snatch a point at the death when fellow substitute Danny Tiatto crossed first time but the striker's glancing header went just wide.

Macclesfield Town's Bermudian striker, Kyle Lightbourne, figured in a reserve match for the Silkmen against Rochdale yesterday.

Lightbourne was among four frontmen fielded by boss Dave Moss yesterday following a disappointing 3-0 loss to Lincoln on Monday.

However, the Silkmen's woes continued as they went down 4-1.

Lightbourne played for the first 45 minutes and had the ball in the net only for his header to be ruled offside.