Goater more high profile competition for a place in the English Premier League club's forward line.

City paid West Ham United 3.65 million ($5.5 million) -- a club record transfer fee -- for Wanchope, the Costa Rican striker who started out at Derby County.

Wanchope signed a four-year contract and is expected to team up with former World Player of the Year George Weah, signed by City last week on a free transfer from AC Milan.

Goater is still sidelined with a knee injury and is unlikely to be fit in time for City's opening league match at Charlton a week on Saturday.

And reclaiming his place when he returns to fitness will be a huge challenge if the two new strikers get off to a good start.

Other strikers on City's books are being linked with moves away from the club.

Portsmouth are reported to have bid 1.5 million for Robert Taylor, while Bristol City are attempting to sign Lee Peacock in a 600,000 deal and Gareth Taylor has turned down the offer of a loan move to Grimsby Town.

City claimed Wanchope after a last-minute bid from fellow Premier League side Bradford City.

"I am pleased we have got him and in modern terms the fee for a proven 24-year-old striker is not unreasonable,'' manager Joe Royle said. "People say he was not successful in London but I don't agree -- I hope he is as unsuccessful here.

"We flatter ourselves -- and this is no disrespect to West Ham -- that we can help him improve. We want him to enjoy himself and score goals.'' Wanchope scored 23 goals in 72 league games for Derby before joining the Hammers for 3.5 million ($5.25 million) last year and scoring 12 league goals.

"I have seen him at close quarters when we played Derby and I am well aware of what he can do,'' added Royle.

Wanchope becomes City's third major signing of the summer, following the arrival of Weah and the 2.5 million ($3.75 million) signing of Alfie Haaland from Leeds.

Kyle Lightbourne continued his scoring streak in pre-season friendlies with the second goal in Stoke City's 3-0 win against Newcastle Town on Saturday.

Bermudian Lightbourne, who scored twice in the previous week's win against the Isle of Man, has strengthened his place for a first team place for the Potters' opening Second Division game at home to Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday.

Stoke's performance at the Lyme Valley Stadium delighted manager Gudjon Thordarsson, who can look back at an excellent pre-season campaign which included a win over Premier League giants Liverpool.

Paul Connor and Bjarni Gudjonsson netted the other Stoke goals.