Coventry City have whetted their supporters’ appetites by announcing that they expect to sign a top international player in two weeks’ time.

But chairman Bryan Richardson tantalisingly declined to reveal the identity of the man he has targeted.

It is believed the player is a European playing for a continental club, but Richardson, mindful of the hassle surrounding the Robert Jarni deal last season, says he will reveal all only when the deal is done.

He and manager Gordon Strachan have spent most weekends watching matches on the continent over the last few months and a deal has been struck with a club.

"They swore us to secrecy because they did not want the player to be unsettled in the run in to the end of their league season," explained Richardson.

"We have agreed a deal with the club and the player’s personal terms will be no problem."

Coventry thought they had signed Robert Jarni, the Croatian international winger, from Real Betis at the start of last season. But after watching the pre-season friendly match against Espagnol he flew back to Spain and joined up with Real Madrid.

After some legal wranglings Coventry eventually were paid their asking price by the European champions.

Meanwhile the Italian striker Stefano Gioacchini waits to discover whether he will play his football with Coventry City or elsewhere next season.

Coventry where impressed during his three months loan from the Italian Serie A club Venezia and have made an offer. The Italian club is thinking over their bid while the player waits anxiously for news.

The Sky Blues have one signing in the bag however. The teenaged Danish goalkeeper Morten Hyldgaard agreed to join them during last season when he spent several days in training with City and played a reserve game.