Leicester City manager Peter Taylor yesterday signed Italian legend Roberto Mancini until the end of the season - and insisted he will be fully focused on helping the Foxes to get their push for a European spot back on track.

Taylor played down reports that Mancini would be acting as a "spy" for new England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson, for whom he was player-coach at Lazio.

And the Foxes boss is looking for the 36-year-old to provide the guile and craft that has been lacking in City's recent performances.

Taylor said: "People saying he will be a spy for Sven have got it wrong. He is here as player. I am manager of Leicester and am doing what I consider to be a good move for the club and the player."

Mancini said: "Playing in the Premiership is an experience I would have liked a few years ago, but I'm glad it's happening now. It will also be an important experience for me in my future career as a coach and manager and I will be looking to learn from Peter Taylor."

Mancini will be in the squad for tomorrow's game with Arsenal although Taylor would not confirm whether he would be on the bench or in the starting line up.