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.

He has no fears about Mancini's fitness even though he played his last competitive game eight months ago.

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.

''He will not be out four or five nights a week scouting for Mr Eriksson.

''I have read that he is working here for Mr Eriksson, but that is not the case. He is here working for Leicester City and I am delighted to have him.

''That doesn't mean to say that he won't be talking to Mr Eriksson and may mention any players he comes up against that have impressed him.

''But that's as far as it will go and he has an important job to do here for us.

''We have needed someone with a bit of guile and craft and I'm hoping he can bring on our young strikers like Ade Akinbiyi and Trevor Benjamin. I expect to use him as a link man.

''As for his age, that isn't a problem. He has kept himself fit and I've been happy with the way he has worked with us for the past two days.

''He's only a year older than Teddy Sheringham and both of them look after themselves very well. We needed to sign a more experienced player and he fits the bill without a shadow of a doubt.''

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.

''I know a lot about the Premiership and I know that Leicester are famous for their team spirit.

''I had offers from Italy to keep playing, but refused them. But I have trained all the time and just need three of four matches to get back into things.

''When Sven left Lazio I was asked if I wanted to work with Dino Zoff, but I felt it was the correct thing for me to go from the club at the same time although there is no problem with them. I thought I might not have the chance to experience playing abroad, but it's here now.''

Mancini will be in the Foxes squad of 16 for tomorrow's game with Arsenal