Manchester City have failed in a bid for Elfsborg keeper Abbas Hassan, but his Swedish employers have left the door open for the player to move to England should they receive an improved offer.

City have used three keepers this season, with Kasper Schmeichel and Andreas Isaksson both enjoying runs in the team before Joe Hart landed the number one jersey, but manager Sven Goran Eriksson is still looking to strengthen the department.

Hassan, 22, reportedly spent a trial period at Eastlands and now City have seen a bid of around £200,000 turned down by Elfsborg.

"We have given a no to their offer," Elfsborg sporting director Stefan Andreasson told Sport Expressen.

"I don't want to comment on a price but we have said no to City's offer.

"We are not warning them off our goalkeeper - it is completely up to them whether they change their offer."