Wigan Athletic manager Steve Bruce accused Manchester
City of "disgusting behaviour" on Wednesday and blamed the Abu
Dhabi-owned club for the sale of midfielder Wilson
Palacios.
The Honduran midfielder joined Premier League rivals Tottenham
Hotspur last week for a fee that British media reports put at 14
million pounds ($19.75 million) after City had made a big-money
approach for the player.
Bruce believes City used Palacios as a bargaining tool in order
to sign West Ham United striker Craig Bellamy, also a target for
Tottenham.
"They (City) used the boy as a weapon and used our club as a
vehicle to get Bellamy," Bruce told British media.
"I have to say Manchester City's behaviour was absolutely
disgusting. If they had not come in a week last Friday and
unsettled the boy he would have signed a contract for us.
"He was wobbling and wasn't sure about going to London. We had
offered him a contract and he was on the verge of signing that
contract. Then Manchester City ring him and it's a different
ballgame.
"They have shown a lack of respect for this club and the player
himself."
City rejected the suggestion they acted improperly.
"While Manchester City FC has the utmost respect for Steve Bruce
and his views, the club wishes to make it absolutely clear the only
inquiry made in relation to Wilson Palacios was by a private phone
call to (Wigan chief executive) Brenda Spencer," a club statement
read.
"The call was made to establish the potential availability of
the player. No figures were discussed or any bids made."