City are geared and ready to splash the clash
- with several targets already identified. Hughes has said
that his team needs strengthening in all areas and he plans
to bring in the necessary players to do that.
Hughes will certainly be on the look out for a world class defender
or two as City have conceded 16 goals in their last 10 Premier
League games, and have not made the full impact they thought they
would after the acquisition of Robinho.
Speaking to The Daily Star, Hughes said, "The transfer
targets and our strategy for player acquisition has been presented
to the owners. "So, we are going to have further discussions along
those lines. "We are just planning to add to the quality that we
have. I'm not going to go into details. I don't want to flag up any
targets that we have. That would be wrong.
"In fairness, we are looking to be stronger in all areas and if
we can bring in quality players, we will. "I have always said we
are looking to get the balance of the squad and of the team right.
When I came here, for instance, we had nine or ten strikers. "We
have addressed that to a certain extent. Now, other areas of the
team need addressing as well."
However, even with the promise of new world class players
arriving at the club, the City boss is keen to highlight the fact
that he will use the club's youth players if they continue to
perform well, no matter who arrives at the club in January.
Hughes is keen to use the Manchester City academy to develop
world class stars rather than having to buy them, and has ensured
every player will get their chance if they impress, with Hughes
saying, "Every day when players come to training I am making
judgements on them.
"Everybody here has a great opportunity. If they
understand that, they can grasp it and have a long future here,
irrespective of who we bring to the club."
